The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 stands as one of India’s most popular entry-level hatchbacks, known for its affordability and efficiency. Equipped with a 796cc petrol engine, it delivers excellent fuel economy and smooth performance in city conditions. Its compact size makes maneuvering through traffic and tight parking spots effortless. The design is simple yet appealing, and the interiors are functional with essential features. Available in petrol and CNG variants, the Alto 800 appeals to first-time car buyers and budget-conscious families. With Maruti’s trusted reliability and widespread service network, the Alto 800 continues to dominate the compact car segment in India.
Highlight Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 796cc F8D Petrol (48 PS, 69 Nm) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG |
| Mileage | Petrol: 22.05 km/l, CNG: ~31.59 km/kg |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 3445mm × 1490mm × 1475mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
| Boot Space | 177 liters |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS with EBD |
| Infotainment (Top Variant) | Touchscreen, USB, AUX, Bluetooth |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹3.54 – ₹5.13 lakh |
| Suitable For | City drives, First-time car buyers |
Attractive Design and Stylish Look
The Alto 800 comes with a clean and compact design, featuring soft curves and a bold front grille that enhance its road appeal. It includes swept-back headlamps, body-colored bumpers, and steel wheels that give it a youthful vibe. The small dimensions and simple styling make it ideal for tight city driving. Maruti offers vibrant color options like Cerulean Blue, Mojito Green, and Uptown Red, adding to its charm. The car also features character lines along the sides and a slightly elevated rear end, giving it a subtle sporty touch. Despite its size, it looks smart and city-ready.
Powerful Engine and Powerful Performance
The Alto 800 is powered by a 796cc F8D three-cylinder petrol engine producing 48 PS of power and 69 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, delivering quick low-end response perfect for city commutes. Weighing under 750 kg, the car feels light and agile, especially in urban traffic. The engine is tuned for efficiency, and the CNG variant offers an excellent eco-friendly option. While not built for speed, the Alto offers steady performance for daily use and short highway drives. Its refinement is decent, and the clutch-light setup makes it beginner-friendly and practical.
Modern and Comfortable Interior
Inside, the Alto 800 features a dual-tone dashboard with silver accents that add to its modern appearance. The cabin layout is ergonomic with logically placed controls. Front seats offer good visibility and headroom, while the rear seats are best suited for two passengers due to limited space. The top variant gets power windows, central locking, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Although the interior materials are basic, the finish is decent for its price range. Storage options include bottle holders and dashboard space. Overall, the Alto 800 provides a simple yet functional and comfortable interior for urban families.
Security and Technology Features
The Alto 800 comes with standard safety features like driver-side airbag (dual airbags in higher variants), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a driver seatbelt reminder. Its body is built on Maruti’s HEARTECT platform, which offers some structural strength for a car in this segment. Technology features are basic but functional, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX input on top trims. It also includes central locking and remote keyless entry. Though it lacks advanced safety tech, the Alto 800 ensures compliance with mandatory safety norms and meets the expectations of budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is an ideal car for first-time buyers and small families seeking affordability, mileage, and reliability. It shines in daily city driving, offers low maintenance, and benefits from Maruti’s extensive service network. While it lacks modern tech and premium features, it excels in practicality and cost-effectiveness. Its compact dimensions, simple design, and frugal engine make it a perfect fit for urban use. For those prioritizing budget and functionality over luxury, the Alto 800 continues to be one of the best entry-level cars in India, proving that basic doesn’t mean boring or outdated.