My experience with the Alto

 

Exterior The Alto LXI has very simple and plain looks on the outside. Not too flashy and at the same time not too boring as too keep the fresh feel away from it. The headlamps neatly fit in with the looks of the car and with the chrom Maruti suzuki logo adding to the aura. The rear ofcourse is plain but at the same time goodlooking. The taillamp cluster is clear and bright. The exterior look of the car is even more enhanced with the addition of wheel hub covers. Overall, not too flashy and at the same time not too boring. Excellent.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The interior plastic quality is not too excellent. Also, one cannot expect more at the price at which the Alto is offered. The controls are basic and easily reachable. The car is provided with arm rests on the doors, cup holders, a roomy glove box and many cubby holes. Bad is the lack of grip in the door lock knob on the inside. It just looks like a stub.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine performance is amazing with the AC off. Ofcorse one can feel the drag in the engine when the AC is switched on. This makes overtaking and climbing slopes with AC on difficult. But one cannot expect more from a 3 pot 800 CC engine. One should remember that we are talking about an 800CC engine and not a V6. In the highway the one never feels the lack of power even with the AC on. It can easily do 120+ Kmph on the highway.

Fuel economy is excellent. Gives 22-23 Kmpl on the highway. Do not know about city driving conditions since I dont drive much in the city and haven't really checked it.

The gearbox is excellent. There is no glitch in the transmission and the stick easily slides into the slots and each time perfectly.

Ride Quality & Handling The ride comfort for the driver is much better than the passengers since, there is not enough leg room for the passengers at the rear. But the car doesn't appear to be too cramped. The noise level inside the cabin is not anything to complain about. The car has good grip, good braking characheristics and with a turning radius of 4.5m, it is a car one can easily drive. The power steering just make turning into tight spots and heavy traffic a breeze. Hence it is best suitable for new drivers. Driving upto 100 Kmph is fine, the engine seems to be smooth and one can feel the confidence the car gives. But once you cross the 100 Kmph mark, there is vibration from the engine felt and the car doesn't seem to be planted to the road.

Final Words Excellent car, solidly built with a good brand name to back upon. The excellent after sales service, excellent staffs of the dealer and service station, the lower maintenance cost (Spares of Alto is much cheaper) all add to the value of the car. The car delivers what it was intended to delivery and it does it in a best manner.

Areas of improvement Nothing specific. The shortfalls of this car, that is less rear leg room space, underpowered engine and simple looks are taken care by the Alto K10. Hence no complaints since the car delivers what it was built for.

Good mileage, smooth gear shift, easy driveability, does best what is neededLess power, rear leg room space