Ahead of the launch of new generation Alto, Maruti Suzuki India has launched updated Alto 800. New Maruti Alto comes with a BS6 petrol engine and few cosmetic updates on the inside, as well as on the outside. It has now become the first BS6 compliant car from Maruti, to have been delivered to customer.
Speaking about the updates seen on board the new 2019 Maruti Alto, these include a new front grille, which is now finished in matte black. At the rear is a new Alto badge, instead of the 800 badge. It gets 12 inch steel wheels as standard. Alloys or larger wheels are not on offer, even as option.
The first BS6 equipped car launched by Maruti is the new Baleno. Launch of Alto BS6 happened just 1 day later. But Alto 800 has beaten Baleno to become the first to start delivery. Maruti has also launched a mini TVC, titled – “Chalte Rahein Shaan Se”. Maruti claims “The New Alto now has a stylish makeover with additional safety features.” Watch the TVC video below.
With over 37 lakh Alto sold till date, it is not only the best selling car of Maruti, but also the best selling car in the country. The BS6 compliant 800 cc petrol engine is more refined than before. It delivers 22.05 kmpl mileage via 5 speed transmission. Power output stands at 48 hp and while peak torque is 69 Nm. It gets driver airbag, rear parking sensors, speed warning as standard on all variants. Top variant gets dual airbags. Kerb wt is 730 kgs.
Why has Maruti launched a new Alto, when they are reportedly just months away from the launch of new gen Alto? Updating the old 800 cc 3 cylinder engine to BS6 would have required a huge investment. This indicates that even after discontinuing the current Alto later this year, Maruti will continue to use the 800 cc engine. Updating the current Alto will also give Maruti engineers enough data on the new BS6 engine, before they launch the same on 2020 Alto.
The next generation Alto is based on the Concept Future S, which was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. It will be positioned on the Heartect platform and will get equipped with safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminders and speed alerts as standard. It will come in powered by a BS VI compliant 800 cc and 1 liter engine. It will also get CNG option. The next generation Maruti Suzuki Alto will command a higher price as compared to its current Alto which is on sale in a range of Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 3.82 lakhs.