Maruti Alto K10 2014-2020

Features: The Alto nameplate is Maruti's all-time best-selling brand and for a good reason. Its simple lines please (almost) all and offend none. Maruti has updated the design of the second generation Alto K10 to give a modern look without going overboard. It is a small car, and it looks like one. There's no running away from the fact that you're talking about an entry-level car. The Alto K10 not only looks small from the outside but also feels like it on the inside. Cabin space is adequate for average sized adults, but tall passengers will complain about the limited leg and headroom in the back seat. Front seat, however, can easily accommodate two six-footers. Similarly, the boot space is also in short supply and rated at 177 litres. The plastic quality is basic and functional at best, but then, that's where it excels. It does only a few things but does it very well. Ergonomics are spot on for the most part, and controls easily fall into hands.

Engine: The Alto K10 packs a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that's very refined for its price tag. 68PS of power and 90Nm of torque deliver sprightly performance thanks to the car's low kerb weight of around 750kg. Transmission options include 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The light weight also helps it achieve a fuel efficiency rating of 24kmpl regardless of the number of pedals you choose.

Rivals: Hyundai Eon 1.0 Kappa: A stylish hatch, the Eon comes with Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design theme. Being a Hyundai, it offers solid reliability and lower cost of ownership. The 1.0-litre engine in the Eon has a bit more power and torque, but its heavier curb weight keeps its performance at par with the Alto K10. The Eon doesn't offer an automatic of any kind. Datsun Redi-GO 1.0: The Redi-GO shares its engines with the Renault Kwid minus the AMT option. The Redi-GO’s one box design looks modern, and the DRL (daytime running lights) give the hatch a premium look. Another noteworthy feature here is the remote central locking for the top variant. The car's black interiors look nice, and the cabin is surprisingly spacious despite its shorter length. Renault Kwid: The Kwid has made budget hatchbacks cool, but not at the expense of practicality. It is surprisingly spacious, very well equipped and handles bad roads very well. The only critical miss is the lack of ABS, but the competition doesn't offer that either. The optional AMT variants with the bigger engine offer, what can be called, ‘the world’s simplest interface in an automatic’. It does come with a steep initial unlearning curve though.

Variants: The Alto K10 is available in three variants, LX, LXi and VXi. LXi is also available with optional factory CNG kit while the VXi trim is available with the 5-speed AMT. Driver airbag is offered across the range as optional equipment. The LX starts at Rs 3.26 lakh and misses out on body-coloured bumpers and power steering. A driver airbag on any trim will cost Rs 6,000 except on the VXi and VXi (O) with a manual transmission. The VXi (O) costs Rs 3.79 lakh and is Rs 20,000 pricier than the VXi but gets other goodies as well such as body coloured mirrors and door handles, remote central locking and front fog lamps. The priciest variants of the Alto K10 are the VXi AMT (O) and the LXi CNG (O) in metallic shades, both of which hover at Rs 4.15 lakh.