The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is one of the most popular small cars in India. It has earned a strong reputation for being affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient. For many Indian families, the Alto 800 is often the first car they own. Its compact size makes it easy to drive in crowded city streets, while its low price and running costs make it a favorite among budget-conscious buyers. Over the years, Maruti Suzuki has updated the Alto 800 to keep it fresh, stylish, and modern.
The Alto 800 is not just about saving money. With its smart design, comfortable interiors, and practical features, it offers much more than just a basic car. Whether you are a student, a small family, or someone looking for a dependable city car, the Alto 800 stands out as a complete package. In this article, we will explore why the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is called the “Budget King,” “Mileage Boss,” and how its stylish looks make it a top choice in its segment.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 such a popular and sensible choice for Indian car buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 2025
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is a hatchback car, designed for Indian roads and families. It is known for its strong build quality, easy maintenance, and high resale value. The Alto 800 is available in both petrol and CNG variants, making it suitable for different needs and budgets.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 796 cc Petrol / CNG |
| Power | 40.36 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 60 Nm @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Mileage (Petrol) | 22.05 – 24.7 km/l |
| Mileage (CNG) | 31.4 – 33.44 km/kg |
| Seating Capacity | 4-5 Persons |
| Price Range (Ex-showroom) | ₹ 3.25 Lakh – ₹ 5.12 Lakh |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L (Petrol) / 60 L (CNG) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3445 x 1515 x 1475 mm |
| Boot Space | 177 Litres (approx.) |
| Safety Features | ABS, Dual Airbags, EBD, Central Locking |
| Variants | STD, LXi, VXi, VXi Plus, CNG Options |
Why Alto 800 is the Best Value
Affordable Pricing
- The Alto 800 is one of the most affordable cars in India. The starting price is around ₹ 3.25 lakh, while the top CNG variant goes up to ₹ 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom).
- This low price makes it accessible for first-time buyers, students, and small families.
Low Maintenance Cost
- Maruti Suzuki is famous for its wide service network and cheap spare parts.
- Regular servicing and maintenance of the Alto 800 is budget-friendly, costing much less than many other cars in the segment.
- High resale value ensures you get good returns if you decide to sell the car later.
Variants for Every Need
- The Alto 800 comes in multiple variants: STD, LXi, VXi, VXi Plus, and CNG options.
- Buyers can choose the variant that fits their budget and feature requirements.
Running Cost
- The running cost of the Alto 800 is very low. With petrol prices rising, many buyers choose the CNG variant for even more savings.
- The CNG variant has a running cost of just ₹ 70 per kilometer, making it one of the cheapest cars to drive in India.
Summary Table: Budget Benefits
| Budget Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Low Price | Starts at ₹ 3.25 lakh |
| Maintenance | Affordable service and spare parts |
| Fuel Efficiency | High mileage reduces fuel bills |
| Resale Value | Good resale price in used car market |
| CNG Option | Very low running cost |
Mileage Boss: Fuel Efficiency Champion
Excellent Mileage
- The Alto 800 is known as the “Mileage Boss” for a reason. It delivers excellent fuel efficiency, which is a top priority for Indian buyers.
- Petrol variants offer a mileage of 22.05 to 24.7 km/l as per ARAI standards.
- CNG variants provide even better mileage, ranging from 31.4 to 33.44 km/kg.
Mileage by Variant
| Variant | Fuel Type | Mileage (ARAI) |
|---|---|---|
| STD (O) | Petrol | 22.05 km/l |
| LXi (O) | Petrol | 22.05 km/l |
| VXi | Petrol | 22.05 km/l |
| VXi Plus | Petrol | 22.05 km/l |
| LXi (O) CNG | CNG | 31.59 km/kg |
Real-World Mileage
- In city driving, the petrol variant usually gives around 21 km/l, while on highways it can reach up to 24 km/l.
- The CNG variant can deliver 31 km/kg in the city and up to 33 km/kg on the highway.
Fuel Tank Capacity
- Petrol tank: 35 liters (approx.)
- CNG tank: 60 liters (water capacity)
Why Mileage Matters
- High mileage means fewer trips to the petrol pump and more savings every month.
- For people who drive daily or have long commutes, the Alto 800’s efficiency can save thousands of rupees every year.
Statistical Data
- The Alto 800’s mileage is better than 97% of other hatchbacks in its class.
- Over a year, if you drive 10,000 km, you can save up to ₹ 15,000-20,000 in fuel costs compared to less efficient cars.
Stylish Looks: Modern and Fresh Design
Exterior Design
- The Alto 800 has a compact and smart design, perfect for city driving.
- It features a bold front grille, stylish headlamps, and body-colored bumpers and door handles.
