Maruti Alto 800 CNG

The Maruti Alto 800 CNG is a well-rounded entry-level hatchback that caters to the needs of budget-conscious buyers in India. Powered by a 796cc engine, it produces 40bhp of power and 60Nm of torque in CNG mode, which is sufficient for city driving. The vehicle comes with a five-speed manual transmission and features such as a digital odometer, air conditioner, and Bluetooth connectivity. It is available in six color options and has a compact design with a turning radius of just 4.6 meters, making it highly maneuverable in tight city spaces. The Alto 800 CNG also benefits from Marutis extensive service network and the option of a driver-side airbag, enhancing its safety and convenience credentials. Despite its limitations in terms of rear space and expressway performance, it remains a popular choice due to its affordability, ease of driving, and excellent fuel economy.

The Maruti Alto 800 CNG is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable vehicle, particularly in urban settings. While it may not excel in terms of power or expressway competence, its strengths lie in its agility, ease of handling, and exceptional fuel economy. The addition of a factory-fitted CNG kit enhances its appeal, making it a great choice for daily commutes. However, the significant price hike for the CNG variant, which is about 22 more than the regular version, is a notable consideration. Despite this, the Alto 800 CNGs overall package, including its comfortable ride quality, effective air-conditioner, and Marutis renowned after-sales service, makes it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Maruti Suzuki has officially stopped the production of the Alto 800, including its CNG variant, due to financial deficiencies. This marks the end of an era for one of Indias best-selling cars. I think this decision will impact the budget-friendly car market significantly.

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 CNG was priced at Rs. 4.89 lakh for the LXI variant, with an on-road price of around Rs. 5.65 lakh. It offered a mileage of 31.39 km/kg, making it a fuel-efficient option for city driving. I believe the CNG variant was a great choice for those looking to save on fuel costs.

In early 2023, Maruti Suzuki announced price hikes for the Alto 800, including the CNG model, by up to Rs. 21,000. This increase was part of a broader price adjustment across their lineup. I think this hike might have affected the sales of the already popular model.

The Alto 800 CNG variant was about Rs. 60,000 more expensive than the petrol version, priced at Rs. 4.11 lakh for the LXi trim and Rs. 4.14 lakh for the LXi (O) trim. This premium was due to the additional CNG kit. I believe the extra cost was justified by the fuel savings.

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 CNG came with several safety features, including ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, and an engine immobilizer. These features made it a safer option in its segment. I believe these additions were crucial for meeting new safety norms.

The Maruti Alto 800 CNG is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom prices for the CNG variants start at INR 4.02 lakhs for the LXI CNG and INR 4.09 lakhs for the LXI CNG (O). When considering on-road prices, these figures can rise by approximately INR 50,000 to INR 70,000, depending on the state and local taxes, bringing the total to around INR 4.52 lakhs and INR 4.79 lakhs respectively. This price increase, although substantial, reflects the additional cost of the CNG kit, which offers long-term savings through lower fuel costs.

The Maruti Alto 800 CNG boasts impressive mileage figures, making it an attractive option for those concerned about running costs. With a claimed mileage of 33.44 kmkg in CNG mode and up to 22.05 kmpl in petrol mode, this vehicle is highly economical. The CNG tank capacity of about 8-9 kilograms provides a range of approximately 170 kilometers on CNG alone, and when combined with the 35-liter petrol tank, the total range extends to around 570 kilometers. This fuel efficiency is a significant advantage, especially for frequent city drivers.