Suzuki India recently unveiled the latest version of its popular hatchback, the Alto 2023, at an attractive price point of INR 3,39,000. The launch of this new model has sparked a comparison with the Pakistani variant of the Alto, which still features an older design and carries a significantly higher price tag of up to 30 lac PKR.
The Alto 2023 replaces the entry-level hatchback type Alto 800, as Suzuki India has decided to discontinue its production. The company will now focus on marketing the remaining units of the Alto 800 while introducing the new Alto model, known as the “K10.”
According to Maruti’s official website, the Alto 800 priced between INR 3,54,000 and INR 5,13,000, which translates to approximately 12.35 lac to 17.9 lac PKR. In contrast, the Pakistani Alto, in its eighth generation, carries a price range of Rs2.6 million to Rs3 million.
The Suzuki Alto has a long-standing history in the Pakistani automobile market, with its introduction dating back to 1979 under various names, such as the Suzuki 800 and Suzuki FX. The eighth-generation Alto officially launched in Pakistan in 2014 and underwent a facelift in 2019 before reintroduced in 2020.
The price discrepancy between the Indian and Pakistani models has raised eyebrows among consumers and auto enthusiasts. While the Indian market benefits from the affordability of the new Alto 2023 at INR 3,39,000, Pakistani customers face a much higher price tag of up to 30 lac PKR for the older design.
This significant difference in pricing may stem from various factors, including taxation, import duties, and market demand. It highlights the disparity between the two countries’ automotive industries and the challenges faced by Pakistani consumers seeking affordable hatchback options.
With the launch of the Alto 2023, Suzuki India aims to cater to the budget-conscious Indian market, offering a modern and cost-effective option for customers. Meanwhile, Pakistani consumers will continue to rely on the older design Alto, albeit at a considerably higher cost.
As the automotive landscape evolves, it remains to be how Suzuki and other manufacturers will address the pricing discrepancies and provide affordable options for consumers in different regions.
