Maruti's new mini-sizzler is here and it is out to captivate many hearts big time, with its peppy and easy-sipping K10 engine

It is confession time and I have no qualms in stating that I have had a soft spot for the Suzuki Alto ever since the first iteration for India was launched as the 800 way back in the mid-1980s. However, this liking for Suzuki's best known name plate the world over truly ticked into overdrive when the present generation Alto appeared on Indian roads in the year 2000. What began with the 800's engine plus a larger 1.1-litre mill from the Wagon R was later rationalized to just the 800cc engine. After a slow start the Alto leapfrogged all else, even in Maruti Suzuki's line-up to go top of the heap. Understandable this fact, given this was the most modern extension of the 800's theme of providing a no-nonsense, simple and easy to operate small car for the masses. Add in legendary Maruti-Suzuki build quality and a strong service set-up nationwide, the Alto did its job admirably for country and consumer alike.

One of the key things which have happened in India over the last few years has been the hectic action seen in the hatchback category with new models dominating the senses from both existing as well as spanking new manufacturers! The entry level hatchback segment however didn't see much innovation or for that matter any new model action whatsoever and while the more premium larger hatchbacks seemed to grow, the entry level category has seemingly stayed put. No wonder then that the Maruti 800 is virtually on its last hurrah as far as off take is concerned and not much is happening when you take in class rivals from other brands.

It is here that the leader has moved to shape and shake the market in the entry-level segment even when - in the Indian scheme of things - it didn't actually need to. At least not right now. However, it is a given for large successful corporations to be proactive rather than reactive and this is the case with Maruti-Suzuki's new Alto K10. Get it in now as a complementary rather than replacement model to the present Alto F8D and you make the Alto brand even wider ranging in its entry-level appeal while also arming it for the coming years.