Maruti Suzuki is India’s largest car manufacturer. They have a variety of vehicles in their line up and the major reason why they are so popular among people is their large sales and service network and the availability of cars for almost all types of customers. However due to recent emission norms, Maruti had to actually discontinue their entry level car Alto 800 from the market. Now we have reports that Maruti is once again planning to enter the affordable or entry level car segment in India.
As per Autocar ProfessionalMaruti Suzuki India is actually planning to launch a entry level model in India specifically targeting first time car buyers in the country. By launching this new model Maruti wants to regain their hold in the small car segment. Maruti Suzuki with its new model aims to focus on affordability and accessibility.
The upcoming entry level car from Maruti will be designed exclusively for Indian conditions. It is expected to come with multiple powertrain options including mild hybrid, flex-fuel and CNG. The upcoming Maruti car aims to offer a great experience to those customers who are upgrading to a car from a two-wheeler for the first time. The car will not only be affordable but will also offer great fuel efficiency and alternate fuel options like CNG.
This move comes after Maruti noticed a rise in number of sales in the sub-4 meter segment especially after the revised GST rates last year. The cars in this segment became a lot more affordable and more customers have forward to buy new cars.
Maruti noticed that share of first time car buyers in India has gone up from 40 percent to 48 percent in September-December 2025. With the launch of new entry level model, Maruti Suzuki can actually improve the sales in this particular segment.
After Maruti discontinued Alto 800, there has not been any replacement in the market. It has been one of the best selling model for the brand in the market. It was affordable, efficient and easy to maintain. That is the same formula that Maruti will be looking to replicate in the upcoming entry level model too. With the upcoming model, we won’t be surprised if Maruti decides to go with an SUV like look for the exterior to give it an appealing look among buyers.
Currently Maruti S Presso which is a tall boy hatchback designed to look like an SIV is the entry level model from Maruti Suzuki in India closely followed by Maruti Alto K10. The price for Maruti S Presso starts at Rs 3.5 lakh, ex-showroom and the K10 starts at Rs 3.70 lakh. Maruti with their upcoming model will aim to price the car lower than both these models as they are aiming to convince the first time car buyers.
As the car is exclusively being developed for India, we expect to see high level of localisation and also part sharing. This would actually help the brand in keeping the price under check. Like most Maruti models it would offer a no nonsense and a basic looking cabin with minimum features. At the moment, Maruti is evaluating or planning to enter this segment and is not clear when would this particular model would get launched.
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