Maruti Suzuki being the most popular and most trusted automotive brand of India, boasts several popular models in its stable. One of those models is Alto 800. Launched in 2012 the car has garnered popularity in very short span. It might not be exotic looking, but the compact hatchback is very much practical, and really perfect for a budget friendly entry level hatchback.
The Indo Japanese automaker is all set to introduce an updated facelift model of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. The midlife update will surely expand the model’s popularity further. The entry level compact hatchback segment is presently one of the most competitive and contested segment in Indian automobile market. Therefore the new model will help the Alto 800 to stay afloat in competition against competitors like Renault Kwid and newly launched Datsun Redi Go.
Here we will take a look at both the old and new Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. Let’s see what changes are made to the facelift model compare to the outgoing Alto 800.
New Alto 800 vs Old Alto 800 Exterior:
At the exterior front the new Alto 800 sports mild cosmetic updates. The basic design of the outgoing model remains same. The new Maruti Suzuki Alto 800’s front profile receives the most of the updates. The petal shaped swept back headlamps remain same, but the amber turn indicators at the sides of the headlamp clusters make it appear different. In the outgoing model the place was occupied by clear lens units.
The front grille of updated model is smaller and sleeker than the outgoing model. There is a horizontal slit above the grille and runs between the headlamp clusters. The brand logo sits below the slit. The front bumper features a redesigned appearance, which gets provisions for fog lamps at both sides, which were missing in the outgoing Alto 800. The fog lamps will be sold as optional accessory although. In short, the Alto 800 takes some design cues from the Alto K10 sibling.
Talking about the side profile, the updated Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 looks identical to the outgoing model. The thick C pillar, mildly flared wheel arches remains intact. The rear also doesn’t boast any significant change at all, as the rear fascia, taillamps remain same.
Dimensionally, the facelift Alto 800 comes slightly longer at 3430 mm compare to the outgoing model’s 3395 mm. Other than that; the width of 1490 mm, height of 1475 mm, 2360 mm of wheelbase and 160 mm of ground clearance remains untouched.
New Alto 800 vs Old Alto 800 Interior:
Adorning the changes updated Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 brings us a refreshed interior as well. The updated model sports a redesigned dashboard with an integrated 2 DIN music system with AUX and USB connectivity. The seats and door panels don new fabric. Maruti Suzuki has introduced more equipment in all the trims of the updated Alto 800.
Talking about the new features the STD, STD (O) and LX trims of updated Alto 800 now sport new colour theme for seats and passenger side wing mirror. Apart from these features, the LXi and VXi trims additionally get extra storage at the back and rear door child lock, while the top trim VXi also comes with keyless entry feature.
Engine and Performance:
Although the updated model of Alto 800 sports some cosmetic updates at exterior and inside the cabin, on the mechanical front the car remains same. Yes. Like the outgoing model, the upcoming one is powered by a 796 cc displacing 0.8 litre three cylinder F8 petrol engine paired with a 5 speed manual transmission, churning out 48 PS of peak power at 6000 rpm and 69 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm.
The change on the powertrain front comes in form of improved fuel efficiency. The 24.7 kmpl of fuel efficiency of the old model has been increased by 9% as per Maruti Suzuki’s claim.
Safety:
On the safety front the lone feature for the updated Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is the side airbag on all the trims, as option although. So far, no ABS, EBD and other safety features available for the entry level hatchback.
Pricing:
The outgoing model of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is priced between Rs. 2.57 lakh to Rs. 3.78 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi). Expect the updated model to come with slightly raised price tags.
Verdict:
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 has been a successful model for the popular brand in India. Despite a dull look, crunchy short spaced interior the car has proved pretty efficient for its practicality. The updates in the facelift model will surely keep the model afloat in competition against others.
Source : Autocar
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