Maruti Suzuki has begun work on an all-new Alto hatchback, the third-generation of the brand's bread-and-butter model which could see the light of day sometime late next year. The new Alto will be the third new product from Maruti to see a major update in the near future, with the others being the next-gen Celerio (slated to launch on November 10) and the heavily updated Baleno (expected by February 2022).

• Third-gen Alto expected to shift to Heartect modular platform
• Could see an update to its 796cc engine
• Will get a grounds-up overhaul to its exterior and interior

Next-gen Maruti Suzuki Alto: What do the first spy shots reveal?

The current-gen Alto has been on sale since 2012 when it was introduced as the Alto 800 in the Indian market. An important model for not just Maruti but also for Suzuki as the entry-level hatchback is also sold in both right and left hand drive layouts in many international markets.

The new Alto, seen here in these spy shots, looks quite familiar as far as basic design goes, which means the car could be more of an evolution of the previous-gen model and will stick to its hatchback character instead of trying to look like an SUV. The heavily covered test-mule does not reveal the final design, but it does show a few styling elements that can be expected on the new Alto. Some of these include a clamshell bonnet with larger, upward-swooping headlamps, front bumper with an oversized mesh grille and dedicated enclosures for fog lamp units on each corner.  On the sides, the car seems to be sporting a very similar glasshouse and door design as the outgoing model along with its pull-type door handles (will also be seen on the new Celerio) and front fender mounted turn indicator and 13-inch steel wheels. At the back, the new Alto could be equipped with larger and more squarish tail-lamp units and a slightly flatter tailgate design.

Along with the exterior, we expect the new Alto to get fresh interior design as well, however, one can expect features like manual AC, single piece front seats, power steering and dual airbags, to name a few along with higher versions getting a touchscreen system as well.

Under the hood, the Alto could continue with the tried and tested 796cc petrol engine that got upgraded last year for BS6 emission clearance. The new Celerio, however, will come with the K10C naturally aspirated engine with DualJet technology.  It remains to be seen whether Maruti upgrades the Alto's 796cc unit to something similar.

We expect a market introduction of the new Alto only in the latter half of next year. Before the Alto, Maruti is expected to introduce a slew of new and updated models like the Baleno, Celerio and CNG versions of some existing products.

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