It was back in April 2019 when Maruti Suzuki introduced the refreshed Alto with a BS6-compliant (Bharat Stage 6) petrol engine. Later in the same year, it launched the CNG-powered (Compressed Natural Gas) variants of the entry-level hatchback. Those did not comply with the stricter emission norms. Now, however, they do. As before, the Alto comes with factory-fitted CNG in two derivatives – LXI and LXI (O). The former wears a price tag of Rs 4.33 lakh, whereas the latter costs Rs 4.36 lakh. When compared, the upgraded variants cost just over Rs 27,000 more than before.

The BS6-ready Alto range comes with a 0.8-litre petrol engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. When fed with petrol, the 3-cylinder motor produces 47bhp/69Nm, and the powertrain is frugal enough for a maximum claimed mileage of 22.05kmpl. However, with CNG as the chosen fuel, the engine produces 40bhp/60Nm. Those figures remain identical to the BSIV-compliant power-plant. But in BS6 form, the Alto can return up to 31.99 km/kg on CNG which is 1 km/kg lower than before.

In December 2019, the company expanded the Alto’s portfolio by launching the VXI+ trim level. Maruti Suzuki claims that it has sold over 100,000 BS6-compliant units of the Alto already. The hatchback, in one form or the other, has been around for more than fifteen years. Over that period, it has bagged over 38 lakh sales for its maker. In other words, it is the undisputed bestselling car in India of all time.

Alongside introducing the upgraded Alto CNG, Maruti Suzuki has also increased the prices of select models. Depending on the model and variant, the price hike ranges up to 4.7 per cent. The company has cited the increase in input costs as the main reason behind this upward revision.

As things stand, there are only three Maruti Suzuki models which still haven’t received their BS6 badges. They are – the Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and the Ignis. The SUV and the crossover will ditch diesel engines in favour of petrol motors. As for the Ignis, it will gain its free pass into the BS6 era along with its mid-life update at the Auto Expo 2020.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Joins BS6 Bandwagon