2013 Maruti Alto Replacement

As the launch is approaching near, India’s leading car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki is expecting to add another feather of success to its crown with the Alto 800. The Alto 800 will be a replacement for the previous generation Alto as well as a replacement of the Maruti 800 which is the most acclaimed model from the company. The 800 revolutionized the Indian automobile Industry when it was launched almost three decades back. The company is anticipating that the Maruti Alto 800 will get the same acceptance from the consumers as its Swift has received in the past few years. The engineering team at Maruti Suzuki emphasized on the technology improvements in Alto 800 from the previous generation model, as there is no scope for any error in this volume model.

The Maruti Alto 800 will be priced around Rs. 20,000/- more than the earlier model, which may turn out a negative point for the Indian car maker. The new Alto has an ARAI certified mileage of 22.74 km/l which is 15 percent more than earlier model and will be its major USP as rising petrol prices have dampened the petrol car sales in India. The new Alto will also showcase better ergonomics for occupants along with an improved engine which is now refined to deliver a peak torque of 69 Nm which is 11 percent better than its predecessor. The top end model of the Alto 800 car will come with airbag for the driver.

The company will also roll out a CNG model of Alto 800 which will be priced at around Rs. 40,000/- premium. The Alto 800 will face a fierce competition from Hyundai’s Eon and the facelifted Chevrolet Spark which will be launched soon. Apart from it, other manufacturers in India are also trying to roll out their models in this segment which will further intensify the competition. Alto has been a top selling car for Maruti Suzuki in the past years and witnessed all time high of 24,000 units a month last fiscal, but the sales have decreased in the past few months and with Alto 800, the company is looking to regain its position.

Source – Business Line