The Maruti Alto 800 has been a household name in India for decades, dominating the entry-level hatchback segment. With its unbeatable fuel efficiency, compact design, and trusted reliability, it has remained a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Now, Maruti Suzuki has introduced a refreshed version of the Alto 800 with subtle design changes, upgraded interiors, and the same efficient performance.
So, is this new-gen Alto 800 still a perfect city car? Let’s look in and find out!
Table of Contents
Design
The new Alto 800 retains its classic compact look with a few modern updates. The front grille is now slightly larger, featuring a chrome accent for a more premium touch. The redesigned halogen headlamps look sharper, and the bumper has a sportier appeal.
On the sides, the car maintains a simple profile with body-colored door handles and newly designed wheel covers. At the rear, the updated taillights and a sleek bumper design enhance its overall appearance.
Despite being a small car, the Alto 800’s size is a major advantage for city driving. It can easily maneuver through traffic and fit into tight parking spots, making it an ideal urban companion.
Interiors
Maruti has focused on practicality over luxury in the new Alto 800. The cabin is minimalistic but functional, with durable materials and clever storage spaces. The seats are ergonomically designed for short and medium-distance travel, ensuring decent comfort.
The dashboard remains clean and straightforward, with easy-to-reach controls. Higher variants get a 2-DIN music system with steering-mounted controls, while the instrument cluster includes a digital odometer and a fuel consumption indicator. Though it lacks a touchscreen infotainment system, the setup is sufficient for daily commuting.
Performance
The Alto 800 continues with its tried-and-tested 796cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 48 BHP and 69 Nm of torque. While these numbers may seem modest, they are more than enough for city driving.
The lightweight chassis and well-tuned suspension make the Alto 800 easy to drive in urban conditions. However, due to its small engine, highway drives can feel underwhelming.
Transmission Options
The Alto 800 comes with two transmission choices. The 5-speed manual transmission provides a smooth and efficient driving experience, while the optional 5-speed AMT offers additional convenience with a slight drop in fuel efficiency.
The ARAI-certified mileage for the manual version is 22.05 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest reasons people choose the Alto 800 is its outstanding fuel economy. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 22.05 kmpl, it remains one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India. The optional AMT gearbox provides added convenience, though with a slight drop in fuel efficiency.
Safety Features
Entry-level hatchbacks have long been criticized for their lack of safety, but Maruti has made some improvements in the new Alto 800.
The standard safety features include a driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors (in higher trims), a speed alert system, and seatbelt reminders. While it still lacks advanced safety features like ESC or additional airbags, it meets the basic safety requirements for city driving.
Pricing and Competition
The Maruti Alto 800 remains one of the most affordable cars in India, with an ex-showroom price range of ₹3.37 Lakh to ₹4.89 Lakh.
Despite tough competition, the Alto 800 stands out due to its unmatched service network and low maintenance costs. Its key competitors include the Renault Kwid, Hyundai Santro, and Datsun Redi-GO. The Renault Kwid, priced between ₹4.69 lakh and ₹6.44 lakh, offers a stylish design and touchscreen infotainment system.
The Datsun Redi-GO, available between ₹3.98 lakh and ₹4.96 lakh, is a more affordable alternative with a tall-boy stance. The Hyundai Santro, priced from ₹4.87 lakh to ₹6.45 lakh, provides better safety features and a more premium interior.
Final Verdict
The new Maruti Alto 800 remains a practical, budget-friendly choice for city commuters. It may not have fancy features or a powerful engine, but it excels in fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability.
For those needing a no-nonsense car for daily commutes and low-cost ownership, the Alto 800 is still one of the best choices. However, if you want more features, safety, and a premium feel, the Renault Kwid or Hyundai Santro might be better options.
FAQs
What is the mileage of the Maruti Alto 800?
The Alto 800 offers an ARAI-certified mileage of 22.05 kmpl.
Does the Alto 800 come with an automatic transmission?
Yes, it offers a 5-speed AMT option for added convenience.
Is the Alto 800 safe for highway driving?
It is suitable for city commutes but lacks power and safety for highways.
What are the competitors of the Maruti Alto 800?
Key rivals include the Renault Kwid, Hyundai Santro, and Datsun Redi-GO.
What is the price of the new Alto 800?
It ranges from ₹3.37 Lakh to ₹4.89 Lakh (ex-showroom).
