New Maruti Alto 800 to launch in December with possible diesel variant - Report

Could also benefit from the AMT technology. 

A report on Autocar Professional states that Maruti Suzuki will launch a new Alto 800 in December this year, with improved fuel efficiency and possibly even a diesel variant.

Sources have told the publication that a lot of "engineering and innovation" has gone into the new Alto 800 for it to deliver better efficiency. For reference, the current Alto 800 delivers an ARAI-rated figure of 22.74 km/l in petrol and 30.46 km/kg with CNG.

Also, the Suzuki-developed twin-cylinder 800 cc diesel engine which was launched on the Celerio this year could find its place in the Alto 800, the report states. On the Celerio diesel, this engine delivers 47.6 PS and 125 Nm of torque, and claims an ARAI-tested figure of 27.62 km/l. This figure could be higher on the Alto 800 owing to its lighter kerb weight. A diesel-powered Alto 800 would also clinch the title as India's most affordable diesel private passenger vehicle.

Maruti could also introduce its automated manual transmission (AMT) technology on the Alto 800 given how it attracts the first-time buyer primarily. Another reason for considering the AMT is that Renault have confirmed this technology for its soon-to-launch Kwid, which will rival the Alto 800 chiefly.

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Speaking of the Kwid, Maruti may have chosen the perfect time to launch a revised Alto 800, given the Kwid's planned market launch during the festive season period (October-November). The Alto 800 continues to be India's top-selling car, with over 28 lakh units sold till date (sales data for the Alto nameplate).

[Source - Autocar Professional]