Though the product range of Maruti Suzuki is quite wide, the auto maker is primarily famed for its hatchbacks that are currently available in the Indian market. An all-inclusive list of vehicles that Maruti Suzuki currently sells include Stingray, Alto 800, Alto K10, A-Star, DZire, Eeco, Ertiga, Estilo, Grand Vitara, Gypsy, Kizashi, Maruti 800, Omni, Ritz, Swift, SX4 and WagonR. This is certainly a big list to navigate through, however, if one was to choose the top three hatchbacks, then the choices are likely to be Alto 800, Swift and Maruti 800.
These three hatchbacks have got phenomenal responses from customers in the country, going on to achieve iconic statuses. The main reasons that can be attributed towards the success of these hatchbacks are compactness, affordability and high fuel efficiency. While the comfort levels are appropriate, acceleration and pick-up aspects are just adequate for mass buyers of the Indian car market. Today, Maruti Suzuki has a strong foothold in the Indian automobile market and despite strong rivalry, it has stayed at the top of the passenger car segment.
Alto 800 has done a remarkable business for Maruti Suzuki in the country. According to industry experts, this hatchback has taken the place of the M800 in the Indian car market due to its mass appeal. This hatchback currently comes with a unique 'Wave Front' design featuring long curves, prominent wheel arch and wider lip to add to side stance. The front fascia is stepped-up with petal shaped headlamps, stylish grille and bumper. The rear also looks quite distinct with jewel-finish rear combination lamps and upright design on the back door.
Like exteriors, interiors of Alto 800 are also pepped-up with fresh cabin layout that marks more space to enhance comfort of passengers while driving. Use of superior quality materials further enhances the appeal of the cabin of this vehicle. Customers who wish to buy this car from Maruti Suzuki get to select from two options, either brown or grey interiors. Intelligently packaged slim doors are other highlights of this vehicle that not only maximize interior passenger space, but also boost the comfort level. Extra head and shoulder room in the front and extra legroom at the back portion further add to the convenience of passengers. The centre console of Alto 800 has space for a can, coins and a 1-litre bottle. Alto 800 is high on fuel efficiency as the petrol version of this vehicle offers a mileage of up to 22.74 kmpl. The retail price of this hatchback is between Rs. 2.49 lakh and Rs. 3.65 lakh.
The Swift is also one of the best sellers from the country's largest passenger car maker. This vehicle has already bagged a number of awards like ICOTY Indian car of the year, 2006. Customers can avail this vehicle in two options, either petrol or diesel engines. The petrol variant of Swift is powered by a new advanced K-series petrol engine while the diesel version is powered by DDiS diesel engine. The fuel efficiency is quite high while exteriors and interiors are impressive. This hatchback has got new gen RBSS (Rally-based Suspension System), improved transmission and larger, wider, lower profile tyres. Comfort and safety aspects of passengers are duly considered too in order to ensure best driving experience. The price of this hatchback is between Rs. 4.58 lakh and 6.95 lakh.
Maruti 800, it can be safely said, has been one of the most iconic cars that have entered the Indian car market. In fact, for a long period of time, the M800 hatchback symbolised the country's car industry in its entirety. High affordability, hassle-free maintenance and top fuel efficiency have contributed towards the success of this vehicle in the country. This compact car has a short turning radius of 4.4 metre and can easily be manoeuvred on busy city lanes. The price of this hatchback is Rs. 2.13 lakh and Rs. 2.38 lakh.
