Maruti Alto 800 : We have been hearing the name from over 20 years now and has been a part of almost all Indian family. From being the first car for many to an honest no-nonsense city runabout, the Alto has endeared itself to one and all with its no-frills approach, attractive pricing, and fuel-sippin nature.
And right up to its last production model before being phased out, the Alto 800 still preserved its image as a favourite of the value-for-money customer with some enhancements while maintaining its dear old appeal.
With the automotive industry taking giant strides in terms of technology, the Alto 800 is the perfect testament to this advancement. The Question, then, is what does this little soldier have to give in today’s market that is constantly redefining itself. Let’s take a closer look.
Maruti Alto 800 Design Small, Handy, Already Known
The design has largely remained similar over the years for the Alto 800 and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It remains with the compact body that is so ideal for the tight streets and crowded parking lots of the city.
The face sprouted a new grille and mildly nipped and tucked headlamps in its most recent styling update. It’s not flashy, but it’s clean and serviceable.
This is not a head-turning car, it’s a practical one. It is highly maneuverable thanks to its short overhangs, thin body, and minimal turning radius. If you navigate gridlock or are new to the driving game, this car is you.
Cabin and Features: No-Frills, Just Staples
Open the door to the Alto 800, and you’re welcomed by a dash that’s sautéed simple. The cabin is rudimentary, but it does the job. There’s a digital instrument cluster, power steering and manual air-conditioning — basics that should cater for the daily driver.
The use of hard plastics everywhere isn’t surprising at this price point, but the quality is adequate.
On the higher trims, Maruti threw in a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, front power windows and dual airbags, which somewhat brought a modern touch into age-old layout.
The rear is tight, especially for tall passengers, but works for small families or short commutes.
Engine and Performance- A Bike Made For City Life
Powering the Alto 800 under the hood is an 796cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine good for 48 PS and 69 Nm. Those numbers might sound uninspiring, but mated to the car’s featherlight frame, it’s quick enough for city driving.
With a 5-speed manual transmission, the throws are light and easy, ideal for new drivers.
Don’t look for highway-merging power or hooligan thrills — it’s happiest cruising around town or putting around doing daily business.
There’s also a CNG model available too, where compromise comes in the form of boot space but you do get very good running cost savings.
Fuel Efficiency: The True Victor
If there is one thing the Alto 800 truly shines in, it has to be mileage. The petrol automatic gives 22–24 km/l, whereas the CNG offers over 30 km/kg, scoring the car a place among the most fuel-efficient cars in India.
With fuel prices continuously going up, this is why some continue to go for the Alto 800.
Ride and Handling Light and Easy
Alto 800: The suspension combo on the Alto 800 is meant for comfort at city speeds. Potholed and cratered streets are managed reasonably well and the car feels stable, but you don’t want to really strain it.
There’s light enough steering and good visibility to make it a cinch to drive, whether you’re a newbie or an oldie.
Noise insulation is minimal, but that’s a small price to pay for something so relatively cheap.
Pros:
Extremely fuel efficient
Buy and Maintaing your vehicle is so expensive.
Small and manageable for city driving
CNG model available for an alternative to petrol.
Simple, reliable mechanicals
Best novice light controls
Cons:
Lacks highway performance
Rear seat space is tight
Base model, few safety features
Cabin seems dated compared to competing models
Very less boot space in CNG fitting model
Maruti Alto 800 Final Words: If You Consider Apps a Close Friend on a Shoestring
The Maruti Alto 800 isn’t the most stylish car you can find, nor does it come with lots of frills and features, but what it does provide at the end of the day is what most Indian’s want from a car — it’s affordable, reliable and fuel efficient.
It’s a car that taught many Indians how to drive, and even in its twilight years it remains a trusty ally for daily commutes.
If you desire a no-nonsense car that you can rely on, the Alto 800 still offers a robust, tried-and-tested option.