- Available in six attractive colors: Solid White, Silky Silver, Granite Grey, Mojito Green, Cerulian Blue, and Uptown Red.
Dimensions
- Length: 3445 mm
- Width: 1515 mm
- Height: 1475 mm
- Wheelbase: 2360 mm
Wheels and Tyres
- 12-inch wheels with full wheel covers
- Tubeless tyres (145/80 R12)
Interior Design
- Dual-tone dashboard with silver accents gives a modern feel.
- Comfortable fabric seats with integrated headrests.
- Practical features like bottle holders, glove box, and map pockets for convenience.
Comfort and Convenience Features
- Power steering and air conditioner for comfortable driving.
- Front power windows, keyless entry, and rear parking sensors in higher variants.
- USB charger and accessory power outlet for gadgets.
Summary Table: Style and Comfort
| Style Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exterior Colors | 6 options |
| Dashboard | Dual-tone, silver accents |
| Wheels | 12-inch with covers |
| Headlamps | Halogen, adjustable |
| Interior | Fabric seats, integrated headrests |
| Comfort Features | AC, power steering, power windows |
Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience
Engine Details
- The Alto 800 uses a 796 cc, 3-cylinder, F8D petrol engine.
- Maximum power: 40.36 bhp @ 6000 rpm.
- Maximum torque: 60 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
- 5-speed manual transmission for smooth gear shifts.
CNG Option
- The CNG variant uses the same engine, tuned for better efficiency.
- CNG models are ideal for city driving and offer very low running costs.
Performance
- The Alto 800 is designed for city use, with a light steering and small turning radius (4.6 meters), making it easy to park and maneuver.
- Suspension setup (MacPherson strut front, 3-link rigid rear) provides a comfortable ride on Indian roads.
Driving Experience
- The car feels nimble and easy to handle in traffic.
- Light clutch and gear shifts make it perfect for new drivers.
- Good ground clearance (160 mm) helps in tackling speed breakers and rough roads.
Safety Features
Standard Safety
- Dual airbags (driver and passenger) in higher variants.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) for better control.
- Central locking and child safety locks for peace of mind.
- Engine immobilizer and seat belt warning as standard.
Other Safety Elements
- Rear parking sensors help in tight parking spots.
- Speed alert system reminds you if you cross speed limits.
Summary Table: Safety
| Safety Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Dual Airbags | Yes (higher variants) |
| ABS with EBD | Yes |
| Central Locking | Yes |
| Child Safety Locks | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Rear (higher variants) |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes |
Features and Technology
Comfort & Convenience
- Air conditioner and heater for all-weather comfort.
- Power steering for easy driving.
- Keyless entry and remote fuel lid opener in higher variants.
Infotainment
- Integrated music system with Bluetooth connectivity in VXi and above.
- Touchscreen display available in top variants.
- USB charger and accessory power outlet for charging devices.
Interior Features
- Dual-tone interiors with silver accents.
- Multiple storage spaces: glove box, bottle holders, map pockets.
Exterior Features
- Body-colored bumpers and door handles.
- Adjustable headlamps for better visibility at night.
- Full wheel covers for a premium look.
Variants and Pricing
Available Variants
- STD
- STD (O)
- LXi
- LXi (O)
- VXi
- VXi Plus
- LXi CNG
- LXi (O) CNG
Price Range
- Petrol variants: ₹ 3.25 lakh to ₹ 4.56 lakh (ex-showroom).
- CNG variants: ₹ 4.16 lakh to ₹ 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom).
Color Options
- Solid White
- Silky Silver
- Granite Grey
- Mojito Green
- Cerulian Blue
- Uptown Red
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very affordable and budget-friendly
- Excellent fuel efficiency (Mileage Boss)
- Easy to drive and park in cities
- Reliable Maruti Suzuki service and support
- Good resale value
- CNG option for extra savings
Cons
- Basic safety features in lower variants
- Limited space for tall passengers
- Not suitable for large families or long highway trips
Competitors
The Alto 800 competes with other small cars like:
- Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
- Renault Kwid
- Datsun Redi-GO
- Hyundai Santro
Despite tough competition, the Alto 800 remains a top choice due to its unbeatable price, mileage, and trust in the Maruti Suzuki brand.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 truly lives up to its name as the Budget King and Mileage Boss. With its affordable price, outstanding fuel efficiency, and practical features, it is the perfect car for first-time buyers and small families. The stylish looks and modern interiors make it a smart choice for city driving. Maruti Suzuki’s trusted service network and high resale value add extra peace of mind.
If you are looking for a reliable, low-cost, and stylish hatchback, the Alto 800 is hard to beat. It continues to rule Indian roads, proving that good things do come in small packages.
