2019 Maruti Alto 800 facelift carries some minor visual tweaks and a host of additional safety features that make it an even stronger rival to the Renault Kwid 0.8-litre
The 2019 Maruti Alto 800 facelift was recently launched in the country and it looks ready to carry forward the success story of its earlier version. The updated small car gets many new standard safety features like ABS and EBD, rear parking sensors and a driver side airbag. It even has an updated styling, which spruces up the way the entry-level hatchback looks. Also, the new version carries an important upgrade under the hood, which is the new BSVI-compliant engine that makes the 800cc Alto future-proof for at least a year or so now.
This upgrade has led to a rather substantial price hike. The Maruti Alto 800 facelift costs up to Rs 28,000 more than before. However, we think that this price hike is totally justified as the small car is safer and cleaner than before. The new model even seems to be a more potent rival to the Renault Kwid. Here is our 2019 Maruti Alto 800 vs Renault Kwid comparison to tell you how these two vehicles stack up against each other.
2019 Maruti Alto 800 vs Renault Kwid Price Comparison
| Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 facelift | Renault Kwid 0.8 L | |
| Price Range | Rs. 2.94 lakh – Rs. 3.72 lakh | Rs. 2.72 lakh – Rs. 3.90 lakh |
The 2019 Maruti Alto 800 facelift is available in a price range of Rs 2.94 lakh to Rs 3.72 lakh. It is on sale in three variants – Std, LXi and VXi. The first two trim options are also available with an optional safety pack that increases the prices by up to Rs 5,000 but brings in a passenger-side airbag. On the other hand, the Renault Kwid’s starting price is Rs 22,000 lower than that of the updated Alto 800. However, it’s top-end version is Rs 18,000 costlier than the fully loaded rival
2019 Maruti Alto 800 facelift vs Renault Kwid Features Comparison
The 2019 Maruti Alto 800 is the safer option between the two. Even the entry-level version of the company’s bare-basic hatchback can be bought with dual front airbags by paying a bit extra. You also get ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, front seatbelt reminder, and high-speed warning alert. On the other hand, the Kwid comes with a driver-side airbag but the passenger-side airbag is not even available as an optional extra.
However, it’s the Kwid that triumphs when it comes to the comfort-enhancing features on offer. The fully loaded version even gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You also get a reverse camera, which is something that isn’t available on the Alto 800. Other than the touchscreen infotainment system, the Kwid even offers a digital speedometer and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with a thick rim.
2019 Maruti Alto 800 facelift vs Renault Kwid Specs and Performance Comparison
| 2019 Maruti Alto 800 | Renault Kwid |
| 796 cc petrol engine | 0.8-litre three-cylinder petrol |
| 48 PS | 54 PS |
| 69 Nm | 72 Nm |
| 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Both the vehicles come equipped with 0.8-litre three-cylinder petrol engines that offer a good mix of performance and fuel efficiency. The Kwid’s motor provides a maximum power of 54 PS and a peak torque of 72 Nm.
It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the Maruti Alto 800’s 796cc engine offers 48 PS and 69 Nm. Even here, the only transmission option on offer is that of a 5-speed manual unit.
So, basically, it’s the Kwid that looks more powerful, at least on the paper. Even in reality, the Kwid 0.8-litre is known to be capable of hitting 100 kmph from a standstill in 16.14 seconds, while the Alto 800 takes 16.82 seconds to the ton. However, this is only a marginal difference which goes unnoticed in real-world performance. It’s actually the Alto 800 that feels more refined, while the jerky nature of the Kwid has a negative effect on the overall user experience.
Also, the updated 796cc three-cylinder engine of the Maruti Alto 800 emits 25 per cent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), which is a result of upgraded engine components and a new ECU. It also conforms to the End of Life Vehicles (ELV) norms with more than 95 per cent recoverable and 85 per cent recyclable parts.
2019 Maruti Alto 800 facelift vs Renault Kwid Mileage Comparison
| 2019 Maruti Alto 800 Mileage | Renault Kwid Mileage |
| 22 kmpl | 25.17 kmpl |
The Maruti Alto 800 offers ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 22 kmpl, while the Renault Kwid 0.8-litre can provide up to 25.17 kmpl. This means that on paper, the Kwid is not only more powerful but even more fuel efficient than the Alto 800. However, in real life, it’s actually the Alto 800 that not only offers a higher mileage but even lower maintenance. The Alto 800 has always been the most affordable entry-level hatchback out there and things remain the same even with the launch of the updated version.
2019 Maruti Alto 800 facelift vs Renault Kwid Comparison Verdict
Design – While the Maruti Alto 800 gets a revised front-end that makes it look fresher, it still can’t match the bold appeal of the Kwid. Hence, all those who love SUVs should simply opt for the French budget car over its Japanese rival.
Price – It’s actually the Maruti Alto 800 whose base model is pricier than that of the Renault Kwid. However, it offers more safety features. The Renault Kwid’s top model is costlier than that of the Alto 800 but takes the cake with its touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Specs – On paper, the Renault Kwid is much more powerful than the Alto 800 but in the real world performance figures show only a marginal difference. Moreover, it’s the Alto that is more refined of the two.
Again, ARAI-tested figures show that the Kwid is more frugal than the Alto but in real world the performance tilts the favour towards the Alto 800.
Overall, the Renault Kwid has always been a decent alternative to the Maruti Alto 800 and is the one to go for if you love SUVs and crossovers. However, thanks to the recent updates, the entry-level Maruti car becomes an even stronger rival to the Kwid and becomes the overall winner of our 2019 Maruti Alto 800 vs Renault Kwid comparison. It is already compliant with upcoming crash test standards and the engine is BSVI making it the most desirable option in the segment.