Maruti Suzuki has finally launched the facelifted version of the popular Alto 800 in the country with prices starting at INR 2.49 lakh for the STD trim, going up to INR 3.76 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the range-topping LXI CNG (O) trim. The updated model was spotted completely undisguised at a stockyard a few days ago. This is the first update the car received since its launch in 2012. The refreshed model gets minor cosmetic and mechanical changes compared to the outgoing model.
Keeping up with the growing competition, the exterior update includes what the automaker calls new Aero Edge Design, following which the front fascia of the Alto 800 has been updated. Maruti Suzuki has reduced the grille to a narrow horizontal slit just below the bonnet. The headlights retain the same shape from the current model while the side indicators now feature an amber colored lens. The Suzuki logo is now positioned between the grille slit and the lower air dam. The front bumper has been completely revised and features a large hexagonal air dam to aid better air flow. The bumper is now 35mm longer measuring at 3430mm, as compared to the outgoing model's 3395mm. The Alto 800 also receives provision for fog lamps that were missed in the current model. The rear of the facelifted model does not receive any updates. Expect the 2016 model of the Alto 800 of come with new fabric design for the upholstery.
Updates to the cabin include new fabric upholstery for the seats and door pads. Interestingly, the new Maruti Alto 800 now gets a passenger side ORVM as standard and the base and mid variants get safety child lock and additional storage space at the rear. The hatchback is available with a driver side airbag as an option from the base variant onwards. Also now standard are a rear spoiler, full wheel covers, front power windows and central locking system. Furthermore, the automaker has added two new colors - Mojito Green and Cerulean Blue, in addition to four existing shades. The 2016 Maruti Alto 800 facelift gets several interesting features upgrades like remote keyless entry, smart storage spaces like rear bottle holder and co-driver side map pocket.
The powertrain continues to remain the same as well with power coming from a 796cc, three-cylinder, petrol engine tuned to produce 47bhp at 6000 rpm and 69Nm of torque 3500rpm. The motor comes paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Maruti claims that its engineers have developed an improved engine architecture tuned for enhanced driving pleasure and excellent fuel economy, which makes the Alto 800 facelift 9 per cent more fuel efficient helping return an ARAI certified 24.7 km/l. Essentially, the engine provides more torque at low RPMs, allowing lesser gear changes. There are specially coated piston and ring set that reduce frictional losses and increases engine life.
Maruti Suzuki has been the leader in the entry-level four-wheeler segment in India. The company had recently achieved the record of selling 30 lakh Alto 800s, making it the most sold passenger car in the country. The Alto 800 shares the entry-level segment with other cars like the Renault Kwid, Hyundai EON and soon to be launched Datsun redi-GO. Although the Alto 800 is well ahead in terms of figures, the recently launched Kwid is gaining a lot of traction in the market too. With this facelift, Maruti Suzuki aims to reassert its hold in the market. Source
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