Frugal engineering is a risky game to play, and many large automotive brands have faltered in the past, due to the extremely thin and dotted line separating frugal from cheap. Maruti Suzuki though seems to have mastered this game, even when viewed on the global platform. The new Alto K10 is another such example by the company, where low-cost inversely brings about introduction of a major powertrain technology in the segment, while retaining functionality. We explain how.
INTRODUCTION
In its latest avatar, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has got a makeover in multiple areas, including design and transmission. As a result, it's smaller, lighter, better-equipped, more spacious and more efficient than the earlier model. Auto Tech Review was part of a preview drive the company recently organised in Chandigarh. Here's our technical analysis of everything in the car that has gone through a change.
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTIONLight is right, when developing vehicles of present-age and Maruti Suzuki has been a strong player in this domain. Traditionally, the company has implemented weight saving techniques across its model range and the Alto K10 benefits from the evolution of the company's engineering capabilities. Starting off with dimensions, the new model has grown taller and wider by 15 mm over the outgoing one. Length has been reduced by 75 mm, primarily by tighter packaging of the engine and its auxiliary units. While this does help lightweighting, the engine itself along with the body has been lightened further.
POWERTRAINThe 998 cc engine from the older Alto K10 has been retained for the new model, although it has been tuned for improved efficiency and drivability. The all-aluminium K-Next engine generates about 67 hp and 90 Nm of torque. While the figures remain unchanged, the engine characteristics have been tuned in favour of fuel-efficiency, 15 % over the earlier model to be precise.
ROAD BEHAVIOURThe suspension of the Alto K10 comprises of MacPherson struts with coil springs upfront and a trailing link with coil springs at the rear. The suspension has been tuned to offer a more pliant ride, owing to inclusion of gas-filled dampers. The steering unit has been reworked to increase the assist level, translating into lighter operation. The brakes too have been designed to reduce the operational effort, making the car a much better small urban vehicle than its predecessor.
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