The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 2022 has been released in India, with prices ranging from Rs 3.99 lakh to Rs 5.84 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). After more than two years, the K10 name has returned to Alto; the original K10 was terminated with the shift to BS6 emission standards. The third-generation Alto K10 is larger than its predecessor, with a new exterior and interior style, and retains the model's 1.0-litre petrol engine.

In terms of design, the new Alto K10 is a radical change from its predecessor, resembling the contemporary Celerio. It is based on Maruti's Heartect platform, which supports a variety of models ranging from the Celerio to the Ertiga, and has grown in size. The new Alto K10 is 85mm longer and 45mm taller than the Alto 800, measuring 3,530mm in length, 1,490mm in width, and 1,520mm in height. The wheelbase has also increased by 20mm to 2,380mm. On the other hand, the breadth remains the same as on the Alto 800.

The redesigned Alto K10's overall shape is rounded and slightly more upright than the previous model. It has wide sweptback halogen headlamps and a prominent hexagonal grille with a mesh-pattern air inlet up front, which resemble a laughing emoji. Although there are no possibilities for fog lamps or LED DRLs, the front bumper has a few angular creases on the sides and a contrasting black trim element.

The interior of the new Alto K10 has been totally redesigned, just like the outside. The dashboard is now more upright, and the previous model's dual-tone colour scheme has given way to an all-black interior concept. The dashboard features a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, similar to the Celerio and S-Presso, and accented with two silver accents on either side.

Interestingly, the central AC vents are based on the design of the pre-facelift second-generation Alto, while the steering wheel, control stalks, interior door handles, and side AC vents are based on the Celerio. Even the positioning of the power window buttons beneath the infotainment screen is similar to that of the Celerio and S-Presso. The digital instrument cluster, on the other hand, is exclusive to Alto.

The new Alto K10 comes with manual air conditioning, a 7-inch Smart Play infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering-mounted controls, a digital speedometer, and a four-speaker audio system. It has ABS, dual front airbags, and front seat belt pretensioners for safety. Glinto and Impacto accessory packages are also available from Maruti. Both accessory kits provide many external visual modifications, with the former emphasizing chrome and the latter emphasizing contrast orange elements.

Maruti's new 1.0-litre drives the new Alto K10, three-cylinder K10C petrol engine, which delivers 67hp and 89Nm of peak torque, the same as the Celerio and S-Presso. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission.

The Alto K10 is more fuel efficient than its predecessor, thanks to dual-jet technology and an idle start/stop function. Maruti states that the manual variants have a fuel economy of 24.39 kpl while the automatic versions have a fuel efficiency of 24.90 kpl.

download the Park+ app!