The Maruti Alto K10 has been a popular choice for people looking for affordable cars for years. But according to the latest sales figures, the demand for this car has declined. In particular, sales have declined by 38% in April 2025 alone.
Despite its low price starting at ₹4.23 lakh, CNG mileage of up to 34 km per liter, and 6 airbags, this car is currently in low demand among the people. The main reason for this may be the evolutionary change in the way Indians prefer style, comfort, modern technology, and large SUVs in the current era.
April 2025 Sales: Shocking Numbers
The sales figures for the month of April 2025 have been shockingly released for the Maruti Alto K10. A total of 5,606 units were sold last month. This is a significant drop compared to the 9,043 units sold in April last year.
Based on these figures, Alto K10 sales have fallen by 38% year-on-year, signaling a shift in the hatchback’s positioning.
And for the first quarter of 2025, January to March, sales have averaged 9,920 units per month. This is slightly lower than the 10,000 units per month seen in the same quarter last year.
Alto K10 Highlights
Price & Fuel Efficiency
The Maruti Alto K10 price and fuel efficiency details prove it to be a cost-effective and efficient car. The ex-showroom price of this hatchback starts at ₹4.23 lakh and goes up to ₹6.21 lakh for the top-end variant. This makes it easily accessible to customers in a budget-friendly range.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the petrol variant returns a mileage of 24.39 kmpl. The CNG variant also offers a better mileage of 34 kmpl, which is very cost-effective as it costs only around ₹2.50 per km.
The car is powered by a 1.0-litre K10C naturally aspirated petrol and CNG dual-fuel engine, which offers excellent performance and reliability.
Premium Features
The Maruti Alto K10 comes with premium features that go beyond its price range. Most notably, it comes with a 7-inch Smart Play Studio touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto support. It provides easy connectivity and entertainment while on the go.
Under the safety features, all variants except the base model get 6 airbags. Likewise, it also features features like Hi-Fi diaries, ABS and EBD, reverse camera, which provide added reliability and safety while travelling.
Moreover, this hatchback car has a boot space of 214 litres, which is more than even some SUVs. Therefore, it offers passengers the opportunity to travel with greater carrying capacity and comfort.
Design and Colors
The Maruti Alto K10 offers a novelty in its design and style. It comes with a sporty exterior, especially with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and a newly designed bumper that gives the car a fresh look.
It also attracts customers in terms of color options. The car is available in prominent colors like Metallic Sizzling Red, Metallic Silver, Metallic Grey and Metallic Blue, which offers the convenience of choosing according to everyone’s sense of style.
Why the sales drop? 4 main reasons
1.Dominance of SUVs
SUVs are set to dominate the Indian car market in 2025. SUVs will account for around 65% of total sales. In particular, compact SUVs like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Extur, and Citroen C3 offer more space and status value to passengers than the Alto K10. As a result, people are increasingly turning to these types of cars, which has led to a decline in sales of hatchbacks like the Alto K10.
2.Growth of EVs
Electric cars priced between ₹8 lakh and ₹10 lakh, especially models like the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet, are increasingly appealing to budget customers today. These types of vehicles are popular because they are low-cost and easy to maintain. In this case, the lack of a hybrid or electric (EV) model option in the Alto K10 is considered a major drawback, which risks alienating a new generation of users.
3.”Base Model” Safety Issue
The lack of airbags in the base model of the Maruti Alto K10 is seen as a major safety issue by customers in 2025. Today’s new users consider safety as a top priority when choosing a car. On the other hand, competitors like Tata Tigor and Renault Kwid offer airbags in all their models. As a result, the safety lapses in the base variant of the Alto K10 have negatively impacted its sales.
4.Old Image
The Maruti Alto, which has been stuck in the old stereotype of a “poor man’s car” for many years, no longer appeals to the younger generation. Today’s users prefer stylish hatchbacks or mini SUVs because they have a sophisticated design, stylish looks and advanced features. These changing consumer expectations have left the Alto’s traditional visual identity behind.
Competitors vs Alto K10: Who is ahead?
| Model | Price (₹ Lakhs) | Mileage (km) | Airbags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alto K10 | 4.23 – 6.21 | 24.39 (Petrol) / 34 (CNG) | 6 (Not full range) |
| Tata Tiago | 5.50 – 8.50 | 19 – 26 (Petrol) / 28 (CNG) | 6 (All variants) |
| Hyundai Exter | 6.50 – 11.0 | 19 – 27 (Petrol) | 6 (Top variant) |
| Citroen C3 | 6.00 – 9.50 | 19.8 (Petrol) / 28 (CNG) | 2 (Base) |
Conclusion
With the increasing trend of switching to CNG in India, the Alto K10’s ability to deliver a mileage of 34 km/kg is becoming even stronger. To capitalize on this opportunity, Maruti should bring at least 2 airbags to the Alto’s base model. Also, it should offer a hybrid engine option and do “youth-centric” marketing to attract the younger generation. If these changes are implemented by 2025, the Alto K10 has a chance to regain the title of “India’s Car”.
