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Bad deal

A Review by Manish on Maruti Suzuki Alto LXi - BS III
14 August, 2006


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Model Rating  :   80 reviews
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 User's Ratings for the car

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Comfort
Performance
Value for Money
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Overall
Pros : Looks cute
Cons : bad pickup with the AC on and very crampy
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Total Views 28192
People Liked 153
People Disliked 26
Well, I have been driving this car for the last 3 years now.
I had bought this coz of few reasons like:
Was single and needed a small car.
Reasonable price
More Mileage
Less Maintenance

Nothing against the Maruti guys...but this car is nothing but a Maruti 800 with a different body.
The smart thing what these guys did was that they tapped a particular segment of customers who were kindof feddup with the Old Maruti 800 and could not afford a bigger or a costlier car. And Maruti Introduced Alto with the same engine of Maruti 800 with a different body which would cost you about 70 grands exxtra.
They could have done better, much better:
now what badly needs improvement:

1. Power of the engine should be increased and the size should be made atleast a decent 1000CC.
This would eliminate the AC problem too and the pickup would be better.

2. Some leg space for people sitting at the rear seat, they forgot the basics here and the rear seats are designed for 6 year olds only.

3. The price should remain the same if not decreased.

The shape of the car has been liked by manny including me, if these guys just do the modifications i have mentioned abbove i am sure this car could beat any other of its segment(Santro, Indica and Wagon-R etc)...!


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74 Comment(s) on this Review

  1. on 12 Apr, 2007 at 04:56 PM Tickleveebupink

    I feel it is inferior than 800. Maruti has simply dress up the 800 but with less room and more body weight.By incressing revs Maruti has incresed its BHP which does not matter at average speed as no one revs at 6500 RPM. in my opinion it better to go for 800 which has much room and accelaration and less cost than Alto.

  2. on 13 May, 2007 at 05:36 PM Vermasatya

    I totally agree..Alto is hellish with AC on...i think one should buy only 1000 cc cars 800 is not meant for AC's

  3. on 04 Sep, 2007 at 04:33 PM Bhavani Yeddanapudi (Mumbai)

    i was in dilemna whether to go for alto or estilo. it cleared my dilemna.

  4. on 23 Oct, 2007 at 03:32 PM Kunal (Pune)

    I have used almost all the cars available. But i find alto more superior than other cars comparing the price, milege, control, maintenance, performance, comfort.

  5. on 20 Mar, 2008 at 01:37 AM Asa Asa (Cochin)

    the best

  6. on 12 Apr, 2008 at 11:38 AM Vasant Naik (Thane)

    YES ITS BEST BUT PICK UP PROBLEM WHILE AC IS ON IS ALSO TO REMOVE BY MARUTI SUZUKI.I BUY THIS CAR ON 6TH APRIL 2008

  7. on 28 Apr, 2008 at 11:43 AM Satish Dhage (Pune)

    good one but less power with Ac on. max speed is 100kmph

  8. on 05 May, 2008 at 09:23 PM Chaitra29391

    my dad is gonna get a new alto 2moro......
    but after reading to the comments tht it hellish with ac on....i felt like its of no use in the long run......but we hav already buyed it.......i need some cars with more speed....

  9. on 09 May, 2008 at 01:42 PM Vijayashree_Bhomkar

    I want to buy car but seeing this comments i am scare to buy now

  10. on 14 May, 2008 at 05:37 PM Bcmalkani

    I want to buy new alto care but after reading these all comments, now diverting my plan for other car.
    B.C. Malkani

  11. on 16 May, 2008 at 09:18 PM Dazzler8764

    hi readers, ihave both m800&alto
    alto is not so bad,better space b/w driving seet and steerng,bigger seets than m800,max speed near 125 km/hr

  12. on 18 May, 2008 at 07:30 PM Amit (Jalandhar)

    i was just planning to buy alto lxi but after reading comments of users .i have o think over it as i want a comfort,speed as well as power so it is not meant for all these things so need to think

