Maruti Alto 800 Launched for Middle-Class – 35 kmpl Mileage & Pocket-Friendly Price
Maruti Suzuki has once again proven why it’s considered the go-to brand for India’s middle-class families. With the launch of the new Maruti Alto 800, the company is offering a car that’s affordable, fuel-efficient, and perfect for daily use.
This small hatchback has been one of India’s top-selling cars for years, and with the latest update, Maruti has made it even more attractive for budget-conscious buyers. The biggest highlight? A mileage of up to 35 kmpl and a starting price that makes it one of the most affordable cars in the country.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the new Alto 800 a great buy in 2025.
Overview Table
| Feature | Maruti Alto 800 (2025) | Key Competitors (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 796cc Petrol / CNG | 1.0L Petrol (Kwid/S-Presso) |
| Power Output | 47.3 PS (Petrol), 41.7 PS (CNG) | 67 PS (Kwid), 65 PS (S-Presso) |
| Mileage | Up to 35 kmpl (CNG) | 21–32 kmpl (varies by model) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual | Manual/AMT |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 4–5 People | 4–5 People |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹3.54 – ₹5.13 Lakh | ₹4.7 Lakh+ (avg for competitors) |
| Safety Features | Dual Airbags, ABS, EBD | Similar |
Design & Style
The new Maruti Alto 800 sticks to its simple and practical design but adds a few modern touches. The front grille now looks cleaner with a black honeycomb design, and the headlamps have been slightly refreshed for a sharper look.
It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t have to be. The Alto 800 is meant to be functional. Its compact size makes it ideal for city driving and parking in tight spots. It’s available in various color options like Silver, Red, White, and Grey to suit different tastes.
Overall, it looks smart, neat, and unpretentious — just the way most middle-class buyers like it.
Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the Alto 800 carries a 796cc 3-cylinder engine, which may seem small on paper, but it’s more than enough for daily use. It delivers 47.3 PS of power in petrol mode and 41.7 PS in CNG mode.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox that shifts smoothly. It’s not a car built for speed, but for short city drives and weekend trips, it does the job just fine. It doesn’t feel sluggish at low speeds and handles stop-go traffic very well.
Ride & Handling
Being a small and light car, the Alto 800 is extremely easy to drive. The steering is light, which is a big plus in congested urban areas. The suspension is soft and tuned for comfort, so it can handle rough patches and speed breakers without trouble.
The turning radius is tight, which makes U-turns and parking easy even in narrow lanes. It’s also stable at moderate highway speeds, although it’s more suited to short-distance trips than long, high-speed highway drives.
Features & Tech
Don’t expect too many fancy features — the Alto 800 focuses on the basics. It comes with:
-
Power windows (front)
-
Digital instrument display
-
Manual AC
-
Dual airbags
-
ABS with EBD
Higher variants get a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB, which is a nice touch for the price. There are also body-colored bumpers and ORVMs in the higher trims.
While it’s not tech-heavy like premium hatchbacks, it gives you enough for daily needs.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Here’s where the Alto 800 truly shines. In petrol mode, it delivers an impressive mileage of around 22–24 kmpl under real-world conditions. But in CNG mode, it can go up to 35 km per kg, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in India.
If your daily running is high, the CNG variant makes a lot of sense. With fuel costs constantly rising, this alone can help save thousands of rupees each year.
Price & Variants
The starting price of ₹3.54 lakh (ex-showroom) makes the Alto 800 one of the most affordable cars in the Indian market. The top-end variant with CNG and extra features goes up to around ₹5.13 lakh.
Here are the key variants:
-
STD – Basic, no AC or power steering
-
LXi – Adds power steering and AC
-
VXi – Offers front power windows, infotainment
-
LXi CNG / VXi CNG – Same features as above but with factory-fitted CNG
This wide range ensures there’s something for every budget.
FAQs
Q: Is the Alto 800 good for long drives?
A: It’s best for short to medium drives. Long highway trips are possible but may feel tiring due to limited space and basic comfort.
Q: What is the maintenance cost?
A: Very low. Maruti offers a strong service network and cheap spare parts.
Q: Does the CNG variant come with a spare tyre?
A: Yes, though boot space reduces due to the CNG tank.
Q: Is there an automatic version?
A: No, the Alto 800 is only available with manual transmission.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Alto 800 is not about flashy features or powerful performance — it’s about practicality, reliability, and saving money. It’s built for the Indian middle class, and it delivers exactly what’s needed — a comfortable, no-fuss driving experience with excellent fuel economy.
If you’re buying your first car, or want a budget-friendly second vehicle, the Alto 800 makes a lot of sense. In a world of expensive SUVs and loaded gadgets, the Alto quietly reminds us that simplicity still works — especially when it comes at such a low cost with high returns.