India’s small car market is once again heating up in November 2025, with Maruti Suzuki reviving an iconic name — the Maruti Cervo. This compact hatchback is positioned below the Alto K10, aiming to attract first-time car buyers with its efficiency, safety, and value pricing.
The question now is simple: Is the new Maruti Cervo the most affordable city car in India, or does the Alto K10 still hold the crown? Let’s compare both hatchbacks in detail to find out which one truly delivers more for your money.
Design & Styling
The Maruti Cervo (2025) gets a fresh design that combines compact dimensions with modern styling cues. It features a sloping bonnet, wider air intakes, and sleek headlamps inspired by the Baleno’s design language.
The Alto K10, meanwhile, sticks to its proven tall-boy silhouette with sharper body lines and a larger grille. It feels familiar yet functional, catering to buyers who value practicality over flash.
| Feature | Maruti Cervo (2025) | Alto K10 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,435 mm | 3,530 mm |
| Width | 1,475 mm | 1,490 mm |
| Height | 1,475 mm | 1,520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,370 mm | 2,380 mm |
| Boot Space | 235 L | 214 L |
Verdict: The Cervo’s lower height and aerodynamic design make it look sportier, while the Alto K10 feels more upright and space-efficient.
Engine & Performance
Both cars use Maruti’s reliable petrol engines tuned for fuel efficiency. However, the Cervo employs a smaller displacement engine to keep costs and emissions lower.
| Specification | Maruti Cervo (2025) | Alto K10 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 796 cc, 3-cylinder | 998 cc, 3-cylinder |
| Power | 47 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 67 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 69 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 89 Nm @ 3,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual / AMT | 5-speed manual / AMT |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG | Petrol / CNG |
While the Cervo feels slightly underpowered for highway drives, it excels in stop-go traffic thanks to its lighter build. The Alto K10 remains the better choice for mixed city-highway usage.
Verdict: Alto K10 wins on performance, but the Cervo is adequate for city commutes and short trips.
Ride & Comfort
The Cervo has a softer suspension setup designed for urban comfort. It soaks up potholes well and feels stable at 60–70 km/h. The Alto K10, on the other hand, delivers a firmer and slightly sportier ride, with more responsive steering.
| Parameter | Maruti Cervo | Alto K10 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | McPherson Strut | McPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm | 165 mm |
| Tyre Size | 13-inch | 14-inch |
Verdict: Cervo wins for comfort in city use; Alto K10 suits drivers who prefer a firmer, more confident feel.
Features & Interiors
Despite being the cheaper model, the Maruti Cervo includes essential features modern buyers expect:
-
Dual airbags
-
ABS with EBD
-
Manual AC
-
Power steering
-
Front power windows
-
Digital instrument cluster
The Alto K10 builds on that list with:
-
Touchscreen infotainment (SmartPlay Studio)
-
Reverse parking sensors
-
Rear power windows
-
Steering-mounted controls
| Feature | Maruti Cervo | Alto K10 |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| Infotainment | Digital display | Touchscreen (7-inch) |
| Steering Controls | No | Yes |
| Rear Power Windows | No | Yes |
| Rear Camera | No | Optional |
Verdict: The Alto K10 offers