If you wish to purchase a car in India and that too one that is cost-effective, low maintenance and ideal for daily city travel, the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 has been one of the most dependable options for decades. This hatchback has been the first car for numerous Indian families over the past 20 years or so. With its diminutive size, decent mileage and low running expenses, it continues to be a shrewd choice for price-conscious buyers.
Why is the Alto 800 still a favorite?
Although newer and trendier cars are entering the market, the Alto 800 remains competitive. It might not be loaded with flashy features, but it outdoes itself in what truly matters, i.e. practicality, consistent performance and actually value for money. Let’s see why this car is an excellent day-to-day city companion.
Design and Style
The Alto 800 features a very minimalist and clean look. Its small size makes it easy to maneuver and park through traffic-congested roads. The underplayed chrome trim on the front grille and plain headlights provide it with a no-nonsense, rugged look. The interiors will not be luxurious, but the dashboard design is simple, rugged plastic suitable for daily use in the city.
Engine and Performance
Alto 800 is driven by a 796cc 3-cylinder petrol engine that delivers about 47.3 PS of power and 69 Nm of torque. The figures may not be very great, but the engine is very satisfactory to drive around the congestion of the city. Adept in efficiency rather than speed, the car is smooth and reliable in traffic conditions or in low-speed driving.
Aside from this, there is a CNG variant, which provides a little less power, but improved mileage and also saves fuel.
Ride and Handling
The Alto 800 is extremely easy to drive because of its compact size and light steering. It is an ideal car particularly for novice drivers or for those who drive within the urban area. Suspension is also ideal for routine roads. You will surely experience jolts on rather rough roads, but the car is stable on regular roads.
Parking is totally hassle-free for it, and its turn radius is so small that it is a breeze to go in and come out of congested areas.
Features and Technology
Alto 800 is an economy car, and as such, it does not have costly and high-tech features. Even so, the basics for daily driving are included, such as:
- Power windows at front
- Manual air conditioning
- Dual airbags at front
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- SmartPlay dock and Bluetooth on higher models
Though it misses out on feature extras such as a touchscreen or push-button start, those it has are dependable and practical.
Mileage and fuel efficiency
The largest advantage of Alto 800 is its fuel mileage. The petrol variant provides mileage of 22 to 24 kmpl, considering traffic conditions and driving. The CNG model provides a range of about 31 kmpl, so it is the most fuel efficient vehicle in its segment.
Along with low fuel consumption, its maintenance is also very cheap, making it one of the most economical options for car owners in India.
Price and Variants
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is priced between ₹3.54 lakh and ₹5.13 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable hatchbacks in the market.
The car comes in several variants:
- STD (base model)
- LXI
- VXI
- VXI+
- CNG version available for LXI and VXI
The base model is not too feature-packed, though. The VXI+ receives some added features. The CNG version is particularly advantageous for people who wish to save even more on fuel.
Conclusion
If you want a car within your budget, simple to maintain, and can comfortably cruise through city traffic, Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is the way to go. Its simplicity, strong engine and excellent mileage are reason enough for millions of Indians seeking their first car or a dependable partner for daily city driving.
This car has proven over the years how “less is better” and will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of budget car buyers for a long time to come.
FAQs
Q1. What is the mileage of the Maruti Alto 800?
A: The petrol variant offers around 22–24 km/l, while the CNG variant gives up to 31 km/kg.
Q2. Is the Alto 800 good for city driving?
A: Yes, its compact size, light steering, and good fuel efficiency make it ideal for city commutes.
Q3. How many people can the Alto 800 seat?
A: It can comfortably seat 4 to 5 people.
Q4. Does the Alto 800 have airbags?
A: Yes, it comes with dual front airbags as standard.
Q5. What is the price range of the Alto 800?
A: The ex-showroom price ranges from ₹3.54 lakh to ₹5.13 lakh
