I finally managed to glimpse at the all new Alto K 10. Of course, the Dealer has promised to arrange a test drive shortly (still expecting a phone call).
This revelation happened in Hyderabad Central, thanks to Sai Motors, who had put a display for the car. Luckily the sales rep posted near the car was well trained by Sai Motors and fully packed and bubbling with enthusiasm and matched up my fiery probing questions with ease.
Good things about the car, the car definitely looks bigger and is more roomy at the front.
The dicky (back hood) is really spacious and to add a bit of visual merchandising, the Dealer staff had cramped it with 25 Ltr plastic buckets and various plastic assortments to show its full capacity. Well you have an optional flat mountable top to keep the dicky covered.
The front leg room is really fabulous. But sitting inside the car gives a feeling of low floor. Sensing my doubt sales rep said ’Sir, ground clearance is 160 mm. I starred on to the roof to find that there is good gap between my head top and roof (All 6 footers can easily and comfortably sit).
The dash board is standard. But additional feature is the electronic trip meter (Tacho meter and speed o meter are conventional). Provisions and wiring has been done for CD Player (you don’t get integrated CD system). Leg rooms in the front is really good. Seats are spacious. Road visitbility is good and blind spotsare less.
I got an assurance from the sales rep, the engire is noiseless (there were lots of walk-ins around the car in the crowded mall and he refused to to allow me to start the engine even for a second. Respecting his judgement, I tried out the gears and found them moving smoothly. Sales Rep told me that the gear mechanism has been upgraded by Maruthi with Cable transmission system. He also added that the break mechanism is very good, but I cannot comment as I am still to drive the car. Maruthi has also given an adjustable steering and front power windows in the front, (which is now a standard feature in all new releases) and a single key auto lock system.
While I am sitting and haggling in the front, my wife opened the back door, tried to sit and immediately complained of poor back room space. The Sales rep, seeing this, tried to move the front seat, which I feel shall be a problem for tall chaps. Well, lets conclude, back seat leg space is not great. Tinted glass and child locks are standard features (explained by the sales rep).
Next we opened the hood and inspected th engine. Shining K Series engine looks good and occupies most of the space. However, Maruthi efficiency can be seen in neat organisation of engine and other related component mountings. Well a professional visual appeal is in store under the front bonnet.
Next, we started inspecting the other features. The front grill and lamps (redesigned) looks good and adequate. Standing in the front you can see how spacious the car looks. and walking on the sides, you can realize that the body is now bigger (125 mm more). Bigger tires are also visible (tubeless 13 inches) and coming to the back, I closed the back doos (open till now) and was astonished at the redesigned back door.
Well, attempt has been made by Maruthi Engineers to improve the external body. The car now looks bigger than conventional alto and the new one immediately gives an impression that it is a large car (like FIGO) in small segment.
The Sales Rep started rattling about engine pick-up, improved suspension, high fuel efficiency etc. etc., I politely told him, ’seeing is believing’. I am very definitely planning to get a car for my parents (we have sold the old one) and would definitely like to look up at Alto-K Series. Well, now, our friend, got a shine in his face, and promised me delivery in 10 days flat.
Well, as of now, I can only comment on the ’looks’ of the car (that is good and appears reliable) and not the performance(I have no idea). Looking at a positive note, I cant tell that the car is ’not-good’ till I test drive it. Hence my recommendation to friends as of now is ’Yes’. Pls wait for few more days til I take a test drive and update my Review.
Until then,
Thanks,
Car Lover 2010