The Maruti Alto 800 2025 continues its legacy as the most affordable and reliable hatchback in India. With prices starting at just Rs. 2.25 lakh and going up to Rs. 5 lakh (ex-showroom), it has become even more attractive after the September 2025 GST cut. The drop from 28% to 18% has reduced prices by up to Rs. 40,000, making it a stronger competitor against cars like the Renault Kwid and Datsun redi-GO. Offering a claimed 42 kmpl mileage on petrol and 31 km/kg on CNG, it remains the first choice for budget-conscious buyers, students, and small families.
Compact but Sturdy Design
The Alto 800 has always been a compact hatch designed to slip through India’s tightest lanes, and the 2025 update keeps that identity intact. Measuring 3,445 mm in length, 1,515 mm in width, and 1,475 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,360 mm, it is small yet practical.
The 165 mm ground clearance helps tackle rough city roads and waterlogged stretches during monsoons. Built on the lightweight Heartect platform, the Alto tips the scale at just 720–760 kg, which aids fuel efficiency. The facelift brings a refreshed grille, new LED DRLs on higher trims, and a wider choice of colors including Mojito Green and Silky Silver.
Cabin Made for Everyday Life
Inside, the cabin stays simple and functional. It comfortably seats four adults, with five passengers possible on shorter trips. Headroom is generous thanks to the tall-boy stance, and the 177-liter boot holds grocery bags, backpacks, or small luggage. Folding rear seats expand the storage for weekend runs.
Higher trims feature a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while lower variants get a basic music system. The AC cools the cabin quickly in hot summers, cup holders keep drinks stable, and wide windows add an airy feel. Everything is designed to be practical and easy for daily use.
Mileage and Performance
Under the hood, the 796 cc three-cylinder petrol engine produces 48 PS and 69 Nm. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, offering smooth shifts for city traffic. While 0-100 kmph takes about 15-17 seconds, it feels peppy enough for short urban commutes.
The highlight is fuel economy: 42 kmpl ARAI-certified for petrol and 31 km/kg for the CNG version. With a 32-liter petrol tank or a 60-liter water equivalent CNG tank, it delivers a driving range of up to 700 km. Running costs are as low as Rs. 1-2 per km, making it one of the cheapest cars to maintain in India.
Ride and Handling
The Alto 800 rides on 12-inch wheels with 145/80 R12 tires, which are small but adequate for city duty. Suspension is tuned soft to absorb bumps and potholes, keeping passengers comfortable even on rough stretches.
The light steering and tight turning radius make U-turns and narrow roads easy to handle. Braking is managed by front discs and rear drums, supported by ABS with EBD on higher trims. It’s not built for high-speed highway cruising, but in city traffic, it feels right at home.
Safety Enhancements
For 2025, Maruti has improved the safety package. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors are now standard across all trims. The Heartect platform provides better crash protection, while ISOFIX child seat mounts are included for family buyers. Features like seatbelt reminders, auto headlamp leveling, and child safety locks add to the package. While it may not match premium hatchbacks, it covers the essentials for its price point.
Price and Ownership
The range begins at Rs. 2.25 lakh for the STD petrol and tops out at Rs. 5 lakh for the VXi CNG variant. On-road prices in Delhi fall between Rs. 2.5 and 5.7 lakh depending on the variant and fuel type. Maruti also offers quick delivery timelines of 10–20 days, a 2-year/50,000 km warranty, and extremely low service costs of around Rs. 2,000–3,000 per year. With resale value holding up to 80% after three years, the Alto remains one of the best financial choices in the entry-level segment.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Alto 800 2025 may not be flashy, but it delivers everything that budget buyers need—affordability, reliability, mileage, and ease of ownership. With its updated looks, improved safety, and reduced prices post-GST cut, it is still the ultimate no-nonsense city car. For first-time buyers, students, and small families, the Alto remains a solid, fuss-free companion on Indian roads.