Maruti Suzuki Alto has been on the top of the sales charts for a while now. Now, as the car completes 23 years on sale, the Indian carmaker has announced that the Maruti Suzuki Alto has sold over 45 lakh copies in over 2 decades. This makes it India’s highest-selling car.
In 2000, Maruti introduced the Alto. By 2004, the strong car sales made it India’s No. 1 car.
In 2010, Alto K10 was introduced. Alongside, a CNG variant was launched as well. By 2012, the Alto had reported sales of over 20 lakh units. In 2012, the Alto 800 was also introduced.
In 2014, the 2nd-gen Alto K10 was released. Meanwhile, the sales of the Alto were strong and by 2016, over 30 lakh units were on the Indian roads. In 2020, the Indian carmaker celebrated the 40 lakh sales milestone.
In 2022, the 3rd-generation Alto K10 was launched. It is available with a 998cc, three cylinder engine. It develops 66 BHP and 89 Nm of peak torque. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. A factory fitted CNG variant is also available.
Meanwhile, the Alto 800 was discontinued earlier this year. According to the carmaker, it would have been unviable to update the car to the new emission norms. The car was offered with a 796cc, 3-cylinder engine. It developed 47 BHP and 69 Nm. Maruti offered a 5-speed manual gearbox with the Alto 800. Further, a CNG variant is also available.
Global New Car Assessment Program, or Global NCAP, has released a bunch of crash test results under the Safer cars for India initiative. One of these is the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10. The hatchback received a 2-star adult protection and a 0-star child protection result.
Global NCAP also noted that the footwell area as well as the bodyshell were stable, and capable of withstanding any further loadings. It, however, did not test the Alto K10 for side pole impact test as it does not offer side airbags.
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is deficient in the Electronic Stability Control or ESC and hence was not tested for safety assist test. The small hatch also lacks compliance with the pedestrian protection norms.
Also Read – Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 scores only 2-Star Global NCAP crash test rating.