Maruti Alto

Affordable, Practical, And Just Plain Reliable

Like that always there dependable friend, the Maruti Alto is that. This little powerhouse isn’t flashy, it doesn’t have hundreds of bells and whistles, but when you need a car that doesn’t make a fuss and just does its job, this little powerhouse has you covered. Here’s why the Alto makes such perfect sense as a simple everyday ride.

Design and Looks

Let’s start with the looks. Honesty actually there is nothing more I like about the Alto than the fact that it isn’t here to win beauty contests. It's compact, clean and understands exactly who it wants to be, simple and practical. As our fellow city dwellers who park like an art form, having a Maruti design keeps it compact is a good thing.

One thing that I’ve noticed is how smoothly it makes it in tight spots and snug streets. It feels like it belongs in the city. It seems themselves in places where cars just aren't. If there's character to be had from a Maruti, it's probably found here in the slight design tweaks it's swapped in, like sharper headlamps and a slightly more pronounced grille that don't exactly shout for attention. It’s like a loyal sidekick, there but you never hear them bragging.

Engine and Performance

The Alto is powered under the hood by a 0.8 liter petrol engine. What we are is not high horsepower — it’s at 47 HP – so don’t expect a drag racer. For day to day city driving? It’s perfect. The Alto feels just right in the engine department though, not in a strained kind of way but allowing you to get to where you want to go easily. It’s so light, it’s nimble, it feels responsive.

However, it's all about the fuel efficiency. Maruti says it gives you about 22 24kmpl and that’s close enough. That's one of those cars where you stop and forget where the fuel gauge is. This is where the Alto really earns its stripes, if you’re budget conscious like I am. No, who doesn’t love a car that doesn’t keep constantly pulling you towards the nearest fuel pump?

Inside the Cabin

The Alto is kept simple but effective inside. The dashboard is easy to reach and has easy, if bare bones, controls. You’re not getting luxury, but you are getting everything you need to drive comfortably. Less impressive is the infotainment, with a basic setup but one that doesn’t dramatically overwhelm you with features you’re unlikely to need very often. They knew what they were doing by keeping it functional.

I was pleasantly surprised space wise as well. The Alto is such a compact car, you’d think it’d feel less roomy, but it actually feels more spacious. The front seats are comfortable, the cab is spacious enough that you won’t feel cramped. The back seats are as snug as you’d expect, enough for a short trip. Obviously, the boot is small, but it has room for a grocery haul or two travel bags. If, like me, balance between practicality and fluff is your thing, the Alto’s cabin should straight up feel right.

Ride and Handling

The Alto drives relatively easy. It’s light; easy to handle; it takes the stress out of city driving. You can sneak into tight parking spaces, make tight turns and drive on crowded streets without feeling like you’re having a wrestling match with the steering wheel. It’s exactly the kind of thing you want in a city car.

There’s basic suspension; there’s some bumps but it’s comfortable enough for daily commutes. It’s not trying to be a luxury cruiser rather than a conveyance from point A to B with no bother. The smooth and stable feel it has and it even feels steady when you’re driving longer. This is the type of car you drive out to a mall or a bank or wherever without thinking twice.

Rivals and Comparisons

Speaking of models, if you are to get the Alto as well, you might also take a look at models such as the Renault Kwid or Datsun Redi-Go. As far as style goes, the Kwid has a little more, and the Redi-Go is also city friendly. The Alto has one up the Alto has one up for reliability and low maintenance — two things Maruti is known for. Less to think of and mind, along with the Maruti touch, make maintenance hassle free. If owning your car is a priority to you, the Alto really does make sense.

Final Thoughts

The Maruti Alto is just that — a small, get about it, affordable car designed to make driving easy each and every day. This isn’t here to impress with tech or luxury, and that, is refreshing. Mostly it’s practical, cheap and reliable, which is all most people want in a car.

If you’re looking for a light on fuel, low on maintenance car that doesn’t try to be something that it isn’t then the Alto is your car. You know the kind. The car that’s an old friend; unassuming, steady, always there for you. The Alto is more than ready to roll for everyday commutes and, when the feeling hits you, for the occasional road trip.