Maruti Suzuki is planning to replace Maruti 800 with a new iconic model before December this year.
The new vehicle will be priced in the range of Rs.2.5 to Rs.3.5 lakh range, and this will feature the same F8D engine used in the base Alto but in a new updated avatar to compete with the new generation engines offered by competitors.
"A replacement for the 800cc model makes sense, as it has not been selling very aggressively at about 2,000 units a month. This will be a totally new small car, though based on an existing platform," a company official said.
He said the existing two Alto models would remain, considering its strong volumes (around 20,000 units/month). The market leader will focus on fuel efficiency and low maintenance as the primary drivers, the main purchase considerations in the compact segment. However, the design will be sharp and reflect Maruti's new styling language, another source said.
Presently, the 800cc segment is contested by Hyundai's new Eon and Maruti's own Alto. Tata Motors is also reportedly working on an 800cc Nano, while others such as Nissan-Renault are also eyeing the segment.
The company stopped selling Maruti 800 in the top 13 cities in India from September 2010, as it could not meet the Bharat Stage IV emissions norms, which were made mandatory in these cities from that date.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.