Maruti Alto K10 – Test Drive and Review
Alto may not be the car which earned rave reviews from auto critiques. It may not be the car which everyone aspires to. Yet, Alto continues to stay at the top slot for the past five years in the competetive Indian car industry. Maruti sells 20000+ units a month and it wants more. Alto was introduced in India in 2000 and it was considered as the natural successor to smaller footprint, superior fuel efficiency and affordable price tag makes it a perfect package for first car buyers. Now, Maruti wants to upgrade its customers with Alto k10 and cater the new customers who wants an affordable car with commendable performance. Maruti tried the same in the past with an 1.1L engine, but it didn't went well with the customers. But Maruti considers the Alto k10 is different and it believes it will bring new customers to its fold. Maruti targets customers of spark, santro and beat too. We drove the Alto k10 from Bangalore to Nandi hills (5000 feet from the sea level).
Upgrading a popular car is a risky and challenging task for designers. Most choose the easier and convenient path. Maruti designers are no exception. There are not much changes on the styling front. The eagle eyed headlamps with a kink tells its a facelift and gives a different character to alto k10. The bonnet is long to accomodate the larger K-series engine and ridges on the bonnet are strong and defined. The hexagonal grille of alto is toned down with curves and chrome atop. Body coloured bumpers with larger and wider dam gives the alto k10 a larger road presence which everyone would like. The swanky fog lamps completes the upmarket front fascia.
Sadly, you may mistake the maruti Alto K10 as alto if you look from the side. Except for the new 13″ wheels and side body mouldings there is nothing to distinguish. The rear is completely different with new set of dome shaped tail lamps. The number plate is moved from the bumper to the back of the tailgate. The defined bootlid with center mounted Suzuki logo.
The major change is under the hood, Alto K10 gets the new K10 engine. The new but proven K-series engine has already well received by the customers. A-star, Wagon-R, and Estilo have already proven. The Alto K10 produces 68PS of maximum power at 6200rpm and 90Nm of maximum torque at 3500rpm. Maruti claims it reaches 100kmph from standstill in 13.3 seconds. Maruti has replaced mechanical link with the cable type transmission
Alto k10 is not just a paper tiger, it is powerful on the road too. For the weight increment of just 50kg, Alto K10 is 45% more powerful than the Alto 800cc.Right from the word go, Alto K10 moves with confidence. Throttle response is lightning from lower speeds. The engine happily revs to 6200 where it develops maximum power. Alto K10 reaches 60kmph from zero in 6.4 seconds and 100kmph in 15.6 seconds. I manage to cruise at 120kmph with ease, the engine doesn't feel strained. However the NVH is low, the engine cries as you rev hard. Also, the gear shift is still rubbery and not precise. Maruti claims under standard conditions Alto K10 returns a mileage of 20.2kmpl. Though we cannot test the claim, we expect a decent mileage from Alto K10
Maruti has retained the same suspension set-up for the Alto k10. However the Alto K10 rides on larger profile 155/60 R13″ rubber. The car absorbs road shock and undulations well at low speeds. But as the speed raises, it insulates less and put the passengers directly in the line of shocks. Wheelbas remains at 2360mm though the length has increased by 125mm. The cabin remains the same, however Maruti has intelligently gained space by shaving the back rest of front seats. Result, the rear passengers has 50mm more knee room. All the seats comes with integrated head rest.
Maruti Alto K10 gets a new three-spoke steering wheel and comes with power steering. It is neither finger touch nor tight. Gear lever and steering wheel doesn't transmit vibration even at high speeds. For this segment, maruti Alto K10 review sports commendable handling chracteristics. Out on the Bangalore highway, the superior flat out performance is complemented by stable handling. On the twisties and hairpin bends to Nandi hills, Alto K10 feels sure footed. We don't expect an entry level car to behave like a Swift or punto. For this segment, Alto K10 boast commendable handling characteristics. Credit partly goes to lower body profile.
Power steering,internally adjustable ORVM, power windows for front passengers, stylish gear knob, key reminder, remote boot opener,central locking,accessory socket and remote fuel lid opener. Alto K10 instrument panel comes with amber illuminated speedometer, tachometer and an electronic trip meter.
Plastic quality remains the same. Yet, the vibrant blue colour upholstery and colour coordinated door trim fabric gives an upmarket feel. Storage space is decent – cup holders, twin glove boxes and door pockets. Boot comes with a nice parcel tray. Build quality is also good.
Maruti Alto K10 is not based on a new platform. It carries forward the decade old chassis. The body panels are not re-skinned completely, its just a cosmetic facelift. Whether its a lost oppurtunity? definetely not. To understand the Alto k10, fit yourself into a first time car buyer. Alto k10 has everything, infact its a no-compromise car. Alto k10 carries forward the trusted alto brand, lightning performance, superior fuel efficiency and much need features. Maruti finds a sub-segment in the entry level car space. The pricing will be competitive and it will surely add numbers to sales. Spark, Santro and other first time car buyers better wait for Alto k10 before signing the cheque. Alto K10 will be launched in the first week of August.
Questions and Answers
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