Maruti Suzuki Alto Lx
We needed a car with a good engine, high mileage and low maintenance costs. The 800AC is too basic and the Santro had too high mileage for weekly travel of more than 500km. We decided to buy the Alto Lx primarily for two reasons - excellent mileage and easily available and cheap spares.
Styling and Interiors
The Alto is a good-looking car and better than the Zen for me. We have the metallic black version and if kept clean, it looks good. The build quality isn’t quite like the Santro Xing but way better than the tinny feel of the Indica. The tyres seem a little under-sized and are too high-profile though.
The interiors are cramped and at best, the car can seat four well-built adults. Leg-room is scarce in both the front and rear rows. The plastic quality on the dash is below par though the fit and finish is average. The seats are low-slung, lack any under-thigh support and long journeys expose the uncomfortable seating posture specially at the back.
Engine and Performance
The 47bhp MPFi engine is good and peppy but load the car to the brim, put the AC on and it struggles to drag the body. Though it is a reasonably spirited performer with lesser load. Brakes (discs at the front and drums at the rear) are sufficient and provide the car with enough stopping power. The rubbery and hard gear-shift leaves a lot to be desired. If you have less load to carry, the car will please you.
Ride and Handling
Handling is very good even in the sans-power steering version. Also ride quality is above par for a small car. The rear suspension is a little hard-set and ride is a little bumpy though. Its pretty easy to drive the car in Schuey-mode as it rarely loses its line. The AC (equipped with heater) is excellent and with its drab controls, posesses quick cooling ability. There are seat belts all around. The steering and the front seats are not adjustable for height and that makes the bonnet out of sight for short drivers hampering maneuverability.
Specifications
Engine:
Displacement - 796cc
Max. Power output - 47 bhp @ 6200rpm
Max. torque - 62 Nm @ 3000rpm
Dimensions:
L/B/H -3495mm/1495mm/1460mm
Suspension System:
Front -Front McPherson Strut with torsion type anti-roll bar
Rear -Coil spring with double action telescopic shock absorbers
The Verdict
A very good step-up from the bare-bones 800, this car is better at everything than its sibling in all departments except mileage (there is a difference of about 3kpl). The car was initially designed to compete with other B-segment small cars and hence the workmanship is much better too. The Lx is the best value-for-money variant after recent price cuts as in this car one really doesn’t need power-steering. It is the largest selling car in India not for nothing. It isn’t a scorcher and has some glitches like cramped interiors and average ride but all in all, I recommend this car above the 800 and B-segment buyers wanting good efficiency will find it to their liking.
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