After introducing the Baleno with BSVI engines earlier this week, Maruti Suzuki has now launched the Alto facelift with a BSVI-compliant powertrain. Prices start at Rs 2.94 lakh and go up to Rs 3.72 lakh. Apart from the cleaner engine and some cosmetic changes inside and out, the refreshed entry-level hatchback also receives a bump in its standard safety kit. Also new to the list of features is Maruti Suzuki’s Smart Play Dock infotainment system and keyless entry. Before we proceed further, let’s look at the detailed price list:

• Alto Std: Rs 2.94 lakh
• Alto LXI: Rs 3.50 lakh
• Alto VXI: Rs 3.72 lakh

(All prices are ex-showroom Delhi)

With that of the way, let’s concentrate on the cosmetic changes and the new features. On the outside, the Alto now features a new grille, new front bumper and restyled side fenders. The new fascia has also resulted in an increase in length by 15mm. Inside the cabin, the dual-tone theme is accompanied by a redesigned dashboard which houses new AC ducts and the new Smart Play Dock infotainment system. The said system can stream music via Bluetooth as well as make calls and help navigate. Speaking of features, the Alto is now also available with keyless entry.

Over to the standard safety features. In order to make the Alto facelift compliant with the new safety norms, Maruti Suzuki has equipped all variants with ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, driver’s front airbag, speed alert system and seatbelt reminder for the front passengers. If you opt for the LXI (O) or VXI (O) trims, Maruti Suzuki will also fit an airbag for the front passenger. For that extra bit of safety, you’ll have to pay approximately Rs 5,000 more over the non-optional trim levels.

Then there is the BSVI-compliant engine. In essence, it is the same 0.8-litre engine from the pre-facelift model but now features hardware and software upgrades, along with a reworked exhaust system, to meet the stricter emission norms. The 3-cylinder petrol engine is good for 48PS/69Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Maruti Suzuki claims that the mileage figure can go up to 22.05kmpl, which is good but isn’t as high as before.

Maruti Suzuki has also packaged the Alto in such a manner that it meets the End of Life Vehicle (ELV) obligations. The refreshed hatchback is over 95 per cent recoverable and 85 per cent recyclable. Lastly, Maruti Suzuki has taken away the ‘800’ badge and the facelifted model will only carry the Alto moniker. Courtesy of all the changes above, the Alto facelift costs up to Rs 28,000 more than before.  As far as colour options go, the hatchback is available in White, Silver, Grey, Green, Blue and a new Red shade.

The Maruti Suzuki Alto facelift becomes the first car to become BSVI-compliant in its segment. That segment includes the Renault Kwid and the Datsun Redi-Go, both of which are available with 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre engines.