UPDATE: 2019 Maruti Suzuki Alto review, test drive

The Maruti Suzuki Alto is the bestselling car in the country and it has consistently performed well in terms of sales for over fifteen years. Maruti has just launched an updated version of the Alto 800, which now comes with a new front bumper, a more prominent grille, more safety equipment than before, and updated bodywork to comply with the upcoming crash and pedestrian safety regulations. It's also removed the '800' from the name, to simply calling it – the Alto. We help you pick the variant of the Alto 800 that matches your needs the best.

What are the engines on offer?

The 2019 Alto continues to be powered by a 48hp, 796cc, three-cylinder petrol engine, which has been made BS-VI-compliant with the latest update. What that means is that the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions are now 25 percent lower than before, but this has come at the cost of fuel efficiency as the figures have dropped from 24.70kpl to 22.05kpl. There is only one gearbox on offer, which is a 5-speed manual.

What are the variants on offer?

The new Alto is offered in three variants – the entry-level Std, the mid-spec LXi and the top-spec VXi. The Std and LXi variants can be had with an option package – which adds the passenger side airbag – for a little more money.

The base Std variant is priced at Rs 2.94 lakh. It gets ABS with EBD, a driver side airbag, reverse parking sensors, a speed warning, a front seatbelt reminder and dual tone interior as standard. It, however, misses out on power steering and air conditioning. For an additional Rs 3,000, you can add a passenger airbag to the Std (O) variant.

The mid-spec LXi variant, priced at Rs 3.50 lakh, is Rs 54,000 more expensive than the base variant and is decently well equipped. You can opt for a passenger airbag for an additional Rs 5,000 in the LXi (O), which is an option we would highly recommend. This variant features power steering and air conditioning, along with powered front windows, silver interior accents, retractable rear seatbelts, rear child locks, remote boot and fuel lid opener, body coloured handles and mirrors. The factory-fit CNG option is also available only on this variant.

The top-spec VXi is priced at Rs 3.72 lakh, which makes it Rs 22,000 more expensive than the LXi variant. It comes with a factory-fitted music system which has Bluetooth and USB connectivity, remote key central locking, 12V power socket, rear parcel tray, two speakers at the front and internally adjustable mirrors.

Which is the variant you should buy?

The 2019 Alto LXi variant provides you with all the basics and a decent amount of safety equipment. What you miss out here are a few creature comforts like a music system and 12V power socket. And this is the variant to go for if you can live without those features. We recommend avoiding the base Std variant as it doesn’t come with power steering or air conditioning.

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi