Maruti Suzuki fixes new wings to its most popular hatchback Alto K10 which is among the best seller car since its launch by clicking over 4.3 lakh cars since 2010. Maruti has sold over 26 lakh alto since its launch and it received powerful revision in 2010 as Alto K10 and now in 2014 K10 is in different avatar with better efficiency and AMT gearbox which makes it a least priced AMT car in the world overtaking its sibling Celerio. But will it be able to repeat or better the legacy of Alto as a reliable and common man car with AMT? Let’s find out-
Price:
New Alto K10 is certainly a car for common man who starts at an affordable price of Rs. 3.06 lakh and for AMT lovers its AMT version is available at Rs. 3.80 lakh makes it a cheapest priced AMT car in the world which is a commendable thing and for eco friendly freaks its CNG variant will cost you at Rs. 3.81 lakh.
All the above mentioned prices are ex-showroom Delhi.
Engine and performance:
At the heart of this new Alto K10 is all aluminum 998cc 1.0L petrol engine which is churns out 67bhp power and 90Nm torque will give you a zippy drive. Main highlighting point of new Alto k10 as we all know is inclusion of an automatic transmission the same transmission found in Celerio. We took new alto K10 on potholes and bumpy roads, stop-go kind of traffic to test and it felt very peppy and easy to drive better refined gear throw than Celerio AMT.
Throttle response was crisp and engine felt refined until you push it over 3500 rpm but it feels quicker than old Alto K10. The K10 performs at its best when you paired it with manual gearbox with strong acceleration in first three gears. Lower speed response is very well and you can reach 100 km/hr mark with fuss free driving. R13 tyres are not grippy especially on uneven roads and steering wheel also vibrates on higher speeds.
Ride and Handling is excellent makes it a fun to drive car, fuel efficiency has improved immensely up-to 24.07 KPL which makes it an all rounder car in the segment.
Space and Dimensions:
If there is any major drawback in Alto K10 it has to be the space and especially storage space, it contains storage space only for one bottle and two medium size cans, glove box is good to keep documents only. Rear bench space is also a concerned for 3 adults though it has improved from previous gen K10 but still there is scope of improvement; knee room is major drawback for the rear occupants and 117 litre boot space is too small.
Exterior and Interior:
Maruti has given New Alto K10 an all new update to make it different from 800cc Version with sharper and aggressive front fascia. 3D curved bonnet, Chrome finish grille with S logo and large swept back headlamps with silver inserts and wide air dam looks stylish than ever. Side profile is unchanged though larger rear view mirrors with improve the visibility. Rear side is now redesigned one with revised tail lights, single chrome line at the lower end of tail gate which makes it trendy hatchback than its previous model.
Inside the cabin which witness the main change with dual tone black-beige dashboard replacing the dull looking dashboard of previous GEN, new central console with piano black finish and silver accents but it cannot match fit and finish of Hyundai EON, from entertainment point of view it has updated audio system with USB and multimedia support which certainly looks up market, swift inspired steering wheel is sleek and easy to use and AMT gearbox with 12V socket.
Verdict:
Inclusion of an Automatic variant is certainly among the plus points this already popular hatchback with such an affordable price with the combo of Peppy performance and practicality. Revised interiors looks premium than ever and eye-soothing but rear space is still a problem. This best value for money car has upped its game by these add-ons which will certainly attracts more customers.
