Maruti Suzuki Alto Hatchback – Maruti Alto’s LXi-like variants will no longer be seen, the new K10 model may knock soon.
Maruti has decided to discontinue some variants of its budget hatchback Alto. The company has launched three variants from the entry-level Alto hatchback. Now only one option will be available in the CNG model. At the same time, there is news that Maruti is also going to bring back its K10 model, which was discontinued in 2020 due to the arrival of BS6 standards.
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LXi and LXi CNG Variants Being Discontinued
Maruti has decided to do away with the standard, LXi and LXi CNG variants of the Alto. These will now be available in Standard (O), LXi (O), LXi (O) CNG, VXi and VXi Plus variants. Now only one option will be available with CNG option in Alto.
800cc Petrol Engine
Maruti Suzuki Alto has been given 800cc petrol engine, which generates power of 47 bhp and peak torque of 69 Nm. At the same time, its CNG model generates 40 bhp power and 60 Nm torque. This hatchback also comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The hatchback is equipped with many great features
In Alto, you get to see a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-tone interior, central locking, keyless entry, front and rear cup holders, reverse parking sensors and dual front airbags. On the other hand, if we talk about the price, then after the base variant is discontinued, the starting price of Alto has gone up to Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom), while for CNG you will have to pay Rs 5.03 lakh. (ex-showroom).
Work in progress on a new K10 model as well
According to media reports, Maruti is also preparing for its new K10 car. It will be brought in a completely new avatar with the updated engine, which is based on BS6 standards. It is currently codenamed Y0K and will be based on the next generation Alto. The K10 was first introduced in India in 2010 and was discontinued in 2020.
The Company will benefit from Maruti K10
Talking about the data for FY 2022, Maruti Suzuki has sold 2,11,762 units of Alto and S-Presso, while other entry-level hatchbacks like Renault have sold 26,535 units of Kwid. The annual market for the entry-level hatchback is around 2.5 lakh units. If Maruti Suzuki manages the placement of the K10 properly, it can give a tough competition to the Kwid. Currently, the Kwid gets 800cc with 1000cc engine option. It is believed that the company can launch this new hatchback closer to the festival season.
6 airbags and India NCAP test is becoming a challenge
Keeping in mind the safety of the people, the Government of India is emphasizing on making the car more safe. In such a situation, Nitin Gadkari has made the rule of 6 airbags in the car necessary. At the same time, crash tests of cars will also be done in India from next year. For this, India NCAP is being started. In such a situation, the challenge of installing 6 airbags in these small hatchbacks has increased in front of the car companies.
Maruti Chairman RC Bhargava has said that the government’s policy is affecting its small cars. In such a situation, the company will not hesitate to close them. Because due to the rule of 6 airbags in the car, Maruti’s cheap hatchback will be out of the budget of the common people. For this reason, the company is now planning to launch the Alto K10 along with the new generation Alto 800.
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