After the iconic 800, the Maruti Suzuki Alto was the second biggest success for the Indo-Japanese carmaker in India. With its unique feat of 35 lakh cumulative sales, the Alto breached the 25 lakh sales milestone of the M800. Ever since its launch in 2000, the hatchback has been favoured for its fuel efficiency, low cost maintenance and high resale value. The Alto brand from the Indo-Japanese carmaker sells over the annual volumes of several other passenger carmakers individually in the country. Read – Maruti Suzuki To Launch Toyota Corolla Based Sedan In India
In its 18 years of existence in the Indian market, the Maruti Alto received its first major update, a new nomenclature – Alto K10 – in August 2010. The Alto K10 gets the brand’s 1.0L K-series petrol engine that currently also does duty in the Wagon R and Celerio. As per the company’s claim, the Alto K10 AMT variant has good demand, and contributes about 18% of the hatchback’s sales. In 2017-18, the Alto registered a growth rate of 6% and hold 33% market share of its segment.
With an aim to take Alto’s success to a new level, the Indo-Japanese carmaker is planning to give a generation to its top-selling mini hatchback. The petite model is being developed under the codename Y1K and will receive copious aesthetic changes for a crossover like look. Along with an all- new design, media reports indicate that Maruti might offer a 660cc petrol unit for the new Maruti Alto 2018. Furthermore, the new model will use an all-new lightweight platform that will make it more fuel efficient. If media reports are taken into consideration, the new generation Alto could be the most fuel-efficient car in India. Check Out – Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Cars In India
New Maruti Alto 2018 Price
| Minimum | Rs 3 lakh |
| Maximum | Rs 4 lakh |
With new crossover-ish design, advanced features and a more frugal engine setup, the new-generation Alto will be a more evolved product than the current one. These attributes will help it take on its new age rivals such as Renault Kwid and the new Hyundai Santro. The reports in media suggest that the 2018 Maruti Alto will see a minor price hike. That said, the new Maruti Alto 2018 could be launched at a starting price of Rs 3 lakh and its range-topping model is expected to be priced around Rs 4 lakh. Read – New Maruti Ertiga Pictures & Details
New Maruti Alto 2018 Launch
In 2016, Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) confirmed that the company is working on a small car which will come in the next 2-3 years. The Maruti Alto is, currently, facing a tough competition from Renault Kwid. Aiming to strengthen its position in the entry-level space, the Indo-Japanese carmaker will introduce the new-generation Alto with copious changes. As of now, there is no official word about its India launch. Though, the media reports suggest that the Alto will enter in its new generation sometime in 2018 or 2019. We will update the official launch date and details as the carmaker announces it. Read – Maruti Wagon R Is Set For A Generation Change
New Maruti Alto 2018 Specification
As for the JDM-spec Suzuki Alto sold in Japan, the hatchback makes use of the frugal 660cc petrol unit. Packed with three-cylinders, the R06A, 658cc unit churns out a peak power of 51bhp against a maximum torque of 63Nm. The small engine is claimed to return an impressive mileage of 37km/l (JC08 test cycle).
As for the India-spec model, Maruti is said to come with the ultra-refined 660cc unit that will reportedly be more powerful than the current 800cc unit. The carmaker might also consider the diesel version of the car along with the standard SHVS technology. If it happens, the 2018 Maurti Alto will be high on fuel efficiency compared to its current model. Reports suggest that Maruti Suzuki could ditch the CVT for an AMT unit to keep pricing in check. The current generation Alto is available with two engine options including an 800cc petrol and a 1.0-litre unit with a standard 5-speed manual unit. Read – Maruti Ertiga Based Crossover ‘YHB’ Under Development
New Maruti Alto 2018 Mileage
Credited with a high fuel economy, the low displacing 658cc engine makes sense for the Indian market. Although, there is yet no clarity if Maruti Suzuki will use the same unit used in the JDM-spec model. The low displacing 660cc engine tuned to offer an impressive fuel economy over 30kmpl. With this, the petite hatchback is likely to become the most fuel-efficient car in India, toppling its larger sibling the all-new Dzire.
New Maruti Alto 2018 Exterior & Interior
With an aim to keep it abreast rivals, Maruti Suzuki India will made comprehensive aesthetic updates to its exterior design and styling. Major change will come in the form of the crossover-ish stance that will differentiate it from the existing mundane design. With these changes, the new Maruti Alto is expected to be more appealing in aesthetic terms. The sporty and crossover-like styling will bring it on par with arch rival Renault Kwid. Rumor has it that the new Maruti Alto 2018 will be based on the brand’s new global A-platform that also underpins the Ignis. Check Out – Maruti Future S Concept Pictures & Details
Significant changes will continue inside the cabin. The hatchback might also get additional kit. Maruti could pack in new comfort and safety bits to the model, however, there is yet no information as to what all features will be added. Speculations are on rife that the 2018 Maruti Alto might get a new touchscreen infotainment system with navigation similar to the Kwid. The hatchback’s updated model will be compliant with the latest safety and emission norms.
New Maruti Alto 2018 Competition
In the entry-level hatchback space, the all-new Alto 2018 will face a tough challenge from the Renault Kwid. Cars such as Datsun redi-Go, Hyundai Eon and Datsun Go will also take on Maruti’s best-selling model. Read: Maruti e-Survivor Mini SUV Concept Revealed
Latest Video – Maruti Suzuki Future S First Look Review
