Having discontinued the Maruti 800, the Alto 800 became Maruti-Suzuki’s entry model which retains the tiny 800cc engine but makes it more fuel efficient and adds a very basic package to make it one of the cheapest cars in India, after the Nano of course.
Looks: There is nothing extraordinary about the looks. It looks distinct from previous generation Altos, but the family resemblance is very present and you wont mistake it for anything else. It looks acceptable and the metallic slate grey is suits the car best.
Performance is downright average but in return, you get very good mileage. The 800cc engine is very fuel efficient, giving around 18 in city with AC off and 15 with AC on. Gearshifting is smooth and driving isn city is effortless and easy. Handling is also easy and suspension is very soft. Highway performance is way below average, the car struggles after 100 km/h.
Being an entry level car, there is very little to be expected in terms of comfort. The front moulded seats are small and uncomfortable, and there is no adjustment. Rear seat is also too cramped. Three persons will be a tight fit at the rear. The AC is powerful though, and chills the cabin quickly, but running the AC will make the power drop very significanltly.
Overall a good starter car if you’ve never owned a car in the past. It’s easy to drive and its not too powerful, so beginners can maintain good control. Features are okay for the price. For all other purposes, the Alto K10 is a better choice.