  13. on 02 Jun, 2008 at 04:38 PM Davee Bali (Chandigarh)

    yes i m agree with the user he have a experience and also given a good guidelines to aulto organisation,middel class if purchase this car but with a.c. this car dosent gave a comfort of speed thats why know i m also seeing for another car accept this aluto

  14. on 05 Jun, 2008 at 04:26 PM Pushparaj Fernando (Madurai)

    I am actually contemplating for the past few months to go for Alto. But now reading this comment, i think, i need to go for something like Chevrolet U-va or Indica V2 xeta

    Pushparaj (Madurai)

  15. on 15 Jun, 2008 at 08:48 PM A.Sathyamurthy (Coimbatore)

    I have been driving Alto for the past 4 years and earlier Maruti 800. Alto is much better with AC on than 800 and has more leg and boot space than 800. Expecting it to have more power and space is asking for more than what is available in the market. You just get what you are paying for! If you want more power go in for bigger i e a costlier car! There will be no complaints!

  16. on 09 Jul, 2008 at 03:16 PM R.Narayanan

    I think Mr.Sathyamurthy's comment is perfectly correct. There is no point complaining as a car for three lakhs can only provide this much. Alto is a good car, no doubt.

  17. on 11 Jul, 2008 at 12:24 PM Manish Kumar Gupta (New Delhi)

    I also want to say comparison should be on same price, and no other company is providing any car on this rate, at which we are getting alto. So if you think about feature, So it the best availble car in market with this amount.

  18. on 24 Jul, 2008 at 10:11 AM Mgopinath103

    Yes, Mr. Manish Kumar Gupta Rightly said. If u throw peanuts and ask for tiger to come for that...; What more can one expect for a price of 3 lakh rupees.

  19. on 28 Jul, 2008 at 10:48 PM Sarath

    @Satish Dhage (Pune)
    yarrrr the max speed is nt 100 kmph...
    (may b u dnn knw 2 driv fastly or else da road prob)
    i hav touchd 155 kmph... :D

  20. on 28 Jul, 2008 at 10:53 PM Sarath

    i hav tchd 100 km/h in an ordnry road... wid mah smply sprb alto..... no doubt itz a gr8 car....
    dnt worry... go 4 it... u'll luv it...

  21. on 30 Jul, 2008 at 12:14 AM Shiva Kumar.Patnala (Hyderabad)

    shiva kumar
    i bought the Alto in the year 2006 im telling very honestly Alto is really a very good car for middle class.Because it is a low maintainence car for the one who owned it. im really feel great witn the Alto A/C if we put it in high speed it will get cool with in a 2 mins really really great car.Till now i havenot spend a single rupee on the car for getting repair.Because it is a no problem car i really advice to every one to go for ana Alto...

  22. on 11 Aug, 2008 at 12:35 PM Abhishek Bhattacharya (Noida)

    I am single,thats why i chose this car.For single person this is good,not for five person.Very small leg space,Poor pick up.For office up down this is good otherwise its a failure carYou cant use it for your family purpose.Also this is not good for hill station.

  23. on 15 Aug, 2008 at 06:13 PM Ajaiswal_Dse

    Folks,
    I have driven this car for last year and half. I cant say that driving this car is helluva experience. But this is my first car and it gave all things mattered most to me- mileage, low on maintanence and easy to drive. If you are buying your first car and have a limited budget, this is a good choice.

  24. on 01 Sep, 2008 at 04:24 PM Chrisekm

    I totally agree. Alto bad pickup with the AC on. Shape looks Good (only 15 days experience).

  25. on 05 Sep, 2008 at 03:10 PM Sameer Shastri

    I bought alto 2 months back. Its realy good car and have all features of costlier cars. Excellent for city driving, parking, good mileage, less maintenance and of course good look. Pick up while AC on is less, but no need to put AC on all the time as it get cool faster. No car can beat alto - price performance wise.

