Difference in Maruti Alto 800 base and top variant

Maruti Alto 800 is the preferred choice for new car buyers looking for a cheap upgrade from public transport and two-wheelers. In spite of tough competition from Renault Kwid, Datsun Redi-go and Maruti S-Presso, the Maruti Alto 800 has consistently topped the sales charts in numbers. Find out below about the difference between Maruti Alto 800 base and top variant.

Price and Performance

There are total 6 variants excluding the CNG option to choose from in the Maruti Alto lineup. The base variant STD petrol costs Rs.2.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Maruti Alto 800’s top variant VXI Plus costs Rs.3.94 lakh (ex-showroom). So what do you get for extra 1 lakh rupees? Should you buy the top variant or consider base variant with aftermarket modifications? Both the variants come with the same 796cc engine which produces 40.3bhp@6000rpm of maximum power and 60Nm@3500rpm of peak torque. The car is perfect for a small family and urban use and promises ARAI claimed fuel efficiency of about 22kmpl.

Exterior Features

Both the variants come with standard feature of body-coloured outside door handles.  The VXI+ variant has body-coloured bumpers, Full wheel covers, and body side moulding as additional features.  Both the variants also have common utility features like Front/ Rear Console bottle holder, Front door trim map pocket in both driver and passenger side.

Interior Features

The main difference between both the variants lies in the interiors of the car.  The STD variant gets common features like dual-tone interiors, C pillar moulded lower trim, and Vinyl seat upholstery. The VXI+ variant gets additional features like B&C pillar upper trims, Fabric + Vinyl seat upholstery, Silver accents Inside door handles, steering wheel, Louvers and centre garnish. More about Maruti Alto top vs. base below.

You also do not get any comfort and convenience feature with the STD variant of the car except Driver side sun visor, and assist grips for co-driver and rear passengers.  The VXI+ variant on the other hand shows here the worth of the big bucks. It comes with features like Air Conditioner with Heater, Power Steering, Front power windows, Central locking,  Remote keyless entry, Audio with USB and Aux-in. The main highlight in the form of a 17.78cm touchscreen infotainment system Smart Play is also available here along with Bluetooth connectivity, 2 Front speakers with grille, Accessory socket, Rear Parcel Tray, digital clock in speedometer, Integrated headrest, Remote back door opener/fuel lid and Internally adjustable ORVM.

Safety

Both the variants of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 come with decent safety features. Common safety features include Headlight levelling, High mounted stop lamp, Immobilizer,  Front wiper and washer, Collapsible steering column, Driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and Speed Alert System. The VXI+ variant gets additional safety features in the form of the passenger-side airbag, rear door child lock. If safety is your major concern you have to opt for higher variants because airbags cannot be installed aftermarket.

Conclusion

While the Maruti Alto 800 has become quite an old car, people are not willing to get over it. Due to its popularity, Maruti is able to sell the Alto without any issues.  For its price, the top variant does provide features and should only be considered if safety is your major concern. If not, opt for the LXI variant with AC and install other aftermarket parts at a cheap price.

Also read: Why do people still buy the Maruti Alto?

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