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Want something cheaper than the Dacia Sandero? Maruti Suzuki will sell you a brand new car for 244,000 rupees. That’s $4,613.
While Suzuki is on the ropes in North America, their fortunes in India have been traditionally strong. The Maruti Alto (Maruti being Suzuki’s Indian partner) was the best-selling car in India last year, continuing a 7 year reign. The Maruti 800 has sold millions of examples since its debut in 1983, and the upcoming Alto 800 that replaces it is an important model for the company.
After rioting at its plants this summer, Maruti needs the Alto 800 to be a hit. Our man on the subcontinent, Faisal Ali Khan, our man for all things India, has some some driving impressions.
12 Comments on “Great News Everyone! Maruti Alto 800 To Start At 244,000 Rupees...”
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And this is why the Nano has a hard time. I’d drive this over a Nano any day.
At least it looks like a real car.
certainly if a ‘real car’ runs on 12″ ride-on lawn mower tires
not sure if people are ready for a 2 cyl. 2,000lb toy car
Tony,
Notice that this car is not marketed to Americans, but to Indians, who may have no problem fitting in this car and achieving necessary speed from 3 (not 2) cylinders and 12″ wheels .
I’ll walk, thanks.
I’m really not digging the upward slope of the beltline. This vehicle is meant to be practical. The upward slope does not make the vehicle look any better and only makes the vehicle less convenient/comfortable.
Much as I’m with you in hating this car’s upward beltline, and how it has infested pretty much all new cars, it’s kind of absurd to think even a car this low-cost doesn’t sell on style. Nobody makes Model Ts anymore. Cars are consumer goods, not tools.
If you’re a resident of a country where the average income is $1500 USD a year, this thing is sweet!
Oh, hell yes. I think this is an example of the kind of hidden successes brands like Mitsu and Suzuki are quietly piling up around the world.
You can make Rolex or Timex, they’ll both sell.
Well, soon the U.S. WILL be a country where the average income is $1500 USD a year, what with Walmart paying minimum wage and only giving workers 20 hours a week!
jeffzekas…
“Well, soon the U.S. WILL be a country where the average income is $1500 USD a year”
Yes, possibly after Fall 2013, or at least much poorer than now …..see video link below, “I.O.U.S.A.”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_TjBNjc9Bo
“Walmart paying minimum wage and only giving workers 20 hours a week.”
Sorry. No. Walmart has the right to arrange whatever employment conditions it deems fit for its businesses and profitability. If you don’t like them, go work somewhere else…
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I owned its 1996 predecessor (in Europe) for three years and 40,000 miles. Needed only oil changes. Driving (read:passing) was about planning ahead and getting a running start, but other than that it was just a regular (small) car. Getting 40+mpg (while revving the 3-cylinder like a maniac) didn’t hurt either. Not exactly roomy, but doable for me at 6’4″. To make it to an interview on time I even changed from work clothes into a suit in it :-)
If it were available in the US, would I trade my Challenger for it? Well, No. But driving an under powered car ‘fast’ has its own charms. It’s all about momentum, something that doesn’t really enter my mind when driving the Challenger.