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 NEW
MARUTI ALTO LXi
Price: Rs 2.98 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi)
On Sale: Now
IT’S
TIME FOR the annual Maruti nip-and-tuck clinic. The only car that hadn’t
been given the botox treatment since its launch was the Alto, which is
the benefactor of this year’s Maruti make-up session.
The car retains the same external dimensions as the old one. Only minor
changes have been made to the detailing. They include an all-new grille,
which is bigger than the one it replaces. Also changed is the bumper,
which now gives the car a sportier stance. The new Alto now comes with
clear lens headlamps, replacing the earlier ones. All these changes make
the new Alto’s face look more mature and purposeful. The rear taillamp
design too has been modified slightly but it’s difficult to tell
the old from the new at first sight.
The biggest change to the interiors is the introduction of dual-tone seat
fabric, which helps liven the interior a bit. The AC switches have also
been changed from sliding types to rotary ones, which are more convenient
to use. We were, however, disappointed at the falling quality of material
used in the interiors.
No changes have been made under the hood. The Alto retains the same peppy
47bhp motor with 12 valves. Engine noise, however, intrudes heavily inside
the cabin when revved, though the gearshift quality remains good. Other
Alto virtues like good fuel efficiency and solid build remain the same.
The new Alto gets two new colours — Caribbean blue and wine red
— which are striking enough to grab eyeballs.
Price remains unchanged with the base Alto starting at Rs 2.42 lakh, ex-showroom
Delhi, and the power-assisted LXi costing Rs 2.98 lakh.
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September 2005
MARUTI
ALTO