The next generation Maruti Alto could feature a 660cc petrol engine with fuel efficiency of over 30 kmpl
The Maruti Alto is among the most recognized names in the Indian auto market. The successor of the Maruti 800, the original people’s mover in India, is currently in its second generation and has been available in both 800cc and 1000cc formats. Now, the company is developing the third generation of the Maruti Alto, which will be launched around the end of this year.
The current Maruti Alto will be discontinued by October this year. This will be because of its inability to meet the advanced safety norms that will be released later this year. Spied recently for the first time ever, the new Alto will look a lot different than the current version. Its design will be based on the Future S concept model that was presented at the last year’s Auto Expo.
The new Maruti Alto will have an SUV-like design that will help it compete with the Renault Kwid. Going by the Future-S concept, the new Alto will have several muscular design features and a high ground clearance. The SUV-styled hatchback will also look a lot more modern than the current version.
However, the new Maruti Alto will retain its basic qualities. It will continue to have small dimensions and will be launched at an attractive price. It will be based on the company’s lightweight Heartect platform that will help it comply with the new safety standards. Other than this, the car will also offer a driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors on all the variants.
On the inside, the new Maruti Alto will be more spacious and will have a 7.0-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment unit that will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the cabin will have a more modern look and the driver will enjoy a commanding view of the road due to a high seating. The new platform should lead to a significant increase in the width of the new car, which means the rear seat will be finally able to accommodate three passengers.
Not much is known about the engine options but the 796cc three-cylinder engine seems to be on its way out. Instead, the company could offer a 660cc motor in the new Maruti Alto. This engine will be as powerful as the outgoing engine but will offer a much higher fuel efficiency. We expect the bigger 1.0-litre engine, which is available with a 5-speed manual and an AMT, to continue.