Maruti Suzuki has launched an updated version of its entry-level hatchback, the Alto 800. The revised model comes with some cosmetic updates and a few feature additions, and will also be equipped with added safety tech. This update is Maruti’s attempt at ensuring that the Alto 800 is compliant with the upcoming safety norms in the country.
The Maruti Alto 800 was first introduced in 2012, and became the successor of the Maruti 800. It received a mild facelift in 2016. The 2019 update will thus be the second facelift in the car’s lifetime.
Here’s what is new on the facelifted Maruti Alto 800 2019.
Exterior Updates
On the outside, the new Alto 2019 gets a refreshed front fascia, including a revised black grille and a new bumper. The grille is a lot chunkier than before and joins the two headlamp assemblies on either end. Meanwhile, the bumper gets a large air damp and chunkier cut-outs for the fog lamps. It is worth noting that no variant of the 2019 Alto 800 comes with fog lamps as standard. Sadly, the headlamp assemblies remain mostly unchanged.
The side profile and rear end of the car haven’t been fiddled with. As a result, taillights, bumper, taligate and side body panels are identical to the pre-facelift model. However, while the earlier car used to come with a Alto 800 badge on the tailgate, the 2019 facelift will only have an Alto moniker at the rear. This indicates Maruti’s plans to rename its most affordable model as Alto, while the one with the bigger engine will continue to sell as the Alto K10.
Interior Updates
In addition to the above mentioned cosmetic changes on the outside, the new Alto 2019 even gets some comprehensive updates on the inside. The dashboard layout is now borrowed from the Alto K10. This means that the new Alto 800 comes with a dual tone interior setup, with the upper half finished in black and the lower half getting a beige treatment. Also, the air conditioner buttons are now placed on the lower part of the centre console. The three spoke steering wheel too is a straight lift from the Alto K10.
Safety Features
The most significant change on the new Maruti Alto 800 is in the safety department. Maruti Suzuki engineers have made sure that the updated model is compliant with the upcoming safety norms. As a result, the new Alto comes with a driver airbag as standard. However, there is no front passenger airbag on offer anywhere in the range.
Additionally, the 2019 Maruti Alto 800 comes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), rear parking sensors, and a stiffer chassis structure.