  26. on 25 Sep, 2008 at 02:47 PM Ruby Abhilash (Alleppey)

    i want to buy a car but did all pls say that alto is good or not.i like that car thats why but i dnt knw about the mechanical side,i think its a cute beautiful small family car i am right or not

  27. on 14 Oct, 2008 at 01:53 PM Ashish

    Hi, I did read this blog before purchasing my first car i.e. Alto Lxi. Its not almost 7 months and my experience using Alto is much satisfactory level. I have never drawn a car before, thus my experince is superb with Alto. You can reach 100KM/ph easily on highway with AC ON and having 4 adult people in the car. That means it does give you enough spped and a comfort too. Yes, its pickup and rear sitting arrangements are little odd but considering cost its a worth a deal.

  28. on 29 Oct, 2008 at 04:54 AM Srirangaraj (Mysore)

    Alto is a good car, Buy it true value for money & it is good for small family to go for short trips & cost effective too...

  29. on 06 Dec, 2008 at 12:59 PM Bharathi (Erode)

    Really, those who want to buy car have new thoughts after reading. Sincerely i m feeling that this is very good blog. Though i had a very little knowledge on automobile i could grasp so many things on reading this. Keep it up. Good luck.

  30. on 18 Dec, 2008 at 07:57 PM R. N .Pal

    I am having a Santro zing XP. But still I want to go for a much smaller new car for office going in crowded roads of Noida. Can somebody advise me-Should I go for a M 800 Or Alto Lxi car.

  31. on 20 Dec, 2008 at 11:50 AM Vinod (Jalandhar)

    i wanted to purchase an Alto Lxi, but after going through the comments and problem of power and AC, i think it is better to go for Spark , since it is 1000 cc and running very sucessful vechicle.

  32. on 23 Dec, 2008 at 03:37 PM Zach

    I own a 2005 Alto Lxi. the reasons that made me buy this car were:
    1. Small car for city drive
    2. Easy parking on crowded streets
    3. Best mileage in its category
    4. Low on road price
    5. Smart looks.

    I get around 13.5 in the city with a/c and 21 on highways with a/c. Max speed achieved is 135 k/hr with 3 adults in the car.
    i will recommemd it to folks who are looking for a fuel efficient car for a hassle free drive in the city.
    Only drawback is the power drop while using a/c.

  33. on 28 Dec, 2008 at 09:32 PM Sid.Nadem

    crazy people if u av so many complains than hav huge money in ur pocket to buy a costlier car.ALTO is the best because i am purchasing it

  34. on 09 Jan, 2009 at 09:00 AM Sinin Chandran (Calicut)

    sinin chandran (cochin)
    i bought alto last month....i likes its look, performance....it is a car for a small family.....in this respects, i think it will satisfy clever customers

  35. on 09 Jan, 2009 at 06:10 PM R.Nageswari (Trichy)

    after reviewed all the reviews i have changed my decision to buy alto instead of astar thankyou viewers
    v

  36. on 17 Jan, 2009 at 03:22 PM Gopal

    Alto should be selected as number one in terms of price, look, maintenance, etc. Other cars may come or go tomorrow, but maruti is ours really! It will not stop production at least in this large segment of middle class family car.
    All the best for those who buy the car tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow..... It will have to be the best for indians.

