New Delhi, August 4 (IANS) India’s car market leader Maruti Suzuki Wednesday launched a new version of its highest selling small car Alto, priced between Rs.3.03 and Rs.3.16 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new Alto-K10 will be equipped with a Suzuki K-series 998cc engine, which is said to have an improved suspension, gear transmission and brake system.

‘There are a growing number of first time buyers who seek more power, performance and attitude in their car, without having to stretch all the way to buy a higher segment car,’ said Shinzo Nakanishi, chief executive, Maruti Suzuki India.

The fuel efficiency of the car is said to be 20.2 km per litre, which is also the highest among cars in A2 segment. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour in just 13.3 seconds and has new cable type transmission for easy gear shifting.

The existing Alto has an average sales of over 20,000 units every month. The company expects the Alto-K10 to bring in additional customers.

‘The Alto’s package of performance, fuel efficiency and attractive cost of ownership have together made it India’s most popular car. The Alto-K10 will take this forward,’ Nakanishi added.

Nakanishi said he did not expected any rise in royalty payments to parent Suzuki Motor Corp of Japan.