In November 2025, two of India’s most popular entry-level hatchbacks — the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and the Renault Kwid — continue to attract first-time buyers. Both offer affordability, ease of maintenance, and practicality suited for Indian city roads. However, they differ in design, features, and overall driving experience. This comparison covers every key aspect including features, mileage, safety, space, and India-specific pricing to help buyers decide which small car delivers better value in 2025.
Design and Dimensions
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 sticks to its tried-and-tested formula of simplicity and compact practicality. The latest 2025 update adds fresh bumpers, a slightly wider grille, and restyled headlamps. The tall stance improves visibility, while its compact proportions make parking effortless in urban traffic.
The Renault Kwid, on the other hand, offers a more SUV-inspired look. It features a bold front fascia, LED DRLs, dual-tone exterior options, and a higher ground clearance that appeals to younger buyers. Its design is clearly more modern and sporty compared to the understated Alto.
| Specification | Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 (2025) | Renault Kwid (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3445 mm | 3731 mm |
| Width | 1490 mm | 1579 mm |
| Height | 1475 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2360 mm | 2422 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm | 184 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 850 kg | 905 kg |
Verdict: The Renault Kwid offers a more youthful design and SUV-like stance, while the Alto 800 remains compact, ideal for city driving and tight spaces.
Engine and Performance
Both hatchbacks focus on fuel economy and everyday usability.
The Alto 800 uses a 796 cc three-cylinder petrol engine, tuned for reliability and efficiency. It produces modest power but excels in drivability within city limits. The Kwid uses a slightly larger 1.0-litre SCe engine, delivering better acceleration, particularly on highways.
| Engine Specification | Alto 800 | Kwid 1.0L |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 796 cc | 999 cc |
| Power | 48 PS @ 6000 rpm | 68 PS @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 69 Nm @ 3500 rpm | 91 Nm @ 4250 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual | 5-speed Manual / AMT |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG | Petrol |
Verdict: The Alto 800 is perfect for relaxed city commutes, while the Kwid offers more punch for mixed city-highway driving.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Mileage remains the strongest selling point for both models, especially for budget-conscious buyers in India.
The Maruti Alto 800 returns 24.5 kmpl (petrol) and 33.0 km/kg (CNG). Thanks to its lightweight design and Maruti’s fuel-tuning expertise, it continues to be among India’s most economical cars to own.
The Renault Kwid 1.0L delivers around 22.0 kmpl (manual) and 22.3 kmpl (AMT). It’s slightly less efficient but compensates with better performance.
| Variant | Alto 800 (Petrol) | Alto 800 (CNG) | Kwid 1.0L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mileage | 24.5 kmpl | 33.0 km/kg | 22.0–22.3 kmpl |
Verdict: The Alto 800 wins this round for pure mileage, making it ideal for cost-conscious daily commuters.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Alto 800 provides a practical layout with good visibility, supportive front seats, and durable materials. The dashboard is simple but now features a 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment touchscreen in higher variants with Bluetooth and Android Auto. Rear legroom remains adequate for short rides.
The Renault Kwid offers a more premium cabin for the segment, with a digital instrument cluster, sporty dual-tone dashboard, and improved cabin insulation. The seat cushioning feels firmer, while the boot space (279 litres) is notably larger than the Alto’s 177 litres.
| Interior Feature | Alto 800 | Kwid |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | 7-inch SmartPlay | 8-inch MediaNAV |
| Instrument Cluster | Semi-digital | Fully Digital |
| Boot Space | 177 litres | 279 litres |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Fabric Quality | Basic | Premium dual-tone |
Verdict: The Kwid offers a more upmarket interior and greater space, while the Alto keeps things simple and durable.
Safety Features
Safety has become a major focus in 2025, even in entry-level cars. Both models meet India’s latest safety norms.
The Alto 800 comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a seatbelt reminder system. The 2025 version also includes ESC (Electronic Stability Control) on the top variant.
The Renault Kwid offers similar features but adds traction control, speed-sensing door locks, and hill-start assist on AMT variants.
| Safety Feature | Alto 800 | Kwid |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| ABS + EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes (Top Variant) | Yes (AMT) |
| Speed Alert | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: The Kwid edges ahead with additional electronic safety aids, but both meet essential safety standards for city driving.
Ride and Handling
The Alto 800 is tuned for comfort, with soft suspension that absorbs bumps well at city speeds. The steering is light, making it easy to manoeuvre in narrow Indian lanes.
The Kwid, with its higher stance and firmer suspension, handles better on highways but feels slightly stiffer over rough surfaces. The AMT version adds convenience for stop-and-go traffic.
Verdict: The Alto prioritises comfort and ease of use, while the Kwid offers more stability and confidence at higher speeds.
Pricing in India (November 2025)
| Variant | Maruti Alto 800 | Renault Kwid |
|---|---|---|
| Base (Petrol) | ₹3.99 lakh | ₹4.69 lakh |
| Mid (LXi / RXT) | ₹4.45 lakh | ₹5.05 lakh |
| Top (CNG / AMT) | ₹5.10 lakh | ₹5.55 lakh |
The Alto 800 remains the most affordable car in India in 2025, while the Kwid justifies its higher price with better features and design appeal.
Verdict: Alto 800 is unbeatable in terms of pricing, whereas Kwid is for those wanting style and modern features without spending much more.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 vs Renault Kwid comparison highlights two distinct priorities. The Alto 800 focuses on reliability, mileage, and affordability — perfect for first-time buyers or small families. The Renault Kwid, on the other hand, offers better looks, more space, and a higher feature count, catering to younger and urban audiences.
For Indian buyers in November 2025, if budget and fuel efficiency are top priorities, the Alto 800 remains the go-to choice. But if you value a premium feel and SUV-inspired styling, the Kwid stands out as the more stylish option.
Verdict Summary:
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Best for Mileage and Cost: Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
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Best for Design and Features: Renault Kwid
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Best for First-Time Buyers: Alto 800
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Best for Urban Appeal: Kwid
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Overall Winner (India, November 2025): Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 for its unbeatable efficiency and reliability
FAQs
Which car gives better mileage in 2025?
The Alto 800 delivers 24.5 kmpl (petrol) and 33 km/kg (CNG), higher than the Kwid’s 22 kmpl.
Which car has more features?
The Renault Kwid offers more modern features such as an 8-inch infotainment screen and a digital cluster.
Is the Alto 800 safer now?
Yes, it comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control in the 2025 update.
Which one is better for first-time buyers?
The Alto 800 is simpler to drive, cheaper to maintain, and easier to park — ideal for first-time buyers.
Which car should you buy in November 2025?
If affordability and fuel economy are your main concerns, choose the Alto 800. If you want design flair and added features, go for the Renault Kwid.