India’s best-selling car in a row for consecutive 9 years, Maruti Suzuki Alto received a major update in 2012, now is set for a another facelift with new styling updates and enhanced fuel efficiency, the bigger news is the possibility of the 793 cc diesel engine.
As per a report on Autocar Professional, Maruti Suzuki is considering the launch of Alto 800 facelift in December this year. The report also states that a lot of “engineering and innovation” has gone into the new Alto 800 for it to deliver better efficiency. Currently, the Alto 800 is available in petrol and CNG, delivering an ARAI-tested mileage of 22kpl.
Interestingly, the company is now considering launching the Alto 800 with an all-new in-house developed all-aluminium 793cc two-cylinder diesel engine, which made its debut in the Celerio 125 DDiS. This engine produces 47bhp of power and 125Nm of torque, and offers an ARAI certified mileage of 27.62Kmpl, making the Celerio diesel India’s most fuel efficient diesel passenger vehicle.
A diesel-powered Alto 800 is likely to deliver more mileage owing to its lighter body compared to the Celerio. If this happens, then the Alto 800 diesel will grab the title as India’s most affordable diesel private passenger vehicle. We’ll not be surprised if Maruti introduces automated manual transmission (AMT) technology on the Alto 800 facelift, considering the AMT option available in the upcoming Renault Kwid.
To read more on Maruti Alto 800, Click here
Also see: Maruti Alto emerges as the world’s best selling small car
Source: Autocar Professional
