Maruti Alto 2000-2005 AX

Alto 2000-2005 AX Review

Maruti Alto is the 'step up' of Maruti’s once best selling 800. The Alto has proved itself to be the next Maruti 800 in terms of sale as the car is breaking records every month and has now been the Maruti’s biggest grosser. This has been the best seller in the Indian market and is one of the best cars in terms of both pricing and quality. Maruti Alto is designed on the same platform on which the company’s 800 and Zen were designed. The car follows the Japanese principle that strictly restricts the length of the car so that it comes under the small car segment. The car has a petite frame with low turn radius which makes it easily maneuverable in heavy traffic conditions. Launched nine years ago this car has totally displaced the Maruti 800 as the company's flagship model in the domestic market. As there are many options available in the market today but still the car is there in the market as it has adapted itself to the changing car market. The car has in it what an average Indian wants: reliability, cheap maintenance, and fuel efficient with decent levels of quality. The Maruti Alto LX is powered by a 47bhp FC engine which comes with a displacement of 796cc . The engine produces a decent amount of power and torque to give this hatchback a good acceleration and pick up. The car is very much fuel efficient as it delivers an average mileage of 16kmpl. Since the car is pretty economic as per Indian standards there is not much offered in the comfort and convenience aspect, but still it incorporates low fuel warning light and cup holders like features.

Maruti Alto LX Mileage

The car is powered by a 0.8 L 47bhp FC engine that in very much fuel efficient and generates a good amount of power and torque. The car is capable of running 14.6 km per litre in the city while it can cover a distance of 18.9kms in one litre on the highway . This mileage from the car is very good if compared to the other cars in the same segment like Chevrolet Spark, Honda Brio and Hyundai Santro. Maruti Alto comes with a 32 bit on-road computer for computerized fuel control that allows only a limited amount of fuel to enter into the combustion chamber and ensures that no fuel is wasted and each every drop is used efficiently.

Maruti Alto LX Power

This Maruti model is not a very powerful one but it not that disappointing either. The 796cc engine has 3 cylinders and 12 valves with SOHC configuration. This FC engine churns out a maximum power of 46bhp at the rate of 6200rpm and a peak torque of 62Nm at the rate of 3000rpm . The power may not be that impressive but it is all what this car needs to get a high acceleration.

Acceleration and pick up

Maruti Alto runs on a 796cc petrol engine which churns out a power of 46bhp @ 6200rpm and a torque of 62Nm @ 3000rpm. The power and torque generated by the 0.8 L FC engine is enough to accelerate the car from 0-100kmph in 17.7 seconds and can take the car to a maximum speed of 137kmph . The engine is mated to a manual transmission that uses 5 speed gearbox.

Maruti Alto LX Exteriors

The exterior of the car is designed in a very elegant manner . In the front the car has a simple grille with chrome Suzuki embossed on it with the stylishly designed bumpers that give this car appealing looks. The side profile of the car is also very simple; however, on account of low pricing the body coloured ORVMs and door handles are missing in the car. The turn indicators are placed traditionally above the wheel arches and only the side impact beam along the two doors is the highlight. The simplicity in the design philosophy of the car has been maintained at the rear end as well. This hatchback has an overall length of 3495mm; the total width of the car is 1470mm with the height being 1460mm . The wheelbase of the car is 2360mm with the ground clearance of 160mm.

Maruti Alto LX Interiors

Unlike the exterior the interiors of the car leave an impression on the spectator. The dashboard of the car is designed in dual tone of black and grey that renders it fair looks and feel. The instrumentation panel also adds to the beauty; instead of the Odometer the car has a digital tripmeter that can be reset anytime during the journey to calculate the amount of distance travelled. The interiors of the car provide enough comfort so that you can travel long distance without any problem .

Maruti Alto LX Engine

The car, under its hood carries a 0.8L FC petrol engine that is capable of pumping out a peak power of 47bhp at 6200rpm and 62Nm of peak torque at 3000rpm. The 796cc engine uses MPFI fuel supply system and 4 valves per cylinder with the valve configuration as SOHC.  The engine has the BSIV emission norm, which is the Bharat Emission Standard IV instituted by the government of India to keep a check over the pollution caused by internal combustion engine.

Braking and Handling

The brake mechanism of the car is handled by disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear which helps in de-accelerating the car. These brakes are assisted with booster which reduces the braking distance of the hatchback. The handling of the car is enhanced by the power steering and the power steering and a collapsible steering column. The car incorporates tubeless tyres with a size of 145/80 R12 and wheel with a size of 12 inches aid in better handling; the car has a minimum turn radius of around 4.6 m. The front suspension in the Maruti Alto VXi AT is McPherson strut with torsion type roll control device and rear suspension is coil spring with three link rigid axle and isolated trailing arms.

Safety Features

The safety features of this low priced hatch includes brake assist, passenger side rear view mirror, rear seat belts, side impact beams and engine check warning .

Stereo and Accessories

The car does not come with any stereo system but if needed a radio or a MP3 player could be fitted in the car to make your ride enjoyable .

Pros

Turning radius, price, Brakes, mileage

Cons

Safety features, exterior, stereo system