Maruti is readying an all-new Alto K10 hatchback for our market which is expected to go on sale later this month. The new K10 is likely to be based on the Maruti Alto 800 which has been on sale since 2012.

The second-generation Alto K10 is expected to be powered by the same updated 67bhp and 9.1kgm K10 motor as the one in the Celerio hatchback. While the bodyshell is likely to be the same as the Alto 800’s, there will possibly be a few front and rear design tweaks. The front styling will comprise wraparound headlights which are expected to be placed wide and there will be chrome finish for the grille. The bumper will also be all-new and a wider bonnet will complete this more grown-up look. The wing mirrors are expected to be borrowed from the Celerio and at the back, the rear bumper and tail-lamps will get a different design as well.

The new Alto K10 will also get an all-new dashboard on the inside and the wheels will be 13-inch rims instead of the 12-inchers on the Alto 800.

Maruti is also expected to launch additional variants of the K10, such as the Alto K10 CNG and an AMT-equipped one (with the same technology as that available in the high-demand Celerio AMT hatchback).

The new Maruti K10, when launched, will compete with the likes of the updated Hyundai Eon 1.0, the Datsun Go and the Chevrolet Spark. The K10 launch will be the second of new-car launches from Maruti, the first one being the much-awaited Ciaz sedan that launches on October 6, 2014.