Maruti Suzuki launches Alto K10

Recent events (read new launches) in the Indian automotive industry have started eating into Maruti’s market share which has fallen below 50%. In a bid to regain its foothold, Maruti is launching new cars to fill every bit of gap in their lineup to ensure that a person who steps in a Maruti showroom always ends up buying one of their cars. To fill the minute gap above the Alto, Maruti has launched the Alto with a peppier K-series engine and more features. The new Alto is priced at Rs 3.03 lakhs and Rs 3.16 lakhs Ex-Delhi for the Lxi and Vxi variants respectively. The new model takes on the decade old Santro that is priced between Rs 2.77 to Rs 3.64 lakhs.

Video:- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Commercial Aug 2010

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Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 – details, specifications and images Jul 2010

Hit the jump for more details, specifications, press release and images.

The new Alto has received some serious mechanical and visual changes. Visually, we have a new front end module right from the lights to the bumper and radiator grille. The rear end is new too bearing more than a passing resemblance to the old Zen in the new tinted windshield, lights and repositioning of the license plate to the hatch door. Body coloured bumpers are available for the first time (since Maruti discontinued the VX/VXi 1.1) as are front power windows, 12v power socket, parcel shelf, colour coordinated fabrics, engine immobilizer and some more.

Mechanically, the biggest change is the new three cylinder 1.0L K-series engine that transforms the Alto K10 into a pocket rocket. Maruti claims a 0-100km/h time of just 13.3 sec. To maintain control over the power, there is a new cable operated gearbox, upgraded brakes and stiffened suspension. In spite of spirited performance, the Alto also returns stellar fuel economy of 20.2km/l according to ARAI beating the Hyundai i10’s 19.81km/l.

The Alto K10 certainly seems to hit the sweet spot for people looking at a spirited drive at a low price. Moreover, the Alto is reasonably solid and has proves itself over millions of kilometres and owners in India. Add Maruti’s service network and the deal is irresistible.

Press Release

Maruti Suzuki launches Alto-K10

New Delhi, August 04, 2010

Package of best in class fuel efficiency, power and performance

Brand Alto, India’s largest selling car brand, now gets even more strength.

Maruti Suzuki today launched another version of Brand Alto, equipped with a K-series, 998 cc engine. This version, called ‘Alto-K10′, comes with improved suspension, new cable-type transmission, superior brake system and more knee-room for rear seat passengers.

The existing Alto clocks average sales of over 20,000 units every month. Maruti Suzuki expects the Alto-K10 to bring in additional customers.

On the occasion of Alto-K10 launch, Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said “The Alto’s package of performance, fuel efficiency and attractive cost of ownership have together made it India’s most popular car. The Alto-K10 will take this forward. There are a growing number of first time buyers who seek more power, performance and attitude in their car, without having to stretch all the way to buy a higher segment car. The Alto-K10 is meant for them”.

Highlights of Alto-K10

Fuel efficiency: 20.2 km per litre – the highest among petrol cars in A2 segment

Performance: Alto-K10 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 13.3 seconds

New cable type transmission for easy gear shifting and enhanced driving pleasure

Changes in Dimensions, Exterior and interiors:

Alto-K10 is longer by 125mm to accommodate the bigger K-series engine. It has a new aggressive front, with a differently styled combination of dynamic hood, bold eagle-eye headlamps with crystal-clear lens.

The Alto-K10 comes with

Tinted glasses
Large13-inch tubeless tyres

Body coloured bumpers
Trendy wheel-covers

Precise and smart front grill
Interesting body side mouldings

Stylish tail gate

Plush two-tone interiors and an all-new 3-spoke steering wheel. These are aided by

Vibrant new colours for upholstery
Vanity mirror

Colour coordinated door trim fabric
Accessory socket

Stylish gear knob
Rear parcel tray

Integrated headrests at front and rear
Ash tray and Cup holder

All-new speedometer, tachometer and electronic tripmeter
Front power windows

The designers imparted special attention to the rear exteriors of the Alto-K10 with a newly designed back door and a fresh set of rear combination lamps.

While the existing Alto will continue to serve customers across India, the new sibling, Alto-K10, is specifically targeted at those customers, who are looking for premium features and performance in an economical package. For the record, the existing Alto holds the singular achievement of selling the highest number of units by a single model in a month with a staggering 25,340 units in May 2010.

Superior power and fuel efficiency

Alto-K10 is powered by a 998cc three-cylinder ‘K10B’ engine
Peak power of 68ps@6200rpm

Fine balance of more power and high fuel efficiency
High torque of 90Nm@3500 rpm Low emissions and Low NVH.

Remarkable peppy performance

Alto-K10: High on Safety and Security

Collapsible steering column
Headlight leveling device

Improved suspension system
The child locks on the rear door

Improved brake system
Central locking

Side impact beams
i-CATS, to minimizes chances of a burglary

Front fog lamps
High mounted rear stop lamp

Comfort

 Air-conditioner and a heater

  Power Steering

  13-inch tubeless radial tyres

  4.6 meters turning radius to take on traffic and parking challenges

  A high 160 mm ground clearance

  Improved knee-room for rear seat passenger comfort

  Remote fuel tank lid opener

  Remote back door opener

  Key-off reminder

  Internally adjustable ORVM

Environment Friendly

  BS IV compliant o E-10 and ELV compliant

The new Alto-K10 is available in an array of six colours :

v Sunlight Copper v Fire Brick Red v Ecru Beige
v Midnight Black v Superior White v Silky Silver

Introductory Price

Model City Ex Showroom (Rs)
Alto-K10 LXi Delhi 3.03 lakh
Alto-K10 VXi Delhi 3.16 lakh