The refined version of Alto K10, the entry-level version which is slated for launch soon, may cost Rs3 lakhs. Maruti sees more hope and promise from this new 1000cc Alto to boost its presence in the A2 segment. Further, there would be more first time buyers for this fascinating car in the Indian car market. Maruti has designed this car at the measurement of 3629mm net length, more than the current model by 125mm. Maruti is keen that this new version shall be longer than others in this A2 segment- Estilo, WagonR and Hyundai i10.
The new Alto is expected to run for 20.2 km/lit at the speed of 0-100/h in 13.3seconds(while other cars in this segment has the time of 14 seconds). The CGM of Maruti claimed that the company is fully aware of the pros and cons of this A2 and A1 segments. He explained that there has been no increase in this segment for the past four years despite the net growth of 200% in the car market. The reason cited, among many, is the launch of such cars by Hyundai, GM, Renault-Bajaj. There might be hike in this segment in coming days therby evoking stiff competition, he said. According to his classification, the A2 segment consists of Santro standard(non-AC), Alto 800, and Chevy Spark. The torch bearers in this segment are Tata Nano and M800.
The sale of Alto is on the high with 20000-21000 monthly units in the net volume of 32000-34000 units in this segment alone. Hence the prospects of the share in this segment may be around 25-30% with the launch of Alto K10, he added. The cost of existing Alto 800 is Rs2.28 lakhs for standard and Rs2.6 lakhs for Delux model, while the Lxi is Rs2.79lakhs. this makes the assumption that the new version may cost around Rs3 lakhs(mid-range price between entry level Estilo and Alto Lxi whose cost is Rs3.3 lakhs). The new Alto might grab new buyers and first time owners, making them awake from the gloomy picture of a car’s purchase on financial grounds.