Maruti Suzuki Alto crosses 40 lakh sales milestone
Over 40 lakh units of the Maruti Suzuki Alto have now been sold. The hatchback first launched in India as a more upmarket proposition to the Maruti 800 in 2000. After the Maruti 800 was discontinued in 2014, the Alto became the bread-and-butter Maruti hatchback for the country. In fact, it had become India's most popular car even before the 800's demise, 16 years ago, and continues to remain the best-selling car in India since. Even in July 2020, it sold 13,654 units, just edging past the WagonR to the top sales spot.
The Alto took eight years to get to 10 lakh units sold in 2008, but since then it has picked up pace quite a bit. The 20 lakh sales figure was crossed in 2012, the 30 lakh figure in 2016 and the 40 lakh mark was reached in 2020. All four-year intervals. The Alto is the preferred choice for new car buyers, 76 per cent Alto buyers have been first-time car owners.
Now in its second generation, the Alto's latest refresh was in 2019 when it received updated styling and BSVI engines. It comes powered by a 796cc three-cylinder motor that makes 48PS at 6,000 rpm and 69 Nm at 3,500 rpm. The CNG version puts out 41PS at 6,000 rpm and 60 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Both come paired with a five-speed manual. The ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figure for the petrol Alto is 22.05 kmpl while the CNG is rated at 31.59 km/kg.
Prices for the Maruti Suzuki Alto start from Rs 2.99 lakh for the base Standard trim and goes up to Rs 3.94 lakh for the top VXI Plus. Prices for the CNG variant start from Rs 4.37 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom Mumbai.
