Among the two cars here, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AMT is slightly bigger in some of its dimensions. Also, it clearly has the Tata Nano GenX AMT beat in terms of engine power and thus, performance. Despite having the bigger engine, the Maruti is surprisingly claiming to be more fuel efficient on paper. The K10’s 998cc 3-cylinder petrol motor kicks out 68 PS of max power and 90 Nm of torque. Maruti Suzuki is claiming a figure of 24.07 km/l of fuel consumption. Of course, real-world numbers would seldom reflect that, which isn’t surprising.
The Alto K10 gets a bigger engine and that equals more power.
Following are some of the main points in favour of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 over the Tata Nano GenX AMT:
- More powerful and torquey, thanks to the bigger K10B engine.
- Higher top speed and quicker from 0-100 km/h.
- The Alto K10 AMT features a tachometer and a better centre console with piano-black finish.
- More frugal (on paper) than the Nano GenX.
- Bigger fuel tank means less stops at the pumps.
- More luggage space at 177 litres.
- The Alto K10 AMT also gets front disc brakes and wider 155-section rubber (front & rear).
- Internally-adjustable ORVMs.
The Maruti also offers front disc brakes. The Nano makes do with just drums.
Now it’s the turn of the new tallboy, the Tata Nano GenX AMT…
The latest Nano brings in some much awaited changes to the table and looks slightly better, too. However, the tiny 624cc two-pot petrol motor is significantly low on power as compared to the Alto K10. The engine doesn’t sound any better either and puts out only 38 PS of max power. This doesn’t pay dividends in performance, but amazingly, it is only rated at 21.9 km/l. That said, this Nano’s AMT box offers more features than the one found in the Alto K10. It also now comes in two new colours; Sangria Red and Persian Rose. This time around, the Nano’s boot can be accessed, as Tata engineers have finally made the hatch of this hatchback openable.
The AMT on the Nano GenX offers more features.
Following are some places where the Tata Nano GenX AMT scores over the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AMT:
- Tallboy design means there’s more headroom on the inside.
- The ‘Easy Shift’ transmission features a ‘creep’ function and also has a sports mode.
- Surprisingly, the Nano GenX is also wider on the inside and thus offers more shoulder room.
- Bluetooth functionality for the audio system which also supports telephony.
- Smaller turning radius of just 4 metres.
- Higher ground clearance of 190mm (unladen).
- Front fog lights and keyless entry and remote central locking functionality.
Gear position indicator available, but still no tachometer.
Here’s a quick look at some engine and dimension numbers:
| Engine and Gearbox | ||
| Maruti Alto K10 AMT | Tata Nano GenX AMT | |
| Cubic Capacity | 998cc | 624cc |
| Power | 68 PS @ 6000 rpm | 38 PS @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 90 Nm @ 3500 rpm | 51 @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (AGS) | 5-speed Easy Shift |
| Fuel Economy (claimed) | 24.07 km/l | 21.9 km/l |
| Dimensions | ||
| Maruti Alto K10 AMT | Tata GenX Nano AMT | |
| Length | 3545mm | 3164mm |
| Width | 1515mm (with side moulding) | 1750mm |
| Height | 1475mm | 1652mm |
| Wheelbase | 2360 mm | 2230mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160mm | 180mm |
| Boot Space | 177 litres | 94 litres |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 litres | 24 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 755 kg | 755-765 kg |
| Turning Radius | 4.6 metres | 4 metres |
I have owned the previous version of the Alto K10 and it used to give me 25 on highway at 80-100 cruise speeds with ease and 16-18 in city with ac on both cases…. My manager has the latest non AMT Nano and he got 18-19 in city with ac…. Considering the power difference, comfort and space besides the longer range and the 5th gear, Alto should be the car of choice for mixed use while the Nano would be so for general city use…