Introduction

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is entry level car from Maruti, in the Indian car market. It is available in four trim levels which are STD, LX, LXi and VXi. The STD version is one without air-conditioning and power steering, the LXi and Vxi are better equipped with both these features and the Vxi also has an integrated audio system with two speakers.  It is also available with a CNG option.

Design

The Alto 800 has quite a few contemporary-styled elements on the exteriors. A sloping window line, petal shaped headlamps and wrap-around tail lamps look quite modern. The slim front grille and the large air intake add to the overall look of the car. The deep creases along sides add some sportiness and the door handles are body colored. The Alto 800 carries over the wheelbase, suspension and brakes of its earlier model, however, it is taller and has more headroom to offer. The Alto measures 3,395mm in length, 1,490mm in width and 1,475mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,360mm. It has a ground clearance of 160mm. The car gets 12-inch wheels with 145/80 R12 tubeless tyres and weighs from 695kgs for the STD variant and upto 725 kgs for the Vxi variant.

The Alto 800 is available in five colour options. They are New Torque Blue, New Blazing Red, Silky Silver, New Granite Grey and Superior White

Interior

The Alto 800 has better styled interiors compared to its previous generations and feels more premium too. The dashboard is completely new and has coloured seat fabric which goes well with the overall ambience of the car.The interiors have been designed to increase interior space and it offers better rear legroom due to the re-styled front seats. It features a three-spoke steering wheel, integrated front headrests with a choice of grey and brown colour interior theme. The gove box is large and centre console is spacious and can hold a one-litre water bottle as well. The instrument cluster has two tripmeters. The power window controls are placed on the floor console.

Engine and Performance

The Alto 800 has a three-cylinder 12 valve, 796cc engine with a power of 47bhp@6000rpm and a torque of 69Nm@3500 rpm, paired to a five-speed manual transmission. The Alto 800 has decent engine performance for a 800 cc engine. With a peak toque of 69Nm@3500 rpm, the car offers decent power for city commuting. It provides an improved ride quality over its predecessors. The car has a flat torque curve that prevents frequent gearshifts. The Alto 800 uses gas filled McPherson Strut withTorsion Roll Control Device in the front and coil spring, gas filled shock absorbers with three link rigid axle and isolated trailing arm at the rear.  The Alto 800 has discs brakes in the front and drum brakes at the rear. There is no ABS available.

Mileage

The Alto 800 is among the most fuel efficient cars and has an ARAI certified mileage of 22.74 km/l. The Alto 800 is available in a CNG option as well, the efficiency of which is 30.46 kg/km.

Safety and Security

The Alto 800 comes with an optional Airbag on the VXi variant. The car also has an immobilizer and a collapsible steering column. It uses high strength steel that provides for better occupant protection.The tyres are tubeless which are safer as compared to tube tyres. There is no ABS offered on any of the variants

Pros

• Modern looks
• Lightweight build
• Well laid out and practical cabin
• Good storage space
• High fuel efficiency
• Economically priced spares
• Low cost of maintenance

Cons

• Low on interior space

Lack of safety equipment