The Alto was designed to replace the 800. The all new Alto was premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show and was showcased as a Kei car for the local Japanese market with a small engine, usually around 600 CC, sometimes in turbo-charged form. Once Maruti decided to make it in India it had to go through the now familiar adaptation process and this time this was going to be an extensive one. Since MUL was not in a mood to kill the all conquering Maruti 800, the Alto was to have two engine options - one a Euro III spec 12 valve, 800 CC unit derived from the Maruti 800 and another a 16 valve 1061 CC engine from the just introduced Wagon R.

 

The car retains the same external dimensions as the old one. Only minor changes have been made to the detailing. They include an all-new grille, which is bigger than the one it replaces. Also changed is the bumper, which now gives the car a sportier stance. The new Alto now comes with clear lens headlamps, replacing the earlier ones. All these changes make the new Alto’s face look more mature and purposeful. The rear tail lamp design too has been modified slightly but it’s difficult to tell the old from the new at first sight.

 

The biggest change to the interiors is the introduction of dual-tone seat fabric, which helps liven the interior a bit. The AC switches have also been changed from sliding types to rotary ones, which are more convenient to use. We were, however, disappointed at the falling quality of material used in the interiors. No changes have been made under the hood. The Alto retains the same peppy 47bhp motor with 12 valves. Engine noise, however, intrudes heavily inside the cabin when revved, though the gearshift quality remains good. Other Alto virtues like good fuel efficiency and solid build remain the same. The Alto LX is not offered with power steering, though it was blessed with an air-con, albeit with a noisy blower. No power windows or central locking, either. The three cylinder 800 CC mill under the Alto’s bonnet is a healthy. The ride quality can be felt on better roads. The rear seat was just about comfortable, a little cramped though, with a six-footer occupying the front passenger seat and threatening to crush knees.

 

A down to earth automobile, the Alto LX is a neat little package with an adequately peppy motor and surprising luggage space. While the car started up cheerfully enough, the air-con vents were blowing hot air. No amount of fiddling would work and the heater was on permanently.

 

The smaller of the Altos does not impress much with its zero-to-sixty timings (6.48 seconds) nor with its passing-speed performance (80-120 kph in 15.25 seconds). On the handling front, the Alto gave mixed feedback. It had crisp turn-ins, but felt too soft when subjected to a combination of corners (for instance, in slalom run). The Alto LX was a honest little road-test vehicle. Apart from the blown air-conditioner, everything worked perfectly. Its ride quality is very impressive. Alto Lxi returned 14 to 16 kpl for every litre of fuel.

 

The new Alto gets two new colours — Caribbean blue and wine red — which are striking enough to grab eyeballs.

Filed under: Maruti Cars in India