Maruti Alto LXi

The Alto has a lot going for it as far as small cars go. It has everything the average Indian wants fronm a car: reliability, cheap maintenance, decent levels of quality and great fuel efficiency. Does that make you want to 'go in an Alto'?The Alto is built to meet K-car regulations in Japan and as a result is restricted in size.

The Maruti Alto has had a makeover with its new chin and lights. The Alto is a conventional ‘two box’ small hatch, it can’t match its competition for useable space though it is built on the Wagon R’s platform.

Using the same wheelbase, suspension components and all, it is not attractive looking either. But the new facelift — lights, grille and bumper — are a definite improvement. It also feels and is more solid than the Wagon R. It has a transverse-mounted engine in the front that sends power to the front wheels. Front suspension is by McPherson struts and ventilated disc brakes are thankfully standard.