The latest contender for the title of the 'People's Car' of India, the all new 2012 Maruti Alto 800 has finally hit the Indian markets. Barely a week out of its factory, and this small car has broken all the sales records. Within the very first week after its launch the latest hatchback from the stables of Maruti Suzuki India has registered a record-breaking bookings figure of over 21,000, not to mention that the bookings curve had crossed the mark of 6,500 units days before the car had even stepped into the showrooms for sale. These booming statistics are indicators of the kind of trust that this Indo-Japanese car-marque has gained with the Indian masses over its long journey since its inception. Established in the year 1981, Maruti Suzuki India came into being when the Japanese auto-giant, Suzuki Motor Corporation, entered into a joint venture with the Indian company, called Maruti Udyog Limited. And once the legendary Maruti 800 landed in the market, there was no looking back for this famous JV. After ruling the Indian households for almost 3 decades, this flagship car has now gone into retirement, and given way to the spanking-new model of Alto 800 to take over. And Alto seems to possess every trait that will help it in earning the position that was once enjoyed by the beloved hatch of India, Maruti 800.



Maruti Alto 800 Mileage

An excellent mileage is one of the most sought-after qualities in a vehicle that claims to be the People's Car of India and the new Maruti Alto 800 delivers exactly that. Powered by a highly skilled 3-cylinder 796cc mill, that comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, the new Maruti hatchback returns a fabulous fuel economy of 22.74kmpl for the petrol variants, which happens to be the best that the segment offers. As for the CNG models, fuel consumption stands at a mark of 30.46km/kg. Amazing mileage, environment-friendly fuel options, and an engine that not only keeps up respectable power levels, but also maintains a good torque output throughout the rev-range, together make the latest Alto a wise and practical choice for the Indian buyers.



Power of Maruti Alto 800

The latest revamp of Maruti Alto comes carrying a similar 0.8-litre petrol mill that drove its predecessor models, but only after working some smart twists and tweaks over it. A 796cc, 3-cylinder, petrol mill in nature, the powerhouse of the new Alto 800 churns out a maximum of 47.5bhp at 6000rpm for a peak 69Nm of torque produced at 3500rpm. What makes it different and more efficient than its ancestral versions is its compliance to Bharat Stage IV emission norms, which makes the hatchback behave in a more friendly way towards nature. Besides emissions, the NVH levels have also been worked upon quite well by MSI engineers, bringing them down considerably. Further, the pairing of the mill with an efficient 5-speed manual transmission system ensures that the driver gets smoother gear-shifts, thereby improving the overall driving experience manifold.



Acceleration & Pick-Up

Being the small hatchback car that Maruti Alto 800 is, the acceleration and pick-up that it offers is quite good. Housing an improved version of the tried and tested 0.8-litre petrol mill of the older versions of Alto, this fresh facelift can go from a 0 to a 100kmph mark on the speedometer within a time duration of 15 to 16 seconds, while the top speed that marks the end of the speed dial is around 140kmph to 145kmph. The CNG models, meanwhile, take about 17 to 18 seconds to go from a complete standstill to a 100kmph speeding position, with their top speed marked at a similar level as their petrol counterparts. This significant improvement in the on-road performance of the new hatch is proof enough to show that the modifications made in the mechanicals of Alto have clearly paid off well.

Maruti Alto 800 Interior

The interiors of the 2012 Maruti Alto 800, just like all other features, come as a package of goods and bads. While the increase in dimensions brings a welcome enhancement in the knee-room for the second row occupants, leg-room for the front row occupants and the head-room for the occupants of both rows, the thigh support for the second-row still needs upgrades. Still, five regularly-sized passengers can easily accommodate in the car with no shortage of shoulder room. As for the boot area, the space is sufficient, but the access, again, needs to be made more convenient. The cockpit area, meanwhile, gets a fresh 3-spoke steering wheel with a sporty metallic touch, a new instrument panel stroked with silver, a smartly restyled dashboard in grey and headrests for the front row seats, making it more comfortable and well-equipped than before. The newly designed dash gets fitted with nicely shaped air-conditioner blowers, a large glove box, and a central console that carries controls for the AC unit and sockets for installing a music system.

As far as material quality is concerned, the new Alto 800 has gotten much better than its previous versions, although Hyundai Eon still outruns it easily. Coated in a sophisticated theme of dual grey and brown tones or a single shade of grey (as per the buyer's personal choice), the interiors of this Maruti hatch feature a very good quality of upholstery, that runs over the seats and goes up to the door pads as well, giving a feel of uniformity. Storage is no problem at all in the new generation of Alto. Apart from the roomy boot zone, a number of storage bins and fitments can be found sprinkled across the inner chamber for the convenience of the passengers. The dashboard provides some open space in the front besides the doors that carry holders for small articles, and the bottle holder placed near the gear-knob. Other utility features that Alto 800 offers its occupants include three assist grips for the passengers, a one litre bottle holder, a coin holder, passenger side utility pocket, a can holder, a digital clock in the speedometer display, internally adjustable outside rear view mirror, a cabin light with three adjustable positions for better and brighter illumination and stylish floor mats to boost the visual appeal of the seating area among others.

Maruti Alto

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