Maruti were developing an expensive and slightly upmarket variant of the Alto with the K-series engine and we bring you the spy pictures and an image of the leaked brochure showing you the same. The new Alto, dubbed K10 will feature refreshed exterior styling and some interior changes along with new gearbox, engine and suspension to handle the extra power. The new Alto is expected to be priced approximately Rs 30,000 over the existing model. However, the new Alto in essence is Maruti’s pocket rocket – an answer to the more expensive hatchbacks that still make do with puny engines. Those who don’t need the extra space but look for power and fun are likely the ones to go in for the peppier Alto. The new Alto is the successor to the now discontinued Alto VX and VXi that came with the 1.1L engine.

There is another way to look at it too – Did Maruti slot the K10 in the Alto to beat Hyundai i10 and regain the tag of India’s most fuel efficient car? The new Alto manages to return 20.2km/l as per the ARAI cycle and beats the i10’s 19.8.

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Hit the jump for mode details and images.

The K-series engine needs no introduction in India. It started with the A-star followed by the Zen Estilo, new WagonR and finally the new Alto. It seems to be Maruti’s most used engine. The engine packs quite a punch and when powering a car that is as heavy as a feather, performance will be lively. 67bhp is expected to help Alto achieve 100km/h in a little over 13 seconds and top out at over 150km/h. The styling has been given a boost too – in Maruti’s terms, what that means is that the new Alto  has a new face and rear end. The lights are new as is the hatch door and rear lamps. Body coloured bumpers will be standard across the range while the older 1.1’s tachometer based instruments are expected to make a comeback. Steering wheel is borrowed from the A-star. As a result of these changes and a new engine, the new Alto is 125mm longer than the outgoing model.

To keep up to its price, the new Alto will come with some equipment as standard like power steering, internally adjustable ORVMs, key in reminder, remote boot and fuel lid opener, central locking, power windows, rear parcel tray, 12V accessory socket and electronic trip meter. It is expected to be launched in two variants LXi and VXi. Get back to Wheelosphere for more details.

Update ( 04/08/10):-  Maruti Alto K10 Now Launched Read The Story

[Motorbeam, Motoroids and Overdrive]

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