Maruti Suzuki has launched the Alto equipped with a K-series, 998 cc engine with peak power of 68ps@6200rpm and peak torque of 90Nm@3500 rpm. This version, called ‘Alto-K10’, comes with improved suspension, new cable-type transmission, better brake system and more knee-room for rear seat passengers. Alto-K10 is longer by 125mm to accommodate the bigger K-series engine. The existing Alto clocks average sales of over 20,000 units every month. Maruti Suzuki expects the Alto-K10 to bring in additional customers. The introductory price of Alto-K10 LXi is Rs. 3.03 lakh whereas the VXi is priced at Rs. 3.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and Rs 3.19 lakh and Rs 3.32 lakh for the (ex -showroom Mumbai) for the Lxi and Vxi respectively. The Alto-K10 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 13.3 seconds and delivers a mileage of 20.2 kmpl (as per ARAI).
“The Alto’s package of performance, fuel efficiency and attractive cost of ownership have together made it India’s most popular car. The Alto-K10 will take this forward. There are a growing number of first time buyers who seek more power, performance and attitude in their car, without having to stretch all the way to buy a higher segment car. The Alto-K10 is meant for them,” Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said.
It has a new aggressive front, with a differently styled combination of dynamic hood, bold eagle-eye headlamps with crystal-clear lens. The rear exteriors of the Alto-K10 now features a newly designed back door and a fresh set of rear combination lamps. The Alto-K10 comes with tinted glasses, large 13-inch tubeless tyres, body coloured bumpers, trendy wheel-covers, precise and smart front grill, front fog lamps, high mounted rear stop lamp, body side mouldings, remote back door opener, key lock reminder, two-tone interiors, all-new 3-spoke steering wheel, new colours for upholstery, internally adjustable rear view mirrors, colour coordinated door trim fabric, vanity mirror, accessory socket, stylish gear knob, rear parcel tray, integrated headrests at front and rear, ash tray, cup holder, all-new speedometer, tachometer and electronic tripmeter and front power windows.
The new Alto-K10 is BS IV compliant E-10 and ELV compliant and is available in an array of six colours namely Sunlight Copper, Midnight Black, Fire Brick Red, Superior White, Ecru Beige and Silky Silver. While the existing Alto will continue to serve customers across India, the new sibling, Alto-K10, is specifically targeted at those customers, who are looking for premium features and performance in an economical package. For the record, the existing Alto holds the singular achievement of selling the highest number of units by a single model in a month with a staggering 25,340 units in May 2010.
