The Maruti Alto 800 has been one of the most popular cars in India for many decades and it continues to be a reliable choice for new car buyers, families on a low-budget and city dwellers. Bottomed entry-level hatchback segment, whas consistently been dominated by the magnificent Alto thanks to its super-efficient fuel consumption, tiny dimensions & solid reliability. Enter Maruti Suzuki brings to us all-new Alto 800 with a handful of updates, contemporary features and the same fine performance.
With a closer look, let us understand why this new-gen would be an ideal car to drive in cities
Eco and Purposeful
Despite the Maruti Alto 800 being new as well, it keeps an agile and purposeful silhouette of the first entry-level hatch in India with small tweaks to the styling. The front grille becomes a little fatter, with the chrome accent enhancing the premium look. The headlamps are better designed in halogen version and bumb getting more sporty look. The side profiles are shifted to the simple look with body-colored door grabs and new wheel digests, rear includes tem revised taillights and a straight stab for more dynamic appearance.
Even though the Alto 800 is designed small, it does well in terms of interior space. This is ideal for city traffic and tight spaces in a city, as it is easy to maneuver because of its design and small turning diameter.
Upgraded and Practical Interiors
At last, this new Alto 800 also emphasizes a lower top to minimalist and functional setup. While the cabin is not luxurious at all, it has done very well to give a decent and sturdy platform to be used for the common man with robust materials and thoughtful storage options. The rear seats are classily ergonomized for either short or medium day trips, and as for the dashboard itself, it kept clean controls with all necessary buttons in reach.
Maruti has tried to modernise things a little to meet the standard. New Alto 800 comes with a 2-DIN music system (up higher variants also have steering mounted controls). Instrument cluster is simple but clear with a digital odometer and fuel consumption indicator. It’s nothing fancy and lacks touchscreen (techno-crats already found it distasteful), but at least it gets the job done: a simple daily driver.
Why matters the most: Fuel Efficiency, Reputed hing Performance
Under bonnet the Alto 800 stays with its tested and true 796cc, 3-cylinder oil engine that generates 48 BHP and 69 Nm of torque only. Even if it looks uncouth, these numbers are more than sufficient for urban driving.
Transmission : A5 Speed Manual Transmission Giving absolutely clean and quickest gear changing along with phenomenal fuel economy.
mileage — the 22.05 kmpl (ARAI-certified) is truly* big deal in all new Alto 800 Compact car, one of the most fuel efficient petrol cars India market. Maruti too has got an alternative for those who prefer auto choice wih 5-Speed AMT (Auto Gear Shift) to make life easy but at a very little cost on fuel economy—
The manageable weight of the chassis and suspension also renders the Alto 800 a joy to drive for short commutes through urban areas but on highway, it’s boredom because of small displacement engine.
Still it is one of those rare cars you can depend on for short commutes and the like.
Standard but Damn Important Safety Features
Safety has been an issue with entry-level cars for long but the Alto 800 (new) has minor updates to bring on par with modern standards. It has:-
- standard to all variants.Driver side airbag
- ABS(Electric Braking System)
- Rear parking sensors *(in higher trims)
- Speed alert system and seatbelt reminders
It lacks safety tech such as ESC or more airbags but the Alto 800 is at least MANAGED standard so it passes easily on for cautious city drivers, and less so in a rural highway.
Competitive Pricing & Who Should Buy It
Considering around **₹3.37 Lakh to **₹4.89 Lakh (ex-showroom), new Maruti Alto 800 will be a great low-priced car in India to be one of the most affordable cars. It has competition in the Renault Kwid, Datsun Redi-GO and Hyundai Santro but saves on unmatched service network l and very low maintenance costs for its margins.
Final Verdict: The King of Budget Cars, Still?
Maruti Alto 800 new is not about extravagant features or hot engines; it is simplicity, economy and great mileage. The Alto 800 is a superb solution to your need for a hassle-free, cheaper car, that will easily be able to handle city commutes. Then, alternatives like the Santro or Kwid could come to your rescue when you need more things/be more safe.