If you’re planning to buy your first car on a budget, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Tata Tiago are two of the most popular choices in India. Both are compact hatchbacks ideal for city driving, but they differ in engine performance, fuel efficiency, practicality, and overall driving experience.
🔧 Engine Specifications
🔹 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
· Engine Displacement: 998 cc, 3‑cylinder petrol engine.
· Power Output: Around 66–68 PS (varies slightly by variant).
· Torque: ~89 Nm.
· Fuel Options: petrol and CNG (optional).
· Transmission: 5‑speed Manual / 5‑speed AMT
· Drive Type: Front‑wheel drive (FWD).
✔️ The Alto K10’s smaller engine makes it lightweight, easy to drive in city traffic, and very fuel‑efficient, but it’s not designed for strong acceleration or high‑speed performance.
🔹 Tata Tiago
· Engine Displacement: 1199 cc, 3‑cylinder petrol engine.
· Power Output: ~85–86 PS — significantly higher than Alto K10.
· Torque: ~113 Nm — more pulling power, especially helpful on highways.
· Fuel Options: petrol and CNG (optional).
· Transmission: 5‑speed Manual / 5‑speed AMT.
· Drive Type: Front‑wheel drive (FWD).
✔️ The Tiago’s bigger engine delivers more power and torque, which helps with overtaking, cruising on highways, and carrying four adults more comfortably.
⛽ Mileage (Fuel Efficiency)
🔹 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
· Petrol: ~24.39–24.9 km/l (ARAI claimed).
· CNG: ~33.85 km/kg.
💡 Alto K10 is among the most fuel‑efficient petrol cars in its segment, especially in city traffic. Its lightweight design helps it return excellent mileage figures for daily commuting.
🔹 Tata Tiago
· Petrol: ~19.0–20.09 km/l (ARAI claimed).
· CNG: ~26.49–28.06 km/kg.
🚗 Tiago gives good mileage, but because of its larger engine and heavier weight, it doesn’t match Alto K10’s efficiency. However, it delivers better performance and comfort for longer drives and 4‑person usage.
🔍 Quick Comparison Table
Feature / Spec
Alto K10
Tata Tiago
Engine
998 cc petrol (3‑cyl)
1199 cc petrol (3‑cyl)
Power
~66–68 PS
~85–86 PS
Torque
~89 Nm
~113 Nm
Mileage (Petrol)
~24.4–24.9 km/l
~19–20.1 km/l
Mileage (CNG)
~33.85 km/kg
~26.49–28.06 km/kg
Transmission
5MT / 5AMT
5MT / 5AMT
Price (Approx)
₹3.7–5.4 L (ex‑showroom)
₹4.57–7.8 L (ex‑showroom)
📌 What This Means for You
🛺 Alto K10 – Best for:
· City driving and daily commute
· Maximum fuel efficiency
· Lower upfront cost and lower running expenses
· Easy parking and maneuverability
💡 If your priority is lowest cost + best mileage and mostly short city trips, the Alto K10 is hard to beat.
🚘 Tata Tiago – Best for:
· More power & performance
· Better ride quality and comfort
· Higher torque for highways and climbs
· Bigger interior space and boot
💡 If you expect frequent highway runs, want a more powerful engine and a bit more space, the Tiago is a stronger all‑rounder.
🧠 Summary – Engine & Mileage
· Alto K10 has a smaller 998 cc engine that is focused on fuel efficiency, returning ~24–25 km/l (petrol) and excellent cng figures.
· Tata Tiago has a bigger 1199 cc engine with more power and torque, which means slightly lower mileage but better performance and overall practicality.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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