When it comes to affordable, reliable, and efficient city cars, Maruti Suzuki has always been a name to reckon with. The Maruti Alto, a staple in Indian households for decades, has undergone a significant upgrade with the introduction of the Alto K10.
This new iteration promises to deliver more power, better features, and enhanced comfort, all while retaining the affordability that has made the Alto a bestseller. In this review, we dive deep into what makes the Maruti Alto K10 a compelling choice for urban commuters.
Design and Exterior: Compact Yet Stylish
The Maruti Alto K10 retains its compact dimensions, making it perfect for navigating through tight city streets and squeezing into small parking spots. However, the design has been refreshed to give it a more modern and youthful appeal.
The front grille is now wider and more prominent, flanked by sleek halogen headlamps that add a touch of sophistication. The bumper design is sportier, and the overall silhouette remains clean and functional.
While the Alto K10 is unmistakably a small car, Maruti has done a commendable job of making it look more premium than its predecessor.
The addition of body-colored door handles and ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) further enhances its appeal. It’s a car that doesn’t scream for attention but still manages to turn heads with its understated charm.
Interior and Features: Practical and Functional
Step inside the Alto K10, and you’ll find a cabin that’s designed with practicality in mind. The interior is simple yet well-thought-out, with a focus on maximizing space and comfort. The dashboard layout is clean, and the quality of materials, while not premium, is decent for the price segment.
One of the standout features of the Alto K10 is its new 7-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system. This touchscreen unit supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it a great addition for tech-savvy buyers. The system is responsive and easy to use, and it adds a modern touch to the otherwise no-frills interior.
The seats are comfortable for short to medium commutes, and the rear bench, though compact, can accommodate two adults comfortably. The boot space is adequate for a small car, offering enough room for groceries or a couple of small bags.
Engine and Performance: A Peppy Performer
The Maruti Alto K10 is powered by a 1.0-liter K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT petrol engine that produces 67 PS of power and 89 Nm of torque. This engine is a significant upgrade over the older 800cc unit, and it shows in the way the car performs.
The Alto K10 feels peppy and responsive, especially in city driving conditions. The light steering and compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to maneuver through traffic.
The car comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as well as an AGS (Auto Gear Shift) option, which is essentially an automated manual transmission.
The AGS variant is perfect for those who want the convenience of an automatic without the added cost of a traditional automatic transmission. The shifts are smooth, and the system works well in stop-and-go traffic.
Fuel efficiency has always been a strong suit of the Alto, and the K10 is no exception. It delivers an impressive 24.39 km/l (as per ARAI), making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.
Ride and Handling: Built for the City
The Maruti Alto K10 is designed with city driving in mind, and it excels in this regard. The suspension setup is tuned to handle rough roads and potholes with ease, ensuring a comfortable ride for occupants. The lightweight construction and tight turning radius make it a breeze to drive in congested urban areas.
However, the car does feel a bit out of its element on highways. While it can comfortably cruise at speeds of 80-90 km/h, pushing it beyond that can make it feel a bit unstable due to its lightweight build. That said, for its intended purpose as a city car, the Alto K10 performs admirably.
Safety Features: Adequate for the Segment
In terms of safety, the Maruti Alto K10 comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard across all variants. While these features are basic, they are a step in the right direction for a car in this price bracket.
The build quality feels solid, and Maruti has made efforts to improve the structural integrity of the car.
Verdict: Who Is It For?
The Maruti Alto K10 is a car that perfectly fits the needs of urban commuters. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, easy to drive, and packed with just enough features to make it a practical choice for first-time car buyers, students, or small families.
While it may not have the premium feel or highway prowess of more expensive cars, it excels in what it’s designed to do: provide a hassle-free and economical driving experience in the city.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, reliable, and budget-friendly car for your daily commute, the Maruti Alto K10 is definitely worth considering.
It’s a testament to Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of the Indian market and its ability to deliver value-packed products that resonate with the masses.
Price Range: ₹4-5 lakh (ex-showroom)
Key Competitors: Renault Kwid, Datsun Redi-GO, Hyundai Eon
So, what do you think of the Maruti Alto K10? Is it the perfect city car for you? Let us know in the comments below!