Maruti Alto K10

The interiors of the new Alto for 2014 have gotten complete makeover. The gear knob gets a newer design, there is an accessory socket, the instrument cluster is also newly designed and there are more colour schemes on the seats and dash. The dashboard has also been given a new look, which is more premium and the instrument cluster has also been changed with better quality dials. However, interior room and space is the same as as before with front passengers getting more room and rear passengers getting less.

The K10 engine as we already know is remarkable. It is essentially a 998cc petrol engine with 3-cylinders that can produce 68bhp and 90Nm of torque That is pretty decent considering the small size of the car. The K series is also very well refined and it is mated to a well-engineered 5-speed manual transmission. For the first time ever Maruti is also offering an automatic transmission with the Alto K10 and it also is very well engineered and works well with the engine.

Because the engine is very well refined and has decent power, the Alto K10 actually has some ‘oomph’ in its performance. The overall acceleration is very decent and the gear changes are once again smooth and easy. Even with the auto transmission, the gear changes are on time but a higher ratio would have been better, and the addition of another ratio as well for highway cruising. The overall ride quality has been improved a bit, but is still average as the same chassis and suspension setup is used as in the Alto 800. The steering is also decent but could be lighter as the response is a little slow. Once again the brakes are not the best because of the drum found in the rear.

The fuel efficiency is fantastic with the 1.0-litre engine able to provide almost 19kmpl, which is not bad for a small hatch with decent performance. With the auto transmission you might get around 17kmpl.

The Alto k10 has a few interesting features, but nothing to fancy. On the top end variant you can get power steering, front power windows and air conditioning.

On the safety front there is nothing to look forward to except front fog lamps, child lock doors and central locking. The highest variant does get driver airbags.

The Alto K10 is an entry-level hatch with the bare necessities, so don’t expect to find high quality components, althogugh the interior have been improved for the 2014 model. The exterior is simple and delicate as is the inside, which is made of not so good quality materials. However, the car is reliable and is well built, and can take on mostly all Indian road conditions without a problem, and with Maruti Suzuki backing you need not worry about finding parts or service centres. Not to mention its engine is very well built and well refined.

Once again the Alto K10 delivers on its promise of value for money. You definitely get your money’s worth every penny spent. For an entry level hatch with this performance and refinement it is your safest bet.

While the Alto K10 does have a very well built frame and well-refined engine, its design is a little bland compared to the rest of the competition. The Eon and Spark look better and also have more room, however the Alto K10 is cheaper and much easier to maintain and it now also gets an automatic transmission. So if you don’t mind driving an outdated looking car, the Alto K10 is good choice.