Next-Generation Maruti Suzuki Alto To Become 100 Kgs Lighter Than Current Version

Maruti Alto is one of the most popular and affordable hatchbacks from India’s largest car manufacturer. The Alto is not just available in India but is also a popular Kei car in the Japanese market. In fact, the Alto has been in the market since 1979. It is currently in its 9th generation, and there are reports that Suzuki is working on the next-generation Alto. The 10th-generation Alto is expected to be launched next year, and reports mention that Suzuki is planning to reduce the weight of the hatchback.

The current-generation Suzuki Alto has a kerb weight of anywhere between 680 kg and 760 kg. In the next generation, Suzuki plans to make the Alto 100 kg lighter than the existing model. However, this is just a plan, and there is no clarity on whether they have managed to achieve this goal.

The current-generation Alto is already a lightweight vehicle, and during a meeting in 2024, the brand confirmed that the Alto will undergo major weight reduction. The Alto was initially a very lightweight car, but it gained weight with newer generations.

Suzuki is now planning to reduce the car’s weight by using lightweight yet strong materials like ultra-high-strength steel. This is part of Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, and along with weight reduction in the engine and other components, it would help them achieve their goal.

Why Reduce the Weight?

If you are wondering why Suzuki is planning to reduce the weight of the new Alto, it is to improve the overall driving experience. With a lower weight, the power-to-weight ratio of the Alto will improve, and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle will also increase. With better efficiency, the Alto will be more economical and environmentally friendly.

It should be noted that the Alto mentioned here is the international version, which is sold in Japan. The current-generation Alto is available with petrol and mild-hybrid engine options. It comes with a 658cc naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 46 PS and 58 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox.

The mild-hybrid variant uses a 657cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that generates 49 PS and 58 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with a 1.9 kW ISG. This engine is also mated to a CVT gearbox. The mild-hybrid version offers a claimed fuel economy of 27.7 kmpl. The upcoming 10th-generation model is expected to offer even better fuel efficiency, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Suzuki manages to achieve 30 kmpl with an updated 48V hybrid system.

Will It Come to India?

The Alto sold in the Japanese market is different from the one available in India. In fact, the Alto 800, which was sold in India, was discontinued due to stricter emission norms. Currently, only the Alto K10 is available in the Indian market. It comes with a 998cc, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 66 BHP and 89 Nm of peak torque. The K10 is available with both manual and AMT gearbox options.

via: bestcarweb