Alto 800 as a daily driver: Ownership experience of a college student

Opting for an Alto over faster hatchbacks was a deliberate choice due to the economic advantage – with all expenses, including maintenance and fuel costs, being managed by my parents.

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Introduction

I’ve taken delivery of my Alto car just a week prior to the launch of the new Alto K10 - 2022, I've accumulated 17,000 km in one year and wish to share my ownership experience with the Alto 800. As a college student, I rely on this car as my daily driver, and despite being new to blog writing, I'd like to provide insights into my journey. Opting for an Alto over faster hatchbacks was a deliberate choice due to the economic advantage – with all expenses, including maintenance and fuel costs, being managed by my parents.

Variant

My model is the BS6 VXI+ trim, the top variant of the car which no longer bears the 800 branding.

Pros

This car is renowned for its exceptional city mileage of around 18 kmpl, making it incredibly fuel-efficient for daily commutes. The peppy engine ensures smooth city driving, while its compact size facilitates easy parking. The AC is effective, and the maintenance and spare parts costs are notably affordable.

Cons

While the car excels in many aspects, the build quality raises concerns, with panels susceptible to bending under slight pressure. The steering lacks feedback on highways, and though NVH levels have improved, there's room for enhancement. The recommendation for upsizing to 13-inch wheels stems from the original 12-inch wheels being notably small.

Daily City Drives

The Alto 800 shines in city traffic, providing ease of maneuverability with its peppy midrange engine and balanced steering. The clutch is light, preventing stalling even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and the small turning radius of 4.6m aids in hassle-free U-turns.

Highway Drivability

While the car is not primarily designed for highways, maintaining speeds below 120 kmph ensures confident driving. Braking has improved with the addition of ABS, and the mileage reaches around 22 kmpl on highways with the AC on.

Infotainment System

The Alto VXI+ boasts a 7-inch infotainment system supporting wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The overall experience is commendable for its price, especially with the utility of Apple CarPlay and Maps.

Safety

Enhancements in safety features include ABS, twin airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners for all seats, and effective reverse parking sensors. However, despite these features, there's room for improvement in the overall build quality.

After Sales Service

Maruti Suzuki's after-sales service has been smooth, with responsive service engineers promptly addressing concerns. Recently, my car experienced a slight rattling noise, promptly resolved within 30 minutes. Kudos to the service team for their efficient assistance.

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