New Maruti Alto K10 review, test drive

Shifting times

On our route from Chandigarh to Parwanoo, it was the K10 automatic I sampled first. Here, thecar was subjected to a good mix of stop-and-go traffic, highways and twisty ghat roads. The K10 AMT felt reasonably peppy, easy to drive and the gear shifts felt a bit smoother and more sorted than they do in the Celerio AMT. Maruti seems to have tweaked the AMT’s electronics to iron out some of the jerkiness. I also noticed that this car ‘creeps’ forward (like a conventional auto) reasonably well when you take your foot off the accelerator, making it easier to drive in slow-moving traffic and parking speeds. That said, I found myself slotting the ’box in manual mode on the highways — since gear changes are more predictable here, you can select a lower ratio before engaging in an overtaking manoeuvre.

The engine is the same unit as in the outgoing car, but the now electronically-controlled throttle positioning has been tuned for better lower speed response. Throttle response is crisp and acceleration just gets stronger as the revs rise. Maruti claims that the drive-by-wire tech, combined with lower friction engine oils, has improved fuel economy by a good 15 percent. Also, the three-cylinder engine feels more refined, and unless you push it above 3,500rpm, is reasonably quiet.

Where this motor really comes alive is when it’s paired to the slick-shifting manual gearbox. Acceleration is strong in the first three gears, and this little Alto can easily keep up with and leave some hatchbacks from even two segments higher, in its dust. We didn’t strap our testing gear onto this car but from the seat of my pants, it does feel a bit quicker than the older K10. However, I wish Maruti had given it slightly bigger shoes to make better use of the power on twisty roads; the 155/55 R13 tyres aren’t particularly grippy. Also, despite the improved ride, it does get a bit choppy over undulations, and the steering feels a bit vague because it doesn’t self-centre very well. 

That said, it’s easily the most fun-to-drive car in its segment, and the automatic variant (though not as peppy) is claimed to be as fuel efficient as the manual. And more importantly, it makes easy work of urban traffic. The Alto K10 may not top its segment in appeal, but it is more welcoming than the outgoing car. Sure, it still isn’t pretty, but the smoother exterior design make it easier on the eyes. Not only are interior aesthetics a big step up over the outgoing car, Maruti’s extra efforts mark the K10 as a clear cut above the Alto 800 too.  The Alto K10’s case though is built on its combination of practicality, peppy performance and the incredible convenience of an automatic at a very competitive price tag. 

Aditya Bengali