2022 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Review & Detailed Analysis

Alto has returned to the Indian market with a more potent, updated, and upgraded version, the all-new 2022 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10. The car has returned to the market after a break of more than two and a half years. Here we will review and analyze both the manual and automatic variants of the new Alto k10.

The Maruti Suzuki Alto has been in the Indian market for more than 20 years and is a very well-liked automobile. In this time, 43 lakh of them have been sold, with the more potent K10 playing a substantial role in that achievement. The Alto continued to dominate the sales rankings in India month after month and year after year until the K10 was discontinued in late 2019. And now, after a two-and-a-half-year absence, it has returned and is unlike anything in its prior avatar. The small hatch from India's largest automaker was given to us in both manual and automatic form.

2022 Alto K10 Design

In practically every way, the 2022 Alto K10 is a completely new vehicle. It's a highly appealing design that is entirely new. Instead of being boxy like the previous version, it is more curved. Although it looks less like the Alto 800, which is also on the market, and more like the current generation Celerio. The newly designed honeycomb pattern grille on the face has an all-black appearance and is quite similar in shape to the grille on the soon-to-be-released Grand Vitara. the redesigned bumper, even though it is completed in black rather than body color on the base model, and the headlamps. Although the absence of DRLs is a bit of an issue here, all in, design-wise the Alto K10 is beautiful. There are six color possibilities for the hatch, including three brand-new ones: Sizzling Red, Earth Gold, and Speedy Blue.

The all-new Alto K10 comes with 13-inch wheels as standard equipment; however, the wheel covers, which once again feature a honeycomb pattern, are not standard. The center is simply little caps for the lower varieties. The body color door handles operate similarly; they are not available on all automobile models. The car has black ORVMs, which are a little odd-looking and could have been offered at least on this top VXi+ specification by Maruti. Overall, the silhouette is again quite appealing, and the back, where you have rear combination tail lamps, is no different.

| DIMENSIONS | 2022 ALTO K10 | ALTO 800 ||------------|---------------|----------|| LENGTH | 3530 mm | 3445 mm || BREADTH | 1490 mm | 1490 mm || HEIGHT | 1520 mm | 1475 mm || WHEELBASE | 2380 mm | 2360 mm |

2022 Alto K10 Interiors

Inside the new Alto K10, you receive a new-looking cabin. The largest of these innovations, the 7-inch Smartplay Studio infotainment system, was not previously available on the vehicle. Although we've seen this on many of the brand's vehicles, the Alto K10 is the first. It is readable even in bright light, responsive, and colorful. Although there isn't a back parking camera present, it is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the system is only available on the highest VXi+ trim. In fact, there is no infotainment choice at all for the two base models.

The steering-mounted controls are a significant upgrade that is again exclusive to VXi+. A new instrument cluster that was taken from the S-Presso is also present. The cabin is appealing ergonomically since there are lots of storage choices in the door pockets and between the seats. It's a nice touch on the Alto K10, especially for a vehicle this small and compact.

Additionally, you get manual AC, a 12 V charging plug, and a USB point. The front row's knee room has increased, according to Maruti, and the beige accents on the seats look excellent. But the car we were driving was the top-of-the-line VXi model. Basic equipment like an air conditioner, power windows, or power steering is not even included in the base STD model.

Despite the car's small size, there is adequate head and leg room in the second row. For as long as there are only two people seated here, there is plenty of shoulder room, but with three people it does get a little tight. Both the backrest and the undergarment support are pretty comfy. However, power windows and movable headrests are not included, so if you choose to purchase the new Alto K10, you will have to make a small concession. The rear passengers now have a slightly higher seat, which gives them a better perspective of the road, claims Maruti. The K10 also boasts speakers on each of its four doors, which improves the audio output within the vehicle. The vehicle features a 214-liter boot, however, all models other than the top VXi+ lack a parcel tray.

2022 Alto K10 Engine

On the Alto K10, the more recent K10C engine has replaced the earlier K10B engine. Around 66 bhp and 89 Nm are produced by the 998cc 3-cylinder dual jet dual VVT motor at 5,500 rpm and 3,500 rpm, respectively. The Alto K10's lighter weight is what really works in its favor. As a result, the power-to-weight ratio is good. Considering the market segment this car belongs to, the setup makes for a pleasurable drive. We also attempted driving with three passengers inside, and the engine responded without any issues, considering the weight the car was hauling.

Right now, the AGS, which is the car's automatic variant, was used for the drive. It is only available on the car's higher VXi & VXi+ models. Many of you are aware that an AMT's gear changes do take time, therefore patience is required. The advantage is that you have more control over how the ratios are changed here, which makes for sportier driving than in Auto mode. Just keep in mind that the K10 is your only choice if you really want the AGS with the Alto, as the 800 only has a manual option.

The pickup and acceleration are undoubtedly faster while driving a manual. Therefore, if you enjoy driving, the manual will be preferable to the AGS. Speaking of the gearshift, you enjoy that as a driver since the throws are short and the changes happen rapidly. Yes, it's a little bit clumsy, but generally, the package is fantastic. When used regularly in city traffic, the clutch is light enough to not bother you.

Good fuel efficiency is another appealing feature. Many of you choose this car for that reason alone, and in this case, the claimed statistic is more than 24 kmpl regardless of whether you're driving a manual or AGS. To be exact, although the certified mileage on a manual vehicle is 24.39 kmpl, it is even higher on an AGS vehicle at 24.90 kmpl. The claimed fuel efficiency is higher than the Alto 800's 22.05 kmpl with a manual transmission. The average fuel economy the car was exhibiting after this journey of about 100 km was 17.3 km/l, which was very good.

2022 Alto K10 Ride & Handling

When it comes to the new Alto K10's ride quality, you do notice that the suspension is a little firmer than usual, especially at high speeds when you notice the bumps and undulations more. However, the car runs nicely in normal city traffic, so there isn't anything to complain about in terms of your typical commute speeds. You can maneuver this car with ease in the tumult of the city thanks to its 4.50-meter turning radius. However, a ground clearance of 134 mms is all you have when the road gets rough, so you do need to exercise some caution. Additionally, the seat position is pleasant; you sit higher than you may anticipate, ensuring a clearer perspective of the road.

2022 Alto K10 Safety

Overall, the new Alto K10 has 15 safety features. The automobile comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and reverse pairing sensors. The vehicle is constructed on the Heartect platform, which has helped Maruti Suzuki produce vehicles that are generally safe thanks to the use of more high-strength steel. Even though we don't have crash test ratings for the Alto K10, we recently visited the brand's R&D facility, where we learned about the rigorous crash tests that the company's vehicles go through.

2022 Alto K10 Price & Final Verdict

The 4 manual trims of the Alto K10 range in price from Rs. 3.99 lakh to Rs. 5.33 lakh ex-showroom. The AGS costs between Rs. 5.49 and Rs. 5.83 lakh and is only offered in VXi and above. The Renault Kwid 1.0 costs between Rs. 4.74 and Rs. 5.54 lakh for manual models and between Rs. 5.78 lakh and Rs. 5.99 lakh for AMT models, is its main opponent in the market. The new Alto K10 is a significantly better car than the previous model. It raises the bar a few notches, particularly in terms of style and features. It is still a sensible, cost-effective option on the market for those who are cost-conscious, possibly even more sensitive than previously.