Factors behind Maruti Suzuki’s success

Success of Maruti Suzuki cars in India is really remarkable. The subsidiary of Japanese manufacturer Suzuki, Maruti has a sizeable market share in the country. The carmaker’s popularity is only going one way: up. The question that lingers is: How Maruti Suzuki managed to capture significant share in the Indian market?

The first mover advantage

In the early days only a few local manufacturers were involved in mass production of cars in India. However, the scenario changed in the 1980s, when foreign firms were eventually allowed to invest in the Indian market, leading to the alliance between Japanese Suzuki and Indian Maruti in 1981. Maruti Suzuki was the first and most successful multinational car manufacturer in India. It was in the year 1991, when India started liberalizing the automotive market, that Maruti faced any real threat from foreign carmakers. So, by the time competition increased in the car market, Maruti Suzuki had already established itself in India, with cars like the Maruti 800 dominating the market in the 80’s. And, cars like Swift VDI, Celerio, Wagon R and Alto are among others which have clicked right with Indian people in the new millennium.

The reasons for its popularity in the market are:

Economically priced

It has to be the most important factor. Before Maruti came into India, owning a new car was something only a small proportion of the population could afford. After its entry in 1981, the exclusivity regarding the car ownership changed in India. The models such as 800 in the 1983 and Alto variants in 2012 made car ownership a reality for majority of the population. Though Maruti Suzuki has remained largely focused on its affordable versions, some steps towards premium segment have also been taken off late.

Fuel Efficiency

Providing maximum mileage on almost all its models Maruti Suzuki has managed to rule the hearts since it steeped in the automotive industry. Truly a people’s car brand, Maruti has been a trusted name in the market for providing the maximum benefits in terms of fuel efficiency.

Low maintenance cost

Other factor that goes in Maruti Suzuki’s favor is the low maintenance aspect. It does not cost much in terms of maintenance as far as Maruti cars are concerned. There is a general consensus among Maruti users that during the initial 30,000-odd kilometers of their journey, they did not spend even a single penny on maintenance. This is a huge plus for any car user.

Maruti Alto 800 Review - Price, Features, and Specifications

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 was introduced in 2012 and has proven to be a runaway success. The car’s price in India makes it the cheapest BSIV hatchback from the Maruti Suzuki stable. The car is among the best selling cars in India, like its predecessors Alto and Maruti 800.

Here is what makes Maruti Alto 800 one of the best hatchbacks in the Indian market:

Design

The Alto 800 has contemporary but conservative looks. The front of the car features twin grilles, bulging headlamps, and chin spoiler effect. The side profile of the Alto 800 takes some cues from the Japanese market Alto, like with the shoulder crease running the entire length of the car. Towards the rear, the windscreen takes up the upper half of the car. The hatch has a center hump with the Maruti Suzuki logo. High steel is used in the Alto 800, making it quite a light car.

Interiors

The dashboard on the Alto 800 is both contemporary and functional. AC vents are dome shaped and the silver accents bring an upmarket feel to the interiors. The upmarket, colorful seats further enhance the overall beauty of the interiors. The dial also looks attractive with only the speedometer being analogue, the rest of the displays, like the fuel gauge, are digital. The AC controls are identical to the older Alto. As for the power window switches, they are placed in the center, below the gear lever. The non-cab forward design means that the A-Pillars don’t block the font view, allowing for better visibility for the driver.

The door panels have been kept flat to maximize the interior width. The upholstery of the car is good and feels superior for a car of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 price range. The 3-spoke steering wheel is comfortable to hold and the horn pad is wide enough to be accessed without much effort. Overall, the interiors are nicely designed, with controls placed where you would expect them to be.

As for the storage space, there is a rectangular cut-out above the glove box. This acts as a handy place to store odd items. There is also a smaller cut-out below the hazard light switch.  The interiors also have a dedicated coin holder, along with the usual storage place for a water bottle (1 Liter).

Performance

Alto 800’s engine feels livelier even at low speeds, making it easier to drive in city traffic. The car easily pulls from idle speeds and is quick to respond to any throttle input. The car’s maneuverability makes in-city driving fun, and that’s the kind of place where Maruti expects its buyers to drive the car most. While the Alto is no tarmac burner, it can easily cruise around 90 – 100 KPH. Taking the engine to a higher RPM might not be a rewarding experience, but engine is sufficiently smooth at low revs. Alto 800’s transmission, which uses “detent pin”, is a joy to use, the gears have a positive and sure slotting shifts that won’t be requiring much effort. More importantly, the gear lever doesn’t shake or dance around with vibrations.

Specifications and Features

Dimensions:

• Length - 3430 mm
• Width - 1490 mm (Without side molding)
• Width - 1515 mm (With side molding)
• Height - 1475 mm
• Tread - 1295 mm (Front)
• Tread - 1290 mm (Rear)
• Turning Radius - 4.6 m
• Ground Clearance - 160 mm (Un-laden Condition)

Engine:

• Number of Cylinders - 3
• Number of Valves - 12
• Swept Volume - 796 CC
• Engine Type - F8D
• Engine Control - 32 Bit Computer
• Transmission - 5 Speed MT
• Maximum Torque - 69 Nm @ 3500 RPM
• Maximum Power - 35.3 Kw @ 6000 RPM

Suspension:

• Front - MacPherson Strut
• Rear - 3 Link Rigid Axle Suspension

Weight:

• Gross Weight - 1185 Kg
• Kerb Weight - 695 Kg

Safety Features:

• Mobiliser
• Tubeless Tires
• Headlight Leveling
• High-Mounted Stop Lamp
• 2 Speed Front Wiper & Washer
• Collapsible Steering Column

Comfort:

• Coin Holder
• Dual Trip-Meter
• Driver Side Storage Space
• Front Console Bottle Holder
• Assist Grips (Co-Dr + Rear)
• Dial Type Climate Control
• Passenger Side Utility Pocket

Maruti Alto 800 is the perfect car for India. The engine has been tuned to offer better fuel economy. The car price in India for the Alto 800 makes it rank among the cheapest hatchbacks, but with its modern looks, fresh interiors, and engine performance the price of the Maruti Alto 800 makes it a bargain.