Next-generation Maruti Suzuki Alto spied: Renault Kwid rival in the making

The Maruti Suzuki Alto has been the best selling hatchback of India. However, the upcoming BNSVAP safety norms and BSVI emission norms have forced the manufacturer to give the Alto badge an upgrade. Now, it seems like the company’s working on an all-new Alto hatchback that will be aimed squarely at the Renault Kwid upon being launched. As seen in the spy shot below, the new Alto seems to have an SUV-ish body design which hints towards it being based on the Maruti Suzuki Future-S Concept. The test mule was caught while being tested in the NCR region and could be launched around the festive season by the end of this year

Talking about the design, the SUV-ish stance of the car is evident by its high set front fascia, high ground clearance and the raked A-pillar. It looks bigger than the Renault Kwid, although the difference in size could be slight, and smaller than the Ignis. The side profile reveals the tall profile of the car while the rear gets horizontally mounted tail lamps and a small rear glass. The test mule is draped in all black and doesn’t reveal much about other body features. The new Alto is likely to be built upon the Heartect-A platform, which also underpins the likes of the Wagon R, Ignis, and the Swift among others.

Looking closely, one can make out that the car gets a centrally mounted instrument cluster with possibly orange backlighting, which seems to be inspired by the Future-S-Concept. The instrument cluster is flanked by HVAC vents mounted high up on the dashboard.  The car is expected to come equipped with a touch infotainment system with Maruti’s SmartPlay Stdi. Rivals like the Renault Kwid also offer touch infotainment system. Safety features like ABS with EBD and dual airbags will also be present on its higher-spec variant.

Talking about the engine, Maruti could equip the new car with the 1.0-litre K-Series engine. This engine makes 68PS of power along with 90Nm of torque which will be adequate for the car. The current-gen Alto’s 0.8-litre engine option with 48PS/69Nm output is likely to not be equipped on the car, as it soes not passes the upcoming BSVI emission norms Transmission duties are likely to be performed by a 5-speed manual, though an AMT option could e made available as well. this is especially more probable because of the increasing popularity of automatic hatchbacks.

As for the launch, the new Alto could be revealed during the festive season this year. The current generation Alto 800’s prices range between Rs 2.62 lakh and Rs 3.93 lakh while the Alto K10 retails for Rs 3.38 lakh to Rs 4.27 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Prices for the new generation Alto are expected to be bumped up quite a bit. When launched, it will rival the likes of the Datsun Redi-Go and the Renault Kwid in the market.

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