Maruti Alto K10: Top 5 Pros & 5 Cons To Know Before Buying

Maruti Alto K10 is by far the most popular & top-selling entry-level hatchback in India. It's been on sale for more than two decades, and customers love it for its practicality & affordability. In 2022, Maruti gave it a complete makeover, transforming the appeal of the Alto. If you plan to buy it, make sure to read its top 5 pros & 5 cons below. Moreover, become a member of our 91Wheels WhatsApp group to get the latest automotive updates.

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Maruti Alto K10 - 5 Positives

1. Peppy & Efficient Engine Performance

Alto brand name has been known for its punchy engine and lightweight performance. The new K10 is also not different from the outgoing model. The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine is very responsive at low speeds. Driver can easily pick the car from second gear even at a standstill. Moreover, it is very refined, and hence, it can be pulled to the redline, without any hiccups. Not to mention, the fuel economy of the Alto K10 is one of the best in India. The MT variant gives a claimed figure of 24.39 kmpl, while the AMT gives 24.90 kmpl of fuel economy.

2. Easy To Drive In City & Mountains

Small dimensions mean it is a good and easy-handling car. With a short overhang on the bonnet and a short wheelbase, it can easily climb the obstacles without scraping the underbelly. Also, the lesser width comes in handy in the mountains, as it is really easy to dive there. Additionally, the short turning radius makes it a perfect little city car. The overall driving experience is satisfactory of the Alto K10, as it simply doesn't stop anywhere.

3. Cheapest Automatic Car In India

At Rs 5.51 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Alto K10 is the cheapest automatic car on sale in the country. The AMT automated transmission is offered on the VXI trim, and it works like a charm in the city driving conditions. This gearbox upshifts gears as required by the driving conditions, and still manages to deliver a great fuel economy. Moreover, the low spare part cost means it is easy to maintain for years, without worrying about sourcing parts.

4. Feature-Loaded Top Model

Being a budget family car, Alto has never been known to offer latest features. However, Maruti has ensured that the latest generation buyers do get a feel of latest connectivity. Hence, the top-spec model comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with 4-speakers, which are segment first. Additionally, it gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as steering-mounted audio controls. Select variants also get speed-sensing door locks and central locking as standard.

5. Increased Safety

While it is difficult to make a safe car with a budget-contraint, Maruti has tried its best in offering the safety equipments. The new Alto K10 comes with 2 airbags, ABS+EBD, rear parking sensors, driver and passenger seatbelt reminder, seatblet pre-tensioners, headlight leveller, and even hill-hold assist (on the AMT versions). All of these feature additions have made the K10 a lot more safer than the outgoing car.

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Maruti Alto K10 - 5 Negatives

1. Significantly Expensive

Alto brand name was known for its affordability. The low price tag of the older model was the prime reason behind its success. However, the latest gen model is very expensive as compared to the outgoing model. Especially, the AMT variants, which start at Rs 5.51 lakh ex-showroom, are very expensive. Just for reference, the top spec VXI+ with AMT gearbox will cost well above Rs 6 lakh mark. Maruti also offers it in a CNG version that is even costlier than the top-spec AMT.

2. Flimsy Build Quality

While the fit & finish is acceptable, it is the inconsistent quality which will bother you on the new Alto K10. The use of sub-standard plastic panels on the places like door pads, switches, levers, etc., will make you anxious. Also, Alto has been a rattle-prone car and these low-grade materials do not feel supportive in improving the rattles. We wonder what crash rating it would score in BNCAP, as its sibling S-Presso has already scored 0-star rating.

3. Strictly Made For 4 Passengers

Unlike the outgoing model, the new Alto K10 isn't very wide. The narrow width mean a narrow cabin, that is suitable for 4 passengers. While it has space to adjust 6-footer people, the width is a concerning factor for 5 adults. Therefore, families with 5 people will not find it spacious enough for their needs. However, the narrow width comes handy in driving it through tight city spaces, but, it lacks space on the inside.

4. Not Meant For Highway Use

The ride quality of the new K10 is acceptable for the city use. It can absorb bumps and undulations at lower speeds. However, it is not meant for highway use, as its suspension wobbles a lot at higher speeds. Moreover, the car tends to become unstable post 80-90 kmph, all thanks to its skinny 145-section tyres. However, even if you upgrade the tyres, we recommend not driving at at triple digit speeds. It is a great city car but not a highway cruiser.

5. Siblings Offer Better

The only direct rival to the Alto K10 is the Renault Kwid. However, if you want to stick around the Maruti Suzuki badge, the siblings as such the S-Presso and Celerio, offer better value-for-money. The VXI & VXI+ variants of the Alto K10 are expensive, and we suggest opting for better-equipped siblings, that offer more space and a composed ride quality as well.

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