Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Performance & First Drive

Alto K10 is basically a more upmarket version of the country’s largest selling car Maruti Suzuki Alto , which was launched in 2006. Despite being better than the Alto, the car couldn’t do as good as the company expected it to do. The engine power, fuel efficiency, drivability and pricing make Alto K10 an easy winner. There are two variants of the K10 available in the market – the Maruti Alto K10 LXi (Rs.3.03 lac) and Maruti Alto K10 VXi (Rs.3.16 lac). Powered with three 1-litre, 998 cc cylinders, the Alto K10 delivers an impressive power and fuel efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Overview

Its K-series engine produces a peak power of 68 PS at 6200 rpm and the maximum torque of 90Nm at 3500 rpm. Coupled with a five-speed cable type manual transmission, the power is transmitted to the front wheels of the car. It returns an impressive mileage of 20.2 kmpl. The overall design of the Alto K10 gets a mild re-treatment with new headlights, front fog lamps, body-coloured bumper, tail lights, tailgate and wheels with full covers. From certain angles, the car resembles more like the old Maruti Zen.

The interiors of the Alto K10 are simple yet stylish. The new blue-coloured seats are well integrated with headrest. The other rich features include a climate control unit with heater, front power window, electric tripmeter with tachometer, illumining instrument cluster with speedometer, vanity mirror, sun visor, ash tray, accessory socket, cup holder, rear parcel tray and more. It doesn’t come with a stereo system, but has an installation option. With good leg, head and shoulder room, the Alto K10 is just alright in terms of comfort, as you cannot expect much from a car coming at this price.Check for Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 price in Ahmedabad at CarBing.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Style

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has a simple exterior that has gone through a refresh. The headlamps are slightly bigger and accommodate have the front indicator integrated into it. The revised bumper also houses the front fog lamps. On the side, there isn’t much difference viz-a-viz the Alto 800, which has a simple straight shoulder line with black cladding in the center to give it a sporty appeal. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 also comes with body colored ORVMs or outside rear- view mirrors and door handles, which are colored in black on its sibling, the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Space

In terms of the comfort and rich features offered, the interior of the new Alto K10 is far better than its sibling. The power windows are only on its front side. One can easily adjust the ORVMs from inside. Now, the steering wheel is more stylish but less responsive. The new blue seats are comfortable with integrated headrests, like Hyundai i10. However, the plastic quality is still cheap. For an average Indian height, the ingress/ egress is perfect but tall people could find it congested.

There is no provision of an audio system. One can get it installed from the market. The overall ambience of cabin is maintained by various standard features, including a climate control unit with heater, front power window, electric trip-meter with tachometer, illumining instrument cluster with speedometer, vanity mirror, sun visor, ash tray, accessory socket, cup holder, rear parcel tray, accessory socket, tinted window glass, etc.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Gearbox

The K10’s claim to fame has always been its engine. The K-series all aluminium 998cc motor was an easy revving, potent and fuel efficient one. On the new K10, this engine has been honed further. The engine is now lighter, there’s less friction and it is mated to a new 5-speed gearbox. Maruti claims a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. The K10 has an ARAI specified fuel economy of a 24.07kmpl. Now it only makes 68PS but when you factor in its weight of just 755kg, you know this isn’t going to be a boring car to drive. And it isn’t! The engine does get noisy when revved but it doesn’t hesitate no matter how hard you push it and the gear shifts are easy and precise.To know more details on Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 check Tamc2011

The Alto K10 leads the race when it comes to mileage. This hatchback comes with more refined K10B petrol engine that churns out a maximum power of 68 PS at 6200 rpm and a peak torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. This upgraded engine makes the Alto K10 one of the most fuel efficient cars in this segment. It delivers an impressive fuel efficiency of 20.2 kmpl on highways, while that of 15-16 kmpl in the city.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Riding

If there’s one thing the Alto always excelled at, it was ease of driving. That continues on the new Maruti Alto K10 as well. It has great visibility, reasonably light controls and because of its size, it’s not just easy to dart around with in traffic, it’s child’s play to park as well. The ride quality though leaves a little to be desired.The K10 is a light car, and it feels that way over bumpy roads. So, it bounces around and the passengers do get thrown around a bit as well. Also, unlike some other small cars that return a settled, more composed, big car like ride, the Alto feels exactly what it is – a light, small car.

We do love the way the new Maruti Alto K10 handles though. Here the lack of weight comes in handy. It loves to be chucked into corners and one can do it with confidence, aggression and total abandon. It is a proper entertainer on tight twisties. You can also get it to correct its line mid-corner, which for a car meant to deliver ‘kmpl’ over everything else, is a huge plus. It’s not the grippest car you can buy thanks to the narrow tyres, but having less grip in a car which isn’t exactly the epitome of power, we believe, is a good thing; if nothing else, it keeps the driver completely alert and the driving experience enjoyable. Braking thanks to those puny tyres was never going to be outstanding, and it isn’t. But the feel-some and progressive brakes add to the Alto K10’s dynamics

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Safety

The braking system is very basic, but proficient enough to provide good control. The front and rear wheels have ventilated disc brakes and drum brakes, respectively. Tyres are relatively small, and don’t have any active role in maintaining the balance and stability of the car. All standard safety features are available with its both variants, which include seat belts, child lock, front fog lamps, headlights, engine immobilizer, i-CATS, central locking key off reminder, suspension and braking system. However, the advanced ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD safety measures are missing from the board.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Price in Ahmedabad

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 LX Ex-showroom Price is 3,47,881/- and On Road Price is 3,83,000/-. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 LX comes in 6 colours, namely Tango Orange,Silky Silver,Fire Brick Red,Granite Grey,Superior White,Cerulean Blue. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 LX comes with K-Next with 998 CC Displacement and 3 Cylinders with Maximum Power 67 bhp@6000 rpm and Peak Torque 90 Nm@3500 rpm DRIVE TRAIN FWD and reaches 24.07 Kmpl . Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 LX comes with Automatic Transmission with FWD .

