Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 LXi - User Experience Review

The ‘waterfall’ flow design we spoke of in the earlier part is a design trait that is seen in all current Suzuki models – the Kizashi, the Swift, the SX4 and the Ritz being the most recent examples. The waterfall-flow inspired V-shaped lines are primarily seen on the dashboard /centre console and the front end of these vehicles – however, since the Alto 800 dons a hexagonal grille, this design is only seen in the interiors and partly on the boot-lid. You’ll notice the change when you get inside the car. The centre-console doesn’t look like a file cabinet anymore thanks to the tapering design. It also gets metallic highlights shaped like the lapels of the tuxedo. The top-end version gets a USB compatible audio system stacked below the HVAC controls.

The dashboard has a design that we can’t help but compare with the Mahindra Quanto that we recently tested. The A/C vents mounted on the centre console are leaf-shaped, while the ones at either ends of the dashboard are round – which is exactly similar in design and layout to what we have seen in the Quanto. The dashboard plastics are better put together than the current model, but there are panel-gaps nevertheless and the quality of the plastics isn’t too great – after all, the Alto 800 is going to be marginally dearer than the Maruti 800. The interiors can be had in two colour options – grey or beige. While the former is seen on the car we have tested, it is much similar to the colour combination found in the outgoing Alto. The beige and brown combination on the other hand gives the perception of a slightly roomier cabin but gets soiled easily. 

The steering wheel has been carried over from the Alto K10 and has the basic three-spoke design. Depending on the colour you choose for the interiors, the steering wheel is available in black or brown colour schemes. The instrumentation is quite basic too. The outer shape of the console is the same as the one seen in the Alto K10, however, the Alto 800’s instrumentation gets a brushed-metal bezel that outlines the console and separates the three sections of the instrumentation panel – the telltale lights on the left, speedometer in the centre and the fuel gauge on the right. 

The seats get fabric upholstery with printed artwork of what looks like two infinity symbols (some say that the artwork stands for ‘800’, but we fail to see how). The front seats are slimmer than the ones on the outgoing model; and like the Eon and i10, they get integrated headrests. The padding isn’t too comfortable nor is the size of the seats. They are adequate for slim drivers; and generously sized blokes could find them uncomfortable. The rear seats are more-or-less similar to ones in the current model and can seat two adults and a kid. The recesses at the back of the front seats provide additional knee-room and the taller roofline makes for better headroom than the outgoing Alto. The ingress and egress is slightly better than the current Alto too, but its still a tiny car and provides basic levels of comfort and space. 

Also Read:

Alto 800 Performance Review 

Alto 800 Design Review