The Maruti Alto K10 is one of the most popular compact hatchbacks in India, capturing the hearts of many people. Its purpose lies in offering a lightweight design, spirited performance, and above all, outstanding fuel efficiency.
This car is widely owned by most commuters in a city and small families because it is a price-effective and practical choice among vehicles used for daily purposes. The Alto K10 is available in both petrol and CNG fuel options, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suits their needs while searching for economical mobility solutions.
The petrol-powered Alto K10 is available with both manual and automatic transmissions. On the other hand, the CNG variant is paired with a manual transmission. This combination is advantageous because it allows the buyer to choose their preferred driving style.
The Alto K10’s CNG version emphasises running cost savings, which is why it can be an easy choice for budget drivers. Thus, the study primarily focuses on ARAI-certified fuel economy figures for the petrol and CNG variants of the Alto K10, followed by actual real-world mileage data.
Here, you can figure out which Alto K10 variant has a perfect balance between fuel economy and practicality for your driving patterns by analysing these numbers.
Table of Contents
Maruti Alto K10 ARAI Mileage Figures
Official ARAI-certified mileage for the Alto K10 across all engine and transmission options is:
| Engine & Transmission | ARAI Mileage (km/l) |
| Petrol – Manual | 24.39 km/l |
| Petrol – Automatic | 24.9 km/l |
| CNG – Manual | 33.85 km/l |
Maruti Alto K10 Real-World Mileage vs ARAI Mileage
In typical city driving, the petrol manual Alto K10 achieves a fuel efficiency of around 14 to 16 km/l, while the petrol AMT variant offers a slightly better range of 15 to 18 km/l when driven gently. On highways, these numbers improve significantly, with the petrol manual achieving about 21 to 22 km/l and the AMT variant reaching up to 22 km/l.
The CNG version excels in fuel economy, offering approximately 21 to 24 km/kg in urban conditions and an impressive 31 to 35 km/kg on highways, closely matching its official figures.
Several factors contribute to the difference between ARAI mileage and real-world fuel efficiency:
- Traffic Conditions: Stop-and-go city traffic with frequent idling results in reduced mileage compared to open highways with steady speeds.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed driving increase fuel consumption.
- Vehicle Load and AC Usage: Carrying extra passengers or heavy cargo, plus running the air conditioner, especially during hot weather, negatively impacts mileage.
- Transmission Type: The AMT transmission, while providing ease of use, has a slightly different fuel efficiency profile compared to a manual transmission, particularly in stop-start conditions.
- Maintenance and Fuel Quality: Well-maintained vehicles with clean air filters, properly inflated tires, and quality fuel tend to uphold better fuel efficiency.
Maruti Alto K10 Fuel Efficiency Comparison: Petrol vs CNG
The Maruti Alto K10’s fuel efficiency ratings differ significantly between the petrol and CNG models under various driving conditions. Under city driving conditions, the petrol variant returns with fuel efficiencies of around 14 – 16 km/l, while the CNG variant performs exceptionally with fuel efficiencies of 21 – 24 km/kg.
The figures for highway driving are significantly better than those for city driving for the petrol variant, achieving fuel efficiencies of around 21 – 22 km/l, while the CNG variant impressively attains 31 – 35 km/kg.
The performance difference in fuel economy between petrol and CNG is primarily due to the energy content of the fuels and the engine tuning for optimal combustion. In terms of kilometres per unit weight of fuel, CNG gives improved mileage but may have slightly less power output.
However, due to the low cost of running CNG per kilometre, it becomes the most obvious choice for a cost-conscious driver who regularly covers high mileage.
Maruti Alto K10 City Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Both the petrol manual and petrol AMT (AGS) variants of the Maruti Alto K10 return mileage in the range of 14 – 16 and 15 – 18 km/l, respectively, depending on how the driver presses the accelerator pedal. However, the CNG variant excels in fuel economy, returning 21 – 24 km/kg in city conditions. Here are the factors that affect the fuel efficiency:
- Fuel Combustion Efficiency: CNG burns properly and more efficiently during city traffic, thereby ensuring greater mileage compared to petrol in stop-and-go conditions.
- Stop-and-Go Traffic Impact: Petrol engines are more affected by stop-and-go conditions, where repeated accelerations and braking reduce fuel economy; meanwhile, CNG engines offer better fuel economy under such conditions.
- Engine Tuning and Power Delivery: The petrol variant has slightly higher power and faster throttle response, which may encourage the driver to accelerate aggressively, thereby hampering mileage. In contrast, the CNG engine, being an efficiency-tuned engine, promotes a cautious driving style, leading to fuel savings.
- Load and Air-Conditioner Usage: In both variants, higher loads and heavy air-conditioning use result in lower mileage; however, the effect is usually more pronounced with petrol due to its higher fuel consumption base.
- Transmission Differences: The AMT offers an edge in convenience and slightly better mileage in slow-moving traffic due to more optimised gear shifts, whereas a manual transmission provides better control, which can significantly impact mileage depending on the driving style.