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Final Thought

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is an A-segment hatchback by the Indian carmaker. It is powered by a 998cc K10B petrol engine. The motor generates 67hp of max power at 6,000 rpm and 90Nm of peak torque at 3,500 rpm for the petrol powered version. However, the engine has been tuned down for the CNG variants at 58hp and 78Nm. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 also comes with and AGS (Auto Gear Shift) or automatic transmission in addition to a 5-speed manual transmission. Certified mileage of this hatchback is 24.07 km/l for the petrol version in both gearbox options and 32.26 km/kg for the CNG variants.

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is a popular entry-level hatchback in India, known for its affordability, compact design, and reliable performance. The 2025 model has been revamped to offer more power, better fuel efficiency, and a modern look while retaining its classic attributes of being easy to drive and maintain. Below is a detailed overview of its performance and first-drive experience.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Performance Overview (2025)

Engine & Powertrain:

The Alto K10 has been equipped with an updated engine and transmission options, making it more powerful and fuel-efficient.

Engine Type:
- 1.0L K-Series 3-Cylinder Engine (Petrol)
- The engine is a more refined and efficient version of Maruti’s well-known K-Series engines, offering a good mix of power and efficiency.
Power Output:
- Power: 67 PS (49 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 89 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
- This is an increase from the previous model, offering better acceleration and driveability.
Transmission Options:
- 5-speed Manual Transmission: Standard option for those who prefer a more engaging drive.
- AMT (Automated Manual Transmission): Available for those seeking ease of driving in city traffic.
Fuel Efficiency:
- Mileage: Around 24-25 km/l (claimed by Maruti Suzuki), making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. This is particularly attractive for city commuters and long-distance travelers.

Performance:

The 1.0L engine gives the Alto K10 a decent amount of punch for its size. It’s not a performance car, but it is well-suited for city driving and occasional highway cruising.
Acceleration is smooth, and the car feels peppy in urban traffic, thanks to the 67 PS power output.
The manual gearbox offers smooth gear shifts, and the AMT version is more relaxed, making it ideal for stop-and-go city traffic.

First Drive Experience of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Driving Comfort:

Suspension: The Alto K10 features a McPherson strut front suspension and a 3-link rear suspension, which strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. On bumpy roads, the ride is firm but comfortable enough for daily driving. While it’s not the most plush, it handles city roads and rough patches well.
Steering: The power steering is light and responsive, making it very easy to maneuver in tight spaces or congested city traffic. It lacks the sharpness of sportier cars, but for a car in this segment, it’s more than sufficient.

Handling:

The Alto K10 is designed for simplicity and ease of driving. On straight highways, it feels stable, and the steering does not feel overly light, giving the car some sense of confidence at higher speeds (up to around 100 km/h).
On winding roads, the Alto K10 isn’t the most sporty, but it handles well for an entry-level hatchback. It can feel a little body-rolled during aggressive turns, but that’s expected from a car in this segment.

City Driving:

AMT (Automatic Transmission): For those opting for the AMT version, the driving experience is smooth in urban traffic. The gear shifts are decently quick, though you’ll feel the occasional hesitation when accelerating hard. Still, it makes driving in stop-and-go traffic much more convenient compared to a manual.
Clutch and Gear Shifting (Manual): In the manual version, the clutch is light, making it easier to drive in the city, and the gear shifts are smooth with a positive feel.

Noise and Vibration:

The engine noise is relatively low at idle and becomes slightly noticeable at higher revs, but it’s not intrusive. There is a slight amount of vibration felt through the steering wheel and pedals, but it’s within the limits of what you can expect in this class of car.
The cabin insulation is decent, and while you may hear some outside noise at high speeds, it doesn’t overpower the driving experience.

Interior and Features:

Space: The Alto K10 is compact, so rear-seat legroom and boot space are modest but sufficient for daily use. It’s ideal for small families or as a commuter car.
Interior Design: The cabin is simple and functional, with new modern touches in the 2025 model. There are updated upholstery and a fresh dashboard design, with digitized instrument clusters in higher variants.
Infotainment: Higher variants come with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the drive more enjoyable.

Safety:

The Alto K10 comes with a host of safety features, including:
- Dual airbags (driver and passenger)
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Seatbelt reminder
- Driver and co-driver airbags in higher variants
While it doesn’t have as many advanced safety features as premium cars, the Alto K10 offers basic but essential safety for city driving.

Verdict on First Drive:

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is a great choice for those looking for a practical, efficient, and easy-to-drive entry-level car. Here’s a summary of the first drive experience:

Pros:
- Great fuel efficiency: Perfect for daily city commuting.
- Compact size: Easy to maneuver in tight traffic and parking spaces.
- Peppy engine: The 1.0L engine provides sufficient power for city and highway driving.
- Affordable: One of the most affordable cars in the segment, making it ideal for first-time car buyers.
- AMT option: Convenient for urban driving, with smooth shifts in city traffic.
Cons:
- Limited rear seat space: Not the best choice for long trips with more than two passengers.
- Basic interior quality: While functional, the interior could be more premium.
- Lack of advanced features: Compared to some competitors, the Alto K10 may not offer advanced tech or higher safety ratings.

Conclusion:

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is a practical, reliable, and efficient city car. Its performance is adequate for daily commutes, with a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. The first drive experience is smooth, especially in the AMT version, which adds convenience in traffic. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, no-nonsense car with low running costs, the Alto K10 continues to be a solid option in 2025.