Maruti Alto 800: Maruti Suzuki’s Alto 800 has long been a household name in India, celebrated for its affordability, reliability, and practicality. With the introduction of the New Alto 800, Maruti Suzuki aims to set new benchmarks in the entry-level hatchback segment. This article delves into the vehicle’s design updates, interior enhancements, performance improvements, technological advancements, and customer feedback, offering a detailed view of what the latest iteration brings to the table.
A Bold New Look: Design Changes in the New Alto 800
The New Alto 800 has undergone significant design upgrades, presenting a refreshed and modern aesthetic that appeals to younger audiences while retaining its classic charm. The front fascia now features a redesigned grille with a honeycomb pattern, flanked by sleeker, swept-back headlights. These elements give the car a more aggressive and contemporary stance.
The bumper has also been reworked, incorporating angular creases and larger air dams for better aerodynamics. On the sides, subtle character lines enhance the car’s profile, while the inclusion of body-colored ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) and door handles adds a touch of sophistication. The rear has been updated with redesigned tail lamps and a sportier bumper, ensuring the Alto 800 stands out in its segment.
Key Highlights of the Exterior Design:
- Redesigned honeycomb grille and swept-back headlights.
- Sporty bumper with aerodynamic creases.
- Subtle character lines for a dynamic profile.
- Redesigned tail lamps and body-colored accents.
Stepping Inside: Interior Updates and Comfort
The interior of the New Alto 800 has been thoughtfully upgraded to enhance comfort and convenience. Maruti Suzuki has introduced a dual-tone dashboard with a textured finish, elevating the cabin’s premium feel. The seats are now upholstered with improved fabric materials, providing better cushioning and support for long drives.
Space optimization remains a hallmark of the Alto 800, with clever storage solutions like cup holders, door pockets, and a spacious glovebox. The redesigned instrument cluster is more intuitive, featuring a digital speedometer and fuel gauge for better readability. The inclusion of a touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims is a welcome addition, offering smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Interior Features at a Glance:
- Dual-tone dashboard with textured finish.
- Improved fabric upholstery for seats.
- Redesigned instrument cluster with digital displays.
- Touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.
Under the Hood: Performance Enhancements
The New Alto 800 retains its tried-and-tested 796cc three-cylinder petrol engine, but with significant tuning to meet the latest BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. The engine delivers 48 PS of power and 69 Nm of torque, ensuring peppy performance in city traffic and adequate power for occasional highway runs.
One of the key improvements is the addition of a more refined 5-speed manual transmission, which ensures smoother gear shifts and better fuel efficiency. The lightweight platform, combined with optimized aerodynamics, contributes to an impressive mileage of 22-24 km/l, depending on driving conditions.
Performance Specs:
- Engine: 796cc, 3-cylinder BS6 Phase 2 compliant.
- Power Output: 48 PS.
- Torque: 69 Nm.
- Mileage: 22-24 km/l.
Smart and Connected: Technological Advancements
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the New Alto 800 with a host of technological upgrades, making it more competitive in today’s connected world. The top trims now feature a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity. Voice command functionality ensures hands-free operation, enhancing safety and convenience.
Safety technology has also been prioritized, with the inclusion of dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and speed alert systems as standard across all variants. These features align with the latest safety regulations, ensuring peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.
Technological Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration.
- Voice command functionality.
- Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.
- Speed alert system for enhanced safety.
Customer Feedback: What Drivers Are Saying
Initial reviews from customers highlight the New Alto 800’s practicality and improved features. Many appreciate the enhanced design, calling it a “game-changer” for its segment. The dual-tone interiors and touchscreen infotainment system have received widespread praise for adding a premium touch to an affordable car.
Drivers have also lauded the car’s fuel efficiency, a key selling point for budget-conscious buyers. However, some customers feel that the engine could offer slightly more power, especially for highway driving. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment remains positive, with most users finding the New Alto 800 a reliable and value-for-money option.
Common Praises:
- Stylish exterior and premium interior.
- Exceptional fuel efficiency.
- User-friendly infotainment system.
Constructive Criticism:
- Slightly underpowered for highway performance.
- Limited legroom in the rear for taller passengers.
Pricing and Variants
The New Alto 800 is available in multiple variants, catering to diverse customer needs. The pricing remains competitive, starting at around ₹3.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model and going up to ₹4.60 lakh for the top-end variant. Maruti Suzuki also offers attractive finance options, making the car accessible to a broader audience.
Variant Breakdown:
- STD: Base model with essential features.
- LXi: Adds air conditioning and power steering.
- VXi: Includes a music system and power windows.
- VXi+: Top-end model with a touchscreen infotainment system.
FAQs About the New Alto 800
1. What is the mileage of the New Alto 800?
The New Alto 800 offers a mileage of 22-24 km/l, depending on driving conditions and variants.
2. Does the New Alto 800 have a touchscreen infotainment system?
Yes, the top-end VXi+ variant comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
3. Is the New Alto 800 safe for family use?
Absolutely. With dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a speed alert system as standard, the New Alto 800 ensures a safe driving experience.
4. How does the New Alto 800 compare to competitors?
The New Alto 800 stands out with its balance of affordability, design, and fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender against rivals like the Renault Kwid and Datsun Redi-Go.
5. What is the on-road price of the New Alto 800?
The on-road price varies by location and variant but typically ranges from ₹4.10 lakh to ₹5.20 lakh.
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade
The New Alto 800 reaffirms Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to delivering value-packed vehicles for the Indian market. Its stylish design, enhanced features, and impressive fuel efficiency make it a compelling choice for first-time buyers and small families. While there is room for improvement in terms of power and rear-seat space, the overall package is hard to beat at this price point.
For those seeking an affordable, reliable, and feature-rich hatchback, the New Alto 800 emerges as a worthy upgrade, setting a new standard in the entry-level car segment.