Maruti Alto K10 Highway Fuel Efficiency Comparison
On highways, the Alto K10 petrol and CNG versions may differ in fuel efficiency, with the petrol manual offering 21-22 km/l and the AMT (AGS) petrol version slightly lower, around 20 -22 km/l. It clearly outshines with higher CNG numbers, which gives it a CNG mileage of approximately 31 to 35 km/kg on the highway, very close to its ARAI rating in official terms.
These factors cause the differential effect in highway mileage between petrol and CNG:
- Constant Speed and Fewer Stops: Highway driving typically involves maintaining a constant speed with fewer stoppages, enabling both petrol and CNG engines to achieve higher efficiency. But with CNG burning far cleaner and more efficiently, it benefits even more from constant speeds.
- Engine Tuning: While generators from petrol engines are more powerful for overtaking and sudden acceleration, CNG engines are better tuned for fuel economy, allowing them to maximise their mileage during extended trips.
- Weight and Load Factor: This luggage or passenger factor affects both variants, but the CNG variant remains more efficient, even when loaded on highways.
- Transmission Operating Efficiency: The AMT is smooth in gear shifts; hence, it would be fair to say that the petrol variant has enjoyed some degree of benefit in highway mileage, though the manual petrol variant must match such efficiency with careful driving.
- Fuel Energy Content: Although CNG, with a lower energy density than petrol, is more efficient in burning on highways and thus has a higher mileage, this results in significant savings in fuel costs for long-distance travellers.
Maruti Alto K10 Fuel Cost Comparison: Petrol vs CNG
Understanding fuel costs is important when choosing between the petrol and CNG variants of the Maruti Alto K10. Here’s a comparison of running expenses based on a typical monthly driving distance of 1,500 km to help you decide which option suits your budget best.
| Aspects | Petrol | CNG |
| Monthly Running Distance | 1,500 km | 1,500 km |
| Monthly Fuel Use | Approx. 68.18 litres | Approx. 44.92 kg |
| Average Monthly Fuel Cost | ₹5,455* | ₹2,246* |
| Average Yearly Fuel Cost | ₹65,460* | ₹26,952* |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹3,27,000* | ₹1,34,760* |
Note: Fuel costs were calculated using the average petrol price of ₹80 per litre and the CNG price of ₹50 per kg, taking into account real-world mileage of approximately 22 km/l for petrol and 23 km/kg for CNG.
Real-time expenses may vary due to regional differences in fuel prices and changing driving conditions. With a correspondingly greater difference in fuel costs, the CNG variant offers significantly more savings in the long run, especially for those who cover larger distances each month.
Maruti Alto K10 Mileage vs Competitors
The Maruti Alto K10’s mileage distinguishes it from some close competitors when comparing the CNG and petrol variants. Here’s a look at the official mileage figures here:
| Model | Petrol Mileage (km/l) | CNG Mileage (km/kg) |
| Maruti Alto K10 | 24.39 km/l | 33.85 km/kg |
| Renault Kwid | 23 km/l | 21 km/kg |
| Hyundai Santro | 20.3 km/l | 30.48 km/kg |
| Tata Tiago | 19.01 km/l | 28.06 km/kg |
The Maruti Alto K10 with petrol and CNG gets impressive mileage compared to its potential competitors. Hence, this car is highly attractive to buyers seeking fuel economy and lower running costs in urban and semi-urban environments.
Summary
In summary, the Maruti Alto K10 CNG variant outperforms its rivals in fuel economy and running costs, making it a preferred choice for buyers seeking to save significantly on fuel costs without compromising practicality and convenience.
Such an excellent CNG fuel economy is ideal for people who drive long distances daily or commute frequently within city limits. On the other hand, the petrol variant is slightly less economical but offers enhanced power delivery and refuelling options to its advantage.
The petrol variants are therefore more suitable for users who regularly drive long distances or live in areas where CNG availability is limited. Ultimately, all comes down to driving habits, fuel accessibility, and performance requisites in choosing between petrol and CNG.
FAQs about Maruti Alto K10 Mileage Comparison
Q. Is the Maruti Alto K10 CNG reliable for long-term use?
Yes, the factory-fitted CNG system in the Alto K10 is designed to be durable and is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty. With proper maintenance, it can provide reliable service for many years without major issues.
Q. How often should the Maruti Alto K10 CNG system be serviced?
It is recommended to service the Alto K10 every 10,000 to 15,000 km to maintain the optimal performance, safety, and efficiency of the CNG system. Regular servicing also helps in preventing unexpected breakdowns.
Q. Can I switch between petrol and CNG fuels while driving the Alto K10?
Yes, the Alto K10 with CNG is a bi-fuel vehicle, allowing you to switch between petrol and CNG modes seamlessly as per your convenience and fuel availability.
Q. Does the Alto K10 CNG have lower performance compared to the petrol version?
The CNG variant delivers slightly reduced power compared to the petrol model due to engine tuning for fuel efficiency. However, it still offers adequate performance for most daily driving needs in urban and semi-urban settings.
Q. Are CNG refuelling stations easily available?
The network of CNG refuelling stations is expanding steadily, especially in metropolitan and urban areas, making refuelling more convenient. However, it is advisable to check local CNG station availability and plan routes accordingly before opting for the CNG variant.
