Alto is actually an upgraded Maruti 800.It’s not a really handsome design, but it’s well-proportioned and pleasing, which is good enough for the market, and it feels well-built, which is important.A big asset is the enhanced stiffness and safety levels of this platform, far ahead of the 800. It uses MacPherson struts in front and a three-link rigid axle at the rear, riding on 12-inch wheels.The Alto can never be perceived as a spacious car, and it’s cramped even for its class, with a lack of width and very poor legroom in the rear. The seats are minimal and don’t offer any real support, and the interiors, though solid and functional, are not what you’d call pretty.No tacho is available, but the large speedo and electronic tripmeter are easy to read, and all the controls, though finished in very cheap plastic, look built to last and are easy to find. The boot can just about take one suitcase, so long trips are out of the question. The air-con, however is very effective and cools the small cabin in very quick time.
There is a recess in the dash, but apart from that, there isn’t much storage space for knick-knacks. Equipment is in short supply — there aren’t even power windows or central locking. This works if you consider the car as basic transport but not as a lifestyle hatch, which many rivals are now seen as.
It reacts instantly to throttle inputs, and makes city driving easy, but it is a pain on the highway, with no grunt for overtaking.There’s a coarse engine note when
you push it.Fuel economy is quite superb: 12.9 kilometres for every litre in the city, and returning a brilliant 17.5kpl on the highway.Alto is a very nimble car, with right turning circle and quick.steering, and is easy to drive in the city; on non-power steering versions though, it requires some effort which can make parking more difficult than it should be. Power steering is definitely recommended, especially if the car is to be used as an urban runabout.Visibility is decent, hampered somewhat by the thick C-pillar, but good enough for city traffic, and the tiny size makes it very parkable.However, it rides really well, which gives the Alto a big-car feel.Bumps are audible, but are soaked up effectively. Even at high speeds, stability is decent, as are the brakes, which are well weighted(outstanding when compared to 800).
All Marutis make for a stress-free ownership experience, and the Alto is no exception. It is sturdy and reliable, spares are cheap and service and repairs can be undertaken absolutely anywhere in the country. Running costs are very low, too.
Alto- ’’LETS GO’’ stands true.