  37. on 01 Mar, 2009 at 10:18 AM Hema

    i think it is SST(meaning sasta,sunder,tikau),i have no experience for any car,planning to buy one,with the same range,if u can guide or have any suggestion,let me know.as one must learn from others experience............Hema Bhatt(Thane)

  38. on 04 Mar, 2009 at 05:04 PM Anand (Navi Mumbai)

    Hi friends,

    I had M800 for last 12 years & now I have ALTO Lxi since JAn 09, Superb Car in its category, Big, Big, Big difference between 800 & alto,I drove Chevy Spark too, but very BAD,
    i will suggest to go for Alto even blindly, it gives me 24 KMPL on highways with Top speed of 125 KMS/Hr. Its cheap in maintainance cost. Advise to use Mobil 1 synthetic Oil 5w50 (SuperSync) in it & enjoy the ride,
    All the best have fun with Alto

  39. on 15 Mar, 2009 at 03:16 PM Bharat

    I do not understand Y people have made there mind that they can't get better car in this money. Guys just go and look for option. Santro is best return of money by paying just small amount extra..check out santro's power, driving comfort, iterior, seats, Strong body. 2.8L is high for ALTO kinda car. You have lot of options 3L is not small amount. Any commpany can make this kind car in 2.8L but simply they don want to....

  40. on 15 Mar, 2009 at 03:21 PM Bharat

    Suggetion for ZACH, never try to drive it at more than 80KM/hr..its deadly mistake people make. Its just for city ride. If at more than 80KM it hits something nothing will remain...Please be carefull this car is not for adventure...its just for grand parents ou houdewifes for grocery shoping.

  41. on 22 Mar, 2009 at 09:08 PM Jibin (Cochin)

    for bharath
    Mr are u an old man??? does not need any comfort security nd safety then better try cycle rikshaw..tats best..not much expense..nd lot of power..nd very high speed. u cn go at speed of 128.75 kmph..no pblm if u hit sum one.all the best

  42. on 23 Mar, 2009 at 11:50 AM Dr.Goutam Sarkar (Kolkata)

    I am driving ALTO LX since Sept 2006.It is a very good car for small family.It is fit for any type of Indian roads.For city drive it is excellent in all aspect.I used to go for a 2-3 days outing with family in every month but not yet I have faced any problem.In city driving I have got unbelieveable max. milage 28.5 kmpl(avg. speed 45-55km/hr)and on highway I have got max.milage 19.2 kmpl(avg.speed 90-105km/hr).It is a car of choice for the beginers.It is truly a pocket friendrly & hasslefree ca

  43. on 07 Apr, 2009 at 05:23 PM Purushothaman (Madurai)

    ALTo OR SPARk or Santro
    which is best for riding 1000Kms in city per month ?

  44. on 07 Apr, 2009 at 06:14 PM Dipanjan Sengupta (Jamnagar)

    I think within the similar price range, Spark is a better option than Alto. But considering the no of service centres, after sales service & maintainance cost, Alto scores much better than Spark.

  45. on 08 Apr, 2009 at 09:50 AM Pankaj.Apndey

    Let's go with an Alto

  46. on 12 Apr, 2009 at 02:35 PM Rajinder Singh (Patiala)

    iwant to buy a new smal car so plz tel me clearly which is best for me i hve option of spark,alto,and santro zing.so plz tel me .thnx

  47. on 06 Jun, 2009 at 07:32 PM Shiboo

    we bought Alto yesterday because i have to travel a lot in the city. The mileage we heard is also very good. I personally feel once you sit in the car there is a lot of sound of tyres and engine comes in even when the windows are all closed? Is it because it doesnt have the parcel shelf behind?? Any comments?

  48. on 15 Jun, 2009 at 11:14 AM Devender

    iam about to buy an alto lxi , i hope i get better performance my only requirement from the car is a good AC and power stearing[not looking for speed or power] my average drive per day would be 40 - 60 Km just for office two way drive, i hope iam making the right choice , any comments...

  49. on 24 Jun, 2009 at 06:56 PM Suresh Kumar

    Expert suggestions pls.
    Which one shuld b selected for 1000 Km per month in Delhi NCR
    1. ALTO Lxi- Metallic (Net=Rs 2.75 L)
    2. SPARK LS-Beige Intrr (Net=Rs 3.15 L)
    3. SANTRO GLS-Metallic (Net=Rs 3.45 L)
    Considering the facts like mileage, maintainance cost, driving comfort, safety, value for money.
    Above models of Sprk & Sntro have Front Pwr
    Window, Body clr bumper & good intrr in + to ALTO.
    Should i go with Dealers addition of CNG wth
    warranty of CAr but premium of Rs 15000/?

