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Looks muscular and features SUV design traits: raised front end, large wheels.
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The test mule features a centrally mounted instrument cluster with possible digital readouts.
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Launch is expected in 2019 festive season.
Maruti’s best-selling hatchback and the first car for a majority of Indians, the Alto, is due for an upgrade. The next-gen Alto is likely to get some SUV traits as it will be based on the Future-S Concept that Maruti Suzuki showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. We’ve now managed to spot a test mule, which looks inspired by the Future-S, on test in the NCR recently, and it could be the next-gen Alto.
The car on test had an SUV-inspired exterior design: it’s tall and has a raised front end. Such a design is something that we have already seen on an Alto rival, the Renault Kwid. The test mule doesn’t seem to get all-around plastic cladding, something that adds muscle to cars that intend to look SUV-ish, for now.
(Pictured: Maruti Suzuki Future-S)
The next-gen Alto is likely to be underpinned by the Heartect-A platform, which also superstructures the newly launched Wagon R and the Ignis. The side profile of the test mule gives away a rather upright A-pillar, raised suspension, large windows and steel wheels which appear to be 14-inch units. At the rear, the windscreen doesn’t appear too big and that leaves for a large bootlid and bumper.
(Pictured: Maruti Suzuki Future-S)
Interiors aren’t clear in the image but the hatchback sports a round, centrally mounted instrument cluster with possible digital readouts in orange, much like the Kwid. It’s flanked by HVAC vents mounted high up on the dashboard, something that we haven’t seen in a Maruti yet. Just like the Kwid, the new-gen Alto is likely to sport a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, ABS with EBD and dual airbags on its higher-spec variant.
The current-gen Alto comes with both 0.8-litre (48PS/69Nm) and 1.0-litre (68PS/90Nm) petrol engine options. It remains to be seen whether Maruti Suzuki carries forward both the engines on the new model or axes the smaller engine. Transmission duties are likely to be performed by a 5-speed manual, and we can’t rule out an AMT as well.
The entry-level new-age Maruti Suzuki is expected to command a premium over the outgoing hatchback given that it looks substantially grown-up. Currently, the Alto 800’s prices range between Rs 2.62 lakh and Rs 3.93 lakh while the Alto K10 retails for Rs 3.38 lakh to Rs 4.27 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Expect this new Alto’s prices to start from somewhere around Rs 3 lakh. It will renew its rivalry with the Renault Kwid and the Datsun redi-GO.
Also Read: New-gen Maruti Suzuki Alto 2019 Spied For The First Time
Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.
