Maruti Suzuki Alto 800

The small car segment  the most important segment in the Indian car market, since the time the first car of that size, M800, was introduced here – and it is still available in most part of the country. The Maruti M800 is on offer in India for last 28 years (1984 to 2012). Over this period the company has sold over 2.5 million units, with one major update (1986) and lots of minor changes as and when needed. Though the car is phased out from metro cities due to unavailability of BSIV engine, it is still available in the rural areas where it is sold in meager numbers. Since May there are rumours that Maruti has stopped production of the M800, but the company has denied them time and again. Next is the Alto. The success graph for this car is even steeper with the Alto holding the best seller title for over a decade. However, with rising petrol prices and availability of options like the Hyundai Eon, Maruti’s grip on this segment is loosening. The solution was disclosed at the 2012 Auto Expo, without providing too many details. MSI MD, Nakanishi, confirmed that the company was considering a new car that will replace the M800 and the Alto in India, with up-to-date styling and technology. For a while it was believed that the Cervo will be the new Maruti small car for India. But then, our friends at OnCars snapped an all-new car from Maruti with minimal camouflage, divulging lot more about the company’s plans. The new car is called the Alto 800 and is expected to be launched in India during the coming festive season.