Maruti Suzuki launched the third generation Alto K10 on August 18. Based on Suzuki’s Heartect platform, the new Alto marks the return of the K10 sub-brand after over two years as the previous K10 was discontinued with the transition to BS6 emission norms.The third-generation Alto K10 is larger than its predecessor and gets an all-new exterior and interior design, and more features along with the brand’s new 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine. We tell you five key points you need to know about the new Alto K10.
Sits between the Alto 800 and S-Presso
The Alto K10 is priced from Rs 3.99 lakh for the base Std variant and goes up to Rs 5.84 lakh for the top-spec VXi+ AMT variant. This means that the prices of the new K10 overlaps with the decade old Alto 800 (Rs 3.39 lakh-4.45 lakh) and the high riding S Presso (Rs 4.25 lakh-5.99 lakh). This makes the Alto K10 about Rs 60,000 more expensive than the Alto 800, but Rs 25,000 less than the S Presso. The pricing also indicates that the Alto K10 faces competition from within Maruti's portfolio, with the Alto 800 being the relatively more attractive value proposition and the S Presso being the more practical choice, thanks to its spacious cabin.
Gets Celerio-inspired look
Measuring 3,350mm in length, 1,490mm in width, 1,520mm in height and with a wheelbase of 2,380mm, the K10 is 85mm longer, 45mm taller and has a 20mm longer wheelbase than the Alto 800. The width, however, remains the same as the Alto 800.
The shape of the new Alto K10 is more rounded than before, and more in line with the new Celerio. From the front, it features sweptback headlamps and a large grille, and the front bumper features new angular creases at the sides. There is no provision, however, for fog lamps or daytime running lamps.
The side profile is largely plain with one prominent shoulder line and a few more character lines than its predecessor. As standard, the Alto gets 13-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. From the rear, the Alto K10 looks largely similar to the Celerio.
New dashboard design, more equipment
The new K10 gets an upright dashboard design and taking centre stage here is the new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, same as the one found in the Celerio and S Presso. To add some flair, the Alto K10 gets silver accents on either side of the screen.
Switch gear like the steering wheel, control stalks, interior door handles and side AC vents have been taken from the Celerio. Even the placement for the front power window buttons – below the screen – is similar to the Celerio and the S-Presso.
In terms of features, the K10 comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, steering mounted audio controls, and a four speaker sound system. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Powered by new K10C petrol engine
The third-generation Alto K10 gets Maruti Suzuki’s new 67hp, 1.0-litre, K10C petrol engine and is the same unit that powers the Celerio and the S Presso. The engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic.
Courtesy of engine start/stop and dual jet technology, the new Alto K10 is even more fuel efficient than before. Maruti Suzuki claims a fuel efficiency of 24.39kpl for the manual version and 24.90kpl for the AMT version.
Takes on the Kwid and S-Presso
The only direct rival to the Alto K10 is the Renault Kwid, but, as mentioned before, buyers looking for the K10 are likely to also consider the Alto 800 and the S Presso from within the Maruti Suzuki portfolio given how similarly they are priced. Click here to read our detailed specifications comparison of the Alto K10 vs the Kwid and the S Presso.
Dont miss to check out our comprehensive first drive review of the Alto K10. You can also watch our video review here.
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