Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country's largest passenger car maker, has now introduced its one of the best selling entry-level segment car Alto 800 with an added optional security feature of driver airbag. This added feature now comes equipped in Vxi variant, which has been priced at Rs. 3,35,300 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). It must be noted that this new variant has been priced higher than the normal variant of Alto 800 Vxi as this optional feature costs Rs. 18000 more.
With Alto 800 now provided along an optional feature of airbag, it seems that car makers are nowadays more concerned to give extra features even on their entry level budget cars. Last year, Hyundai launched its Eon with this added security feature and was the first car in budget section to be equipped with such an advancement. As far as the specifications of Alto 800 are concerned, its engine and performance department has remained unchanged with the same 796 cc engine petrol engine that produces 47 bhp of peak power output, along with 69 Nm of maximum torque.
In order to add to its performance, this three-cylinder engine has been mated to 5-speed manual transmission system. It must be noted that it is the least priced car that Maruti Suzuki sells under BS IV emission standards in India. Meanwhile, as reports suggest, the newly launched Alto Vxi variant may be provided in CNG options in coming months. The car is now available in four variants, namely Std, Lx, Lxi and Vxi along with additional feature of airbag.
Apart from an added driver airbag, the Vxi variant is provided with an integrated music system with two speakers, compatible with CD player, AUX input and USB. In addition, central locking, rear spoiler, body side mouldering and a left hand mirror are provided in the car. According to industry experts, this move of Maruti Suzuki is seen as a deliberate attempt to attract the Indian buyers as sales for Alto have seen a mixed trend in the recent past. During May 2013, the company sold 16,411 units but the figures for June 2013, told a different story as 20,077 units were delivered.
