Maruti Alto 800: The Maruti Alto 800, the popular India entry-level hatchback, has seen unprecedented change in its last facelift. This is brand new look and feature update, while keeping the sumo amongst the most affordable, with prices starting at just under Rs 3 lakh.
Maruti Alto 800 A New Design Philosophy
The new Alto 800 looks up market, modern and stylish in its new avatar. Up front, there’s a new chrome-accented grill which adds a little entry-level premium flavor to the budget-minded car. The new headlight design features elongated elements, which give the car a striking appearance on the road.
The profile has been improved with sharper character lines and updated wheel arches, which make the small hatchback look more aggressive.
New style alloy wheels also offered with higher variants in the place of conventional steel wheels, enhancing the looks of the car. The rear design is also new with restyled taillamps and a smarter bumper detailing.
Interior Enhancements
The interiors of the refurbished Alto 800 also benefit from significant changes in the form of design, styling and technology. The Alto now has a new dashboard design, which is like this before and blends modern touch without losing simplicity that the Alto owners loved.
A new center console has some nice storage areas and a more ergonomic design.
Material quality has also been taken up a notch in the cabin, including soft-tone coverings in critical locations. Seats have been improved with better cushioning and support, which is something that was lacking in the past generations. The boot is still small on account of the car’s size, however better packaging means you can use the space better.
Technology and Features
The Alto 800 is technologically more advanced than its Korean counterpart (TPM), regardless of being a budget hatchback. Upper trim levels now feature a touchscreen infotainment set-up with smartphone connectivity. This is designed to let people safely use navigation, music and communication features while driving.
Safety has also been strengthened with driver side airbag, Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and seat belt reminders standard across all trims. These inclusions help to comply with legislated standards as well as offering crucial safety protections for users.
Engine and Performance
The larger changes though, take place under the bonnet where the Alto 800 is supplemented with the very same 800cc motor that has been improved upon for better fuel efficiency, better performance. The power is more than enough for city driving without extortionate fuel consumption that the Alto series is also known for.
Gearbox options include a 5-speed stick-shift as standard job, which lightens the process for you to move around the urban jungle. Even the ride quality and handling balance of the suspension has been tweaked to suit Indian roads.
Market Positioning
With a base price of around Rs 3 lakh, the refreshed Alto 800 remains a tempting proposition for entry-level car and value-conscious families. It is this price that gives it the tag of India’s most affordable car, but more importantly, it is backed by the reliability and service support that Maruti Suzuki has to offer.
There are other entry level hatchbacks that compete with the car but its wide service network, reliability and strong resale value are key benefits. The update will ensure that the Alto 800 looks current without compromising with its stand out features of cost and efficiency.
Variants and Pricing
The new Alto 800 is offered in a variety of trims and also has optional features to make it your car. The entry-level variant is priced from Rs. 3 lakh, while the higher end variants with more features are higher configurations are priced likewise:
Std Price: 3.00 lakh variant: Beginning range at 3.00 lakh
Lxi variant – When it was launched – priced around 3.50 lakh or so.
Vxi variant: Around Rs 4.00 lakh(ex-showroom price)
Vxi+ variant: The range-topping model, should be priced at about Rs. 4.50 lakh
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is still and always has been one of the Alto 800’s biggest selling points. The updated model still returns good fuel efficiency numbers according to the company, with up to 22.05 km/l under test conditions. On real-world usage fronts, we are seeing anything between 18-20 km/l, depending upon how and where you are driving.
After-Sales Support
Maruti Suzuki’s wide service reach makes service and parts readily available and affordable. The Alto 800 is also popular with the budget-buying crowd, thanks to the low ownership costs the brand is known for. Service intervals are well spaced and parts are not a huge concern for most of India.
Maruti Alto 800 Conclusion
The updated Maruti Alto 800 has managed to strike a perfect balance between a contemporary styling and affordable pricing that is bound to enthrall cost-conscious customers.
The improvements have been made so the trusted nameplate can continue meeting the modern day expectations and still be one of the most affordable cars in India.
The new Alto 800 is rather good value otherwise, and certainly few rivals can match it at a starting price of about Rs 3 lakh. With contemporary looks, additional features and Maruti’s reputation of bullet-proof mechanicals, the car’s a good option for those looking to purchase their first car or an affordable second set of wheels.