2016 Suzuki Alto 800 launched in Philippines as the facelifted model offers similar changes to the India-spec version
The Japanese automaker, Suzuki, has launched the facelifted version of the Alto 800 for the Philippines market. Made-in-India, it is the same model that was introduced for our domestic space back in May 2016 with minor exterior changes. The prices for the updated small hatchback start from Php 398,000 (Rs. 5.48 lakh) for the base trim and go all the way up to Php 438,000 (Rs. 6.03 lakh) for the top-end variant.
The new generation Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 arrived back in 2012 in India and after four years the latest update brought minor styling tweaks. The exterior modifications include what was described as ‘new Aero Edge Design’ with a sleeker and longer grille, re-positioned Suzuki logo and an enlarged lower grille now in trapezoidal shape.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Celerio Diesel to Discontinue; Alto 800 Diesel Plans Dropped – Report
The bonnet gets new character lines while the headlamp cluster has also been tweaked as well. The bumper is now 35 mm longer measuring at 3,430 mm with provisions for rounded fog lamps in that area and the rear looks similar to the outgoing model.
As opposed to the Indian-spec 2016 Alto 800, the Philippines version has the only added change of new dark shade for seat upholstery alongside child safety lock and rear storage space compared to its predecessor. The entertainment system goes with a single-DIN unit providing radio, CD and MP3 playback while power windows and manual AC are made as standard equipment.
As for the powertrain, the same 800 cc three-cylinder petrol engine is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 48 PS at 6,000 rpm and 69 Nm of peak torque delivered at 3,500 rpm. It comes coupled with a five-speed manual transmission only and drives the front wheels.
Besides offered with drive-by-wire technology, for improved fuel economy and engine duration, Suzuki has applied a special coating on piston rings to reduce friction. As a result, the mileage is rated to improve by 9 percent. The braking performance is claimed to be enhance thanks to a new brake booster.