Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Safety Rating

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 received a minor design tweak with the 2019 version being launched. The headlamps sport a petal-like design, while the rear bumper, boot lid and body panels are the same as the previous model. The new component here is the front bumper. This now has a big air dam, along with plastic mesh in the honeycomb layout. There are fog lamp slots, although you have to pay extra for adding them. There is a brand new front grille as well, while a black-colored surround is also available. The outside mirrors also look new on the 2019 version. The front fascia has thus received a minor tweak. The honeycomb grille covers the entire stretch between the headlamps. The car still does not have LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The side profile looks the same as the earlier model, with steel wheels in silver or black, based on the variant in question.

The rear design in the 2019 version also looks similar to its predecessor. The 800 moniker has been slashed off the rear, with the name only being Alto. This is the only change, with the rear bumper, tailgate, and fenders coming from the 2012 model itself. The tail lights, however, have been slightly revamped to exude a more premium feel, something that does well to attract buyers. Design-wise, while there are only a few minor bits that are new, the Alto 800 still looks cute enough on the roads.

The 2019 Alto has a similar dashboard and some other components as the more premium K10 version. The new Alto has a dual-tone dashboard in black and beige, which is aesthetically more pleasing than the earlier grey setup. The instrument console and steering wheel are similar to the earlier-2016 (pre-facelift) version of the Alto 800. However, there are dual-tone cream and black fabric for the door pads and seats this time.

The 2019 version has three variants in total. These are the base-level Std, which does not get any noteworthy features at all. The LXi variant and upwards come with power steering, power windows in front, and air conditioning. The top-end VXi variant comes with keyless entry and central locking, in addition to the SmartPlay Dock 2-DIN audio system for the higher trims, with support for AUX, USB, and Bluetooth. There is also an AM/FM radio option available, although the absence of a touch screen infotainment unit (present in a rival like the Renault Kwid for instance) is a big miss.

The cabin has already seen several updates over the last few years. The previous dashboard has made way for the new one as mentioned. There is a new paint scheme and the new audio system is a nice touch as well. The instrument console looks better in this version of the Alto as well.

The 2019 version of the Alto does not get a touch screen infotainment unit. However, the higher variants do get the SmartPlay Dock 2-DIN audio system. This is a nice touch, with its AUX, USB, and Bluetooth compatibility, along with its AM/FM radio. Music and connectivity-wise, it is an improvement over the previous versions of the Alto.

The Alto has the F8D petrol 796 cc engine that is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission system. There is no AMT option available for this model, and this is only available for the Alto K10 version. The gearbox and engine essentially remain unchanged, even after the shift to BS-VI. The exhaust does change for the car in order to adhere to the new regulations. The power and torque figures also remain exactly the same as the BS-IV version. Performance-wise, the Alto feels well-put together, being suitable for city rides and commutes. The engine is more refined at the moment, although it lacks the punch and power that an enthusiast may desire.