New Maruti Alto K10 review, test drive

On the face of it

Maruti has given this new Alto K10 an all-new face, and this ensures some differentiation from the 800cc version, especially when viewed head-on. The bumper, larger swept-back headlamps, grille and bonnet are all new, and the mild creases on the panels make the car look more muscular than the Alto 800. However, in profile, the resemblance can be easily seen and, save for the larger wing mirrors (that improve rear visibility too), and an extended character line, the differences are quite subtle. At the rear, the new tailgate is flatter — this works as a visual trick to make the car look a bit wider than the Alto 800. Additionally, the shapely new tail lamps aid in injecting a dose of freshness too.

What’s more impressive, however, is the all-new interior. Maruti has given this new K10 a bespoke dual-tone dashboard design that, combined with the light fabrics, looks airy and fairly upmarket for the price point, though it still can’t match the fit and finish of the Hyundai Eon.

There’s a new steering wheel (slightly Swift-inspired), new instruments, and the audio system (which supports CD, USB and Aux) sports a piano-black finish. Additionally, bits of silver accents on the dash announce sporty intent.

As for convenience, the manual variant gets cupholders and a cubbyhole in front of the gear lever; however, the AMT’s larger transmission housing means the cupholders have been deleted, which is ironic. Because it’s only in an automatic that your hand is free to sip a hot capuccino on the move. A clever little bit, carried over from before, is a small folding hook next to the glove box, which can be used to hang small bags.

The front seats are reasonably comfortable, and have enough travel to accommodate fairly tall people. Knee and head room at the rear has improved too. No, the wheelbase is the same as the Alto 800’s, but Maruti has scooped out the front seat’s backrest to add about an inch-and-a-half of more space for your knees. On the flipside, the thinner cushioning here means passengers up front can feel the rear person’s knee when it comes in contact with the seat. Not quite the back massage a driver would want!