Existing Maruti Alto 800 and K10 are unlikely to meet upcoming crash test norms.
Next-gen Alto will be based on the Heartect platform.
1.0-litre K10 engine is expected to be on offer.
Expect a launch by the festive season.
As the regulatory authorities tighten the noose around automakers for vehicular safety, manufacturers are scrambling to update their products. 2019 will see Maruti Suzuki update its bestselling Alto this year, in order to ensure it meets the upcoming safety norms.
To this effect, the new version of the hatchback will be based on an all-new platform. Yes, this will be a platform that falls under Suzuki’s ‘Heartect’ family. But it isn’t identical to the one we’ve seen in the Baleno, Swift or the Ertiga. For the Alto, Maruti Suzuki will opt for the Heartect-A platform that underpins the Ignis as well as the 2019 WagonR.
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This means it’s safe to expect the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine under the hood of the Alto. With 68PS and 90Nm on tap, this motor already makes the Alto K10 quite a hoot to drive. What remains to be seen, however, is the fate of the 800cc motor. It’s unclear if the smaller engine is capable of meeting BSVI emission norms at the moment. Like the current generation, the new Alto will be offered with a choice of a 5-speed manual as well as an AMT.
The bigger platform also means a bigger car. You can expect the new Alto to be longer and wider compared to the current version. On the safety front, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and reverse parking sensors are expected to be on offer.
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Maruti Suzuki kicked off the year with a blockbuster launch in the form of the Wagon R. It will be looking at a strong festive season as well, with the new Alto. Expect prices to start around the Rs 2.5 lakh mark and top out at around Rs 4 lakh (ex-showroom).
Source: zigwheels.com
