Next-generation Maruti Alto: What it could look like!

Maruti Suzuki will launch the all-new Alto in the second half of 2019. The car will be inspired by the Future S  concept that was shown at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo. A crossover-ish design for the new Alto is on the cards. Here is  a speculative render from IAB that shows what the all-new, 3rd generation Maruti Alto could look like.

As the render indicates, the profile of the new Alto will be heavily inspired by the Future S concept, but with a  more squared off looks. The edges of the Future S concept seem more squarish, and butch in the new Alto. The wheels  will be smaller, 13 or 14 inch units. Alloy wheels are likely to be offered only on the top-end K10 version with the  rest of the variants expected to make do with steel wheels. The HEARTECT platform could form the basis of the new  Alto, and the entire Maruti line-up is likely to shift to this light weight platform in the coming years.

The HEARTECT platform keeps weight low by extensive usage of high tensile steel, and the same is expected on the new Maruti Alto, which is likely to be lighter than the outgoing version. Improvements in pick-up and mileage are  expected to accrue thanks to the lower kerb weight. The Maruti Alto sold in India is in its second generation, and is  available with two engine options. The new Alto is expected to continue with these engines, which will be upgraded to meet Bharat Stage 6 emission norms, which kick in from April 2020.

The car will be five seater, and is expected to have high ground clearance. A front wheel drive layout will be  standard, and an AMT option could be offered with the K10 model. The smaller engined version is expected to have a 5 speed manual gearbox as standard. CNG and LPG dual fuel options of the new Alto are likely to be made available in specific markets of India. Keeping the future in mind, Maruti could even develop the new car to accept an electric powertrain in future.

As for safety, the new Alto will have to meet the BNVSAP (Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program) norms that will include structural strength standards from September 2019. The new safety norms also mandate a driver’s airbag, ABS, reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat provision, seatbelt reminder and speed alerts. The Alto is India’s best selling car, a status it’s held on for more than 10 years. The new Maruti Alto will be developed to be another blockbuster from India’s biggest car maker. It’ll be aimed primarily at first time car buyers. Maruti has already begun testing the new Alto on Indian roads.