| Date of acquired | December 2007 |
| Efficiency | 14-15 kmpl (City)
18-20kmpl (Highway) |
| COSTS | -Nil- |
| Distance covered | 48,390kms |
| For | Price, good city car, space, low maintenance cost |
| Drawbacks | Bland looks, cramped interiors |
India’s best seller is a fine car, if you’re on a budget. The Alto uses the 800’s proven and highly efficient three-pot motor with a four-value Head on the base variant. My association with Alto Lxi is for 3.5 years old. The day we got the delivery, it was pet named as ‘Black Beauty’ have had many memorable experience with my black beauty till date. It has lived up to the expectation of ‘more per car’. Here is a review about my black beauty-
The history dates back to 2007 when I decided to buy my first car as I had my first job in hand. Since everything was for the ‘first’ time in my life, my mind was reluctant to settle for a second hand car but had the budget constraint too. Shortlisted Alto and Santro (best available options then. Selection was much easier in 2007 compared to now when there are so many options). And I clearly wanted a car with AC and power steering. Rest of the features came next on my priority list. Santro was costing almost 1L more than Alto Lxi. Hence finally zeroed on Alto Lxi Black colour alias Black Beauty.
I have been driving the car predominantly in the city with 2-3 long drives per year. As everyone are aware, city driving is fun and easy with Alto. It can sneak through the smallest space available, easy manoeuvrability due to very effective power steering, easy to park due to its small dimensions etc.
But what came as a surprise to me was its highway handling despite its small stature. Everybody would be familiar with the pros of Alto in city driving; hence I would like to tell about its highway capabilities. The car is quite stable upto speeds of 120 kmph. Because of its lesser capacity engine, it takes bit longer to reach 100 kmph mark but once it’s there, then it can cruse all day long at this speed.
Having said about all the positives, every man made items has negatives. Alto is no exception to it. Few of its negatives are low on interior space, tyre size, heavy dip in pick up once the AC is on etc.
Final words of my that for Rs 3.47 lakh (On-road price, Mangalore) Alto is a great deal. Of course at this price one can’t expect the car to do wonders. Know its limitations, drive accordingly. So let’s GO
Cheers to safe driving. Always wear the seat belt!
Also see – Comparo – Alto VS Alto K10
More pictures of Afzal’s Maruti Alto Lxi –