  50. on 25 Jun, 2009 at 02:50 PM Gaurav (Patna)

    I am planning to buy a car in next few days.I need suggestion in this regards.I wil be using it fro almost 1000 kms in not so good roads.Can anybody wilol suggest me ,which car i should go for.My budget is 4 lacs (onroad)

  51. on 27 Jun, 2009 at 10:39 AM Mj Pop (Michael .J.Jackson)

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  52. on 10 Jul, 2009 at 11:07 AM Ad_Rd

    When Alto lounch in india it was 1000 cc engine and price was also high but because of poor responce they chenge it on 800 platform
    and now you are asking for the same car which they lounch first time in india.

  53. on 10 Jul, 2009 at 11:08 AM Ambar Dangare (Pune)

    When Alto lounch in india it was 1000 cc engine and price was also high but because of poor responce they chenge it on 800 platform
    and now you are asking for the same car which they lounch first time in india.

  54. on 13 Jul, 2009 at 02:02 PM Niranjan Raju (Mumbai)

    Alto LXi is a very decently fuel efficient car. You will not get this feature in any other car (other than Nano, but that is a different story altogether). Santro too gives lesser FE than Alto. Also, the comment that Alto's performance in hillstation roads is not decent, is wrong. I have taken my car upto Ooty and Kodai, and not once did I face any issues. Yes, if you drive up the slope with A/C on and with a lot of luggages,I think even Santro would pant by the time you reach the top.

  55. on 07 Aug, 2009 at 12:49 PM Surenraj (New Delhi)

    freinds if i go for alto from true value how old model i should chose. after 3-4 years old alto have any engine problem pls tell can after 50000km alto goes dammage

  56. on 17 Aug, 2009 at 03:19 AM Sanju4317

    dear surender plzz contact to ur friend sanjay he will tell u everything abt alto

  57. on 18 Aug, 2009 at 01:57 PM Navin Kumar (Muzaffurpur)

    dear Experts
    i am going to buy a car but very much confused between alto lxi, Spark & santro pls suggest

  58. on 24 Aug, 2009 at 11:29 AM Varun (Jalandhar)

    hey guys and gals and d ladies and gentleman, u all have screwed it all,

  59. on 27 Aug, 2009 at 03:15 PM Manohar Venkatraman (Chennai)

    Dear Friends,
    I am planning to buy a car within a few weeks. Let me know whether to buy alto LXI or Santro xing gs. Thanks in advance
    Manohar Venkatraman

  60. on 27 Aug, 2009 at 04:55 PM Sandeep Kalshan

    SANDEEP KALSHAN- DELHI

    Hi all, i think you can't expect more than that if you are spending 3 lakh rupees.

    Good things.
    1. Good average.
    2. Very effective A.C.
    3. Good looking, easy to park.
    4. Low maintenance, good power steering, good breaks.

    Bad things.
    1. Pick up is not good when A.C is on.
    2. Some time gears stuck.

    I thinks its a good option. Please go for it.

  61. on 27 Aug, 2009 at 10:27 PM Keerthiblack

    i find alto more superior than other cars comparing the price, milege, control, maintenance, performance, comfort.
    but less power with Ac on.

  62. on 31 Aug, 2009 at 09:54 AM Sumit

    I took loan for Alto LXI, it will cost me 2.77 Lac, Now recently Zen launched, i am bit confused, what i do, actually i submited Alto quatiotion to back, can i buy Zen now after paying rest of amount kindly suggest me ?

  63. on 31 Aug, 2009 at 09:59 AM Sumit

    even i have maruti 800, again i am going to that segment....?

