Maruti Alto K10 And S-Presso Now Get Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Safety Feature As Standard

Maruti Suzuki has just updated the Alto K10 and S-Presso entry-level budget hatchbacks with electronic stability program (ESP), an essential safety feature that’s mainly meant to enhance stability and prevent loss of control on slippery road surfaces.

Maruti Suzuki has not increased prices of both the Alto K10 and the S-Presso despite the addition of ESP. Apart from ESP, these cars also get twin airbags, ABS, EBD and reverse parking sensors as standard safety equipment mandated by law.

The ESP system on the Alto K10 and S-Presso utilizes existing safety hardware on the cars – namely ABS and EBD – while integrating new software – Traction Control and Stability Control. Together, the sensors of the hardware, and software continuously monitor the vehicle’s movement, and send the inputs to the ECU. When there’s slippage detected in the vehicle’s movement, power is cut to one or more wheels and brakes are applied if necessary, helping the driver regain control.

ESP technology used to be the preserve of more expensive luxury cars but it’s good to see even entry-level cars getting this safety feature now. Safety, when democratized, helps save lives, and this is always a good thing in a country where over 400 people lose their lives in road accidents each day.

Coming back to the Maruti Alto K10 and S-Presso, both cars are powered by the tried and tested K10, triple cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. This motor makes 66 Bhp of peak power and 89 Nm of peak torque. Known to be a spirited and rev-happy engine, the K10 unit is now available with CNG-Petrol dual fuel technology.

Maruti Suzuki claims an ARAI certified mileage figure of 24.39 Kmpl for the Alto K10 while this number stands at 24.12 Kmpl for the S-Presso. While prices for the Alto K10 start from Rs. 3.99 lakh, those for the S-Presso start from Rs. 4.26 lakh. Owing to its tall-boy form factor, the S-Presso is now quite popular as a ride-hailing app based taxi. The Alto K10 is bought mainly by family car buyers, and is often the first car for many Indians given the affordable starting price, high fuel efficiency and low running and maintenance costs.

While the Alto K10 manages an average of around 8,000 monthly units, sales of the S-Presso have declined to an average of just about 2,000 monthly units. Together, the cars do about 10,000 monthly units on average, which while being low by Maruti Suzuki’s lofty standards, is still quite considerable when competition is considered.

Hatchbacks are declining

In the Indian market, hatchbacks as a body style are declining. Apart from the Maruti Alto K10 and S-Presso, the only other entry-level hatchback on sale in India currently is the Renault Kwid. This is a far cry from times just a decade ago where nearly every car maker used to have multiple entry level hatchbacks on sale.

Buyers – even in the entry level segments – are now shifting towards SUVs, mainly mini SUVs that measure under 4 meters in length. This dramatic shift in buying preference has to do with the fact that cars are still a luxury in India, and most people want to be seen in something much more substantial than an entry-level hatchback.

The SUV form factor lends itself to much better street presence when compared with say a hatchback, and this is what is driving demand. Besides, SUVs offer a commanding driving position, high ground clearance, and also many more features than entry level hatchbacks. Of course, they’re pricier but most people who opt for vehicle finance don’t seem to mind the extra few thousand in equated monthly instalments.