For many in India, the Maruti Alto 800 was not just a car, but an integral part of their life story. It was a car that provided convenience, value, and fuel efficiency over a long period of time. While its production was halted in 2023, numerous articles and reviews from buyers indicate that the value for money it provided in the used car market is unmatched. In my opinion, it was more than just a car. It was part of the family. While the articles regarding the Maruti Alto suggest that it was a fuel efficient car, I would like to suggest looking at the test drives and reviews left by acquired buyers.
A Legacy Of Simplicity
The Maruti Alto is one of those cars that easily makes one smile to spot it. It has an aesthetic design with great ease of use. It is no wonder that Maruti was able to sell over 5 million cars with its production launch in 2000. One of its features was great to all those that commuted in the city: fuel efficiency. While the production vehicles of today may not be able to sustain their sale, the other cars and vehicles that were manufactured are bound to have a great resale value.
Engine And Performance
The Alto 800’s 796cc petrol engine had power figures of 47 bhp and torque of 69 Nm. This came paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. There was a CNG variant with lower power figures of 41 bhp and 60 Nm of torque and a focus on fuel economy. This model was also a good fit for city driving. With claimed figures of 22.05 kmpl on petrol and 31.59 km/kg on CNG, it was certainly economical. However, the Alto’s lower power figures made it struggle with highway driving, especially with the air conditioning turned on.
Design That Endures
The Alto 800 montaged was a part of the first generation Alto and came with a simplistic, yet unique and vibrant design that set it apart from its competitors. The 2019 facelift brought a new front grille as well as updated headlamps and a new bumper which refreshed the car while making sure it was still recognisable. The car was offered in 6 vivid shades which included Uptown Red, Silky Silver, Granite Grey, Mojito Green, Cerulean Blue and Solid White. These along with the compact dimensions and 160 mm ground clearance made the Model perfect for the city.
Affordable Safety Features
Adequate for its segment, safety remained basic. The Alto 800 had a driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard in upper trims. While the car was outdated and did not meet modern crash test standards – a reason for its discontinuation – it remained a practical option for budget customers who valued low price over lacking advanced safety features.
Importance in Today’s Market
The Alto 800, although succeeded by the Alto K10, is still an attractive option for the used car market, with prices starting around ₹50000. Its low maintenance costs of ₹1287 to ₹4537 per year and easy-to-find spare parts further add to the convenience. The car is a dependable, no-frills option for the city for students, beginners, and small families.
Key Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 796cc Petrol / CNG |
| Power | 47 bhp (Petrol) / 41 bhp (CNG) |
| Torque | 69 Nm (Petrol) / 60 Nm (CNG) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Mileage | 22.05 kmpl (Petrol) / 31.59 km/kg (CNG) |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹3.25 Lakh – ₹5.13 Lakh |
| Seating Capacity | 4-5 |
| Boot Space | 177 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
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