Maruti Alto 800 LX CNG

The Maruti Alto 800 LXI CNG is powered by a 796cc engine that produces 40 bhp of power and 60 Nm of torque when running on CNG. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which is smooth and easy to use. The car features a CNG tank capacity of about 8-9 kilograms and a petrol tank capacity of 35 liters. It comes in six color options and includes basic but essential features such as an air conditioner, digital odometer, and central locking. The Alto 800 LXI CNG is known for its lightweight and compact design, with a turning radius of just 4.6 meters, making it highly maneuverable in urban environments. While it may lack in terms of rear space and highway performance, it excels in its intended role as a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient city car.

The Maruti Alto 800 LXI CNG is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical city car. While it may not excel in terms of power or luxury features, it more than makes up for these shortcomings with its exceptional driveability in urban conditions, lightweight and agile design, and the convenience of a factory-fitted CNG kit. The cars compact dimensions and small turning radius make it a joy to navigate through congested city streets. However, the rear bench is cramped, and the cars performance on highways is mediocre. Despite these limitations, the Alto 800 LXI CNG remains a top choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and ease of ownership.

The Maruti Alto 800 LX CNG, known for its fuel efficiency, offers a mileage of 31.59 km/kg, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers in India. The vehicle is powered by a 0.8-litre petrol engine that produces 41 PS and 60 Nm of torque in CNG mode. I think this makes it an excellent option for daily commuting.

Maruti Suzuki has recently discontinued the Alto 800, but the LX CNG variant was one of the top models before its discontinuation, priced at around Rs. 5.13 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This variant came with essential features like a digital odometer, air conditioner, and Bluetooth connectivity. I believe the discontinuation might lead to a surge in demand for used models.

The Maruti Alto 800 LX CNG features a manual transmission with a 5-speed gearbox and a fuel tank capacity of 35 litres. It also includes safety features such as a driver airbag and central locking, although the base variant was somewhat stripped out. I think the safety additions were a step in the right direction.

In terms of design, the Alto 800 LX CNG had a compact dimension, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces. It was available in six colour options, including Uptown Red, Silky Silver, and Cerulean Blue. The vehicles exterior was simple yet functional.

The Alto 800 LX CNG had a boot space of 177 litres and a ground clearance of 160 mm, which is decent for its class. The vehicle also featured a gas-filled McPherson strut for the front suspension and coil spring with gas-filled shock absorbers for the rear. I think this suspension setup provided a comfortable ride.

The Maruti Alto 800 LXI CNG is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the LXI CNG variant starts at approximately INR 4.02 lakhs, while the LXI CNG (O) variant is priced at around INR 4.09 lakhs. When considering the on-road price, you can expect to add another INR 50,000 to INR 70,000, depending on the state and local taxes, bringing the total to around INR 4.52 lakhs to INR 4.79 lakhs. This price hike compared to the regular petrol version is significant, but the long-term savings on fuel costs due to the CNG option can justify the additional expense for many buyers.

The Maruti Alto 800 LXI CNG offers impressive mileage, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting. With a claimed mileage of 33.44 kmkg on CNG and approximately 22.05 kmpl on petrol, this car is highly efficient. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 18 kmkg on CNG, which is still very economical. The combination of CNG and petrol tanks provides a total range of about 570 kilometers, making it suitable for both short and long trips without frequent refueling.