    Some correction is there i submit quatiotion to Bank

  64. on 01 Sep, 2009 at 06:46 AM Anish Korde (Thane)

    People!!! Lets shut up the critics!!!

    Firstly the AC is good enough even if the Alto has 3 cyclinders. To get Rid of the Pick up Problem while teh AC is on Do the following,

    1. Use K&N Performance Air Filters - guanranteed increase in horsepower. Check their Website for more details

    2. Iridium Spark Plugs - for good combustion and pickup + mileage

    3. Free Flow exhaust for more pick up - but this will decrease your mileage a lil less and PUC clearance, (read next comment)

  65. on 01 Sep, 2009 at 06:56 AM Anish Korde (Thane)

    Ok..the drop in mileage shud be compensated by the Air Filter and Spark Plugs, but its expensive and needs ECU remapping. So leave it if your are not keen on Super Power. Just Stick to Performance Air Filter & Iridium Spark Plug. Next use a good 20W50 Grade Oil. I recommend Idemitsu Oils. Use Nulon engine additive to smoothen out the Engine walls and add Bharat Petroleums Iftex Petrol Additive. These 5 basic things such as Filter, Spark Plugs, Oil, Nulon & Additive will give you (next comment)

  66. on 01 Sep, 2009 at 07:02 AM Anish Korde (Thane)

    ..will give you power & balance your mileage. Using Tubless Radials on normal wheels or Alloys with Nitrogen gas can let you go 140 kmph + without any fear. Be sure to Buckle Up!! Put a small Air scoop in the bonnet to act as a Cold Air Intake to enhance Air Flow to the engine. I have tried this on my Bullet, My Dads Scorpio and my Wife's Alto and my Mom's Santro and my friends whatever they drive. Trust me..Call me if you need more info....

  67. on 01 Sep, 2009 at 07:02 AM Anish Korde (Thane)

    for Exhaust Systems check Auto Mech engineers Mumbai

  68. on 11 Sep, 2009 at 11:43 PM Subhransu Sekhar Pal (Cuttack)

    I am planning to buy an alto. But after reading the comments, now i'm getting confused. Can anybody suggest me?

  69. on 24 Sep, 2009 at 12:50 PM Sddsf

    sfgsdfds

  70. on 07 Oct, 2009 at 11:21 AM Roshan

    mr. subhransu sekha... u r a real nonsense..even after reading all the comments said by Mr. Anish Korde why can't you understand. Please go ahead and buy Alto.. Really superb!!!

  71. on 08 Oct, 2009 at 04:21 PM Ardjhjhg (New Delhi)

    Raj(Shalimar Garden)
    hi, guys i wanna buy a car which should hav a better deal for me as i m new to this kind of purchase.suggest me some models between 3-4 lacs.

  72. on 03 Nov, 2009 at 07:47 PM Anoop R Nambiar (Bangalore)

    Hi, guys.. im using alto since aug 2007, and i found it as a pretty cool car for a small family. very much ideal for city run. less maintanence, spare parts cheap, and ofcourse any workshop across india can repair a maruthi alto / 800..and ofcourse in high ways i even got 23-24Km/liter with power petrol..with AC ofcourse it snarls.. but.. in highways, you can manage it.. I still recommend Alto for a small family.

  73. on 11 Nov, 2009 at 01:58 PM Krishna (Warangal)

    I am planning to by a car, i have no experiance in autofield suggest me, my usage 300 to 500 KM per month, i want a family car with affordable price ,less maintance and much milage. what make,model is suitable

  74. on 15 Nov, 2009 at 08:06 PM Namrata

    Mr Krishna , i wud suggest you to go for the maruti swift Vdi , as mileage is good , as i am driving my swift Vdi for the last 2 years & it gives me a mileage of 22 kms & since maruti is also known for its low maintenence , so u can think for swift vdi .I will also suggest u tht bfore u buy any car just go for a test drive , after all u will be paying frm ur pocket .

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