The new Alto K10 is originally based on the legendary Maruti Suzuki 800, but this one comes with a better refined K10 engine. In India the K10 series was introduced in 2011 and all small hatches from Maruti now feature the K10 engine, which is better refined for performance and fuel economy. However, for 2014 the K10 has been refreshed and it now also comes with an automatic transmission. It is a step above the Alto 800 in every aspect, from design and styling to engine and performance. The K10 competes against other small entry hatches such as the Hyundai Eon and the Chevrolet Spark.
Design & Styling
The exterior design has been completely redesigned and the Alto K10 is now a bit more aggressive with a better body stance on the road, and this is thanks to the addition of some more aggressive lines around the body of the car to make it less box-like in shape. It comes with a bigger chrome front grille with new sweptback headlights as well as fog lights and much more chrome around the car. The side is now got a unique wedged profile with inclined windows to give it a more modern look. The taillights have also gotten a jewel finish with a new design that makes the rear look wider.
+SHOW FULL REVIEW
Interiors
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.
Engine & Transmission
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.
Performance and Handling
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.
Fuel Efficiency
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.
Features
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.
Safety
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.
Quality & Reliability
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.
Value for Money
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.
Verdict
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.
-HIDE FULL REVIEW
Write a review for Maruti Alto K10
YOUR RATING (Required)
0.0
(Please make sure your review contains at least 200 characters.)
My first car is alto 2009 model and doing its job very well. The plus points of this car are great mileage, cheap maintenance cost, easy to drive through busy city roads and narrow pocket roads, power steering is so light, easily climbs any hill without hassle. Minus points are low pickup with A/C, poor ground clearance, rattling sound develops gradually from body. Fun to ride with two or three people but with five it is a burden.
Yesterday, I had a wonderful experience in my new ALTO...... Went all the way to Yamuna Expressway driving my new car... comfort, relief , fun and masti I had all...you cant get a better car in this price range... Its worth buying Maruti Alto....!!!
After 4months driving I am hearing creech noise from steering. Car headlamp inner reflector is broken even though it is their mfg. defect, they have not done any replacement.
While driving with Ac very poor pickup.
Good vehicle for common man, fuel economy is good for Indian roads and good pickup. good design. I like very much this vehicle good writing about the purchase of Maruti vehicle good and excellent
Its wonderful car in good amount. Its new stylish car and it very good space other than car.
It goes 100 km in 13 second and feature is solid I have seen car, when I have test ride I am very much satisfy .
Initially i was having 800 then I have purchased Alto Lxi BS4 in Sep 2010, car is having good fuel efficiency. I had traveled around 6000Kms & my car is giving me 19Kms/Ltr with AC on.While switching to AC on pick up goes down upto some extent but overall performance with AC on is good. AC is powerfull, cools cabin within 2 minutes. With 5 occupants & with AC on my car easily climb Pasarni ghat near Mahabaleshwar in 4th gear.
Drawbacks:- following two things yet to develop by company.
1.B pillar & rear pillar trims not available.
2.Wheel covers for LXI BS4 model is not available.
Maruti Alto is the true value car. if you want to buy car in small segment only then you must go for alto rather than other cars. i have compared all the features of alto and wagon r. after that i can say no body and buy Wagonr after paying 1 lac more.
I have purchased Maruti alto xcite in January 2010 what i have observed that performance of the vehicle is quite good average is good your service station based in Korba Chhatisgarh is good but Space is less compared to Hundai Santro.
Arun Chhatry
Korba Chhatisgarh
I have bought Maruti Alto K10 and I think am lucky that maruti launched it at the right time. :p
I love driving it on Delhi roads in a zig zag way. I like its Ride and Handling and fuel efficiency.
Gurpreet
We are sorry! You cannot login as your email address has not been verified yet. Kindly click on the link contained in the email to activate your DriveInside.com account.
If you have not yet received the verification email with the activation code, click on the link below to resend the activation code to you.