Maruti Suzuki has introduced the next generation of its super-affordable Alto compact. The car maxes out at just 399,000 Rupees, which is around 5,000 USD.
Paying this amount nets you a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine rated at 67 PS (66 hp / 49 kW) and 89 Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque, which supports start/stop functionality and a single-clutch semi-auto gearbox if you don’t like the default manual. Later on, an even cheaper 0.8-liter engine will be added to the lineup, the company says.
Compared to the next generation, the tiny hatchback is 85 mm longer, 45 mm wider and has 20 mm more between the axles. The trunk is also considerably larger at 214 liters (7.56 cubic feet), up from 177 liters (6.25 cu. ft.). The interior accommodates five people.
Saving on options still gets you such standard features as a pair of airbags, ABS, belt pretensioners and a rear parking sensor. Wheels are 13 inches in diameters, the rear bench has a simple molded back instead of headrests, and there is no rear wiper.
Paying extra adds air conditioning, power steering, power front windows, a radio and even a full-fledged infotainment system.
