Maruti Suzuki Alto: Maruti Suzuki Alto is a budget, high-mileage hatchback in India, but Japan’s Alto is a different beast altogether. Suzuki has introduced a new version of its top-selling Alto in Japan with smarter styling and more affluent features that differentiate it. Let’s see how this Japanese model is completely different from the Indian car.
Design and Styling Updates
The 2025 refresh of the Japanese Alto features minor but noticeable tweaks. The front grille has been restyled, and the bumper now features rounded air intakes for a cleaner face. The rear end receives a new roof spoiler, while the rest of the exterior design remains almost unchanged. Suzuki says it has enhanced its aerodynamics with these minor tweaks, making it even more fuel-efficient.
Engine and Mileage
The Japanese Alto features a small 660cc 3-cylinder engine, which is offered in two forms — a naturally aspirated petrol and a mild hybrid. The mild hybrid version now boasts a mileage of 28.2 kmpl, slightly higher than its older model. With this, it is now Japan’s most fuel-efficient hybrid mini car, ideal for city drive.
Interior Features
Inside, the Japanese Alto is constructed as a four-seater with tall-boy design that gives greater headspace. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen Suzuki Connect, which allows you to control air conditioning remotely via smartphone. The hybrid variant also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and door handles finished in chrome, adding a sense of premium to the cabin.
Advanced Safety and Pricing
The largest USP of the Japanese Alto is its cutting-edge safety features. It has ADAS features like dual-sensor brake support, lane departure prevention, and traffic light departure notification system. There’s even a four-wheel drive option for increased confidence on slippery roads. The price in Japan begins from about 12 lakh yen, which is equivalent to about 7 lakh rupees in India, and goes up to about 16.39 lakh yen or about 9.70 lakh rupees.
How is the Indian Alto Different?
India’s Alto is a vastly different car from its Japanese sibling. It comes with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with no hybrid trim, but there is a CNG option. In terms of safety, it receives features such as ABS, EBD, ESP, six airbags, and rear parking sensors. Fuel efficiency is also not bad, with the petrol variants claiming around 24 kmpl and the CNG version offering up to 33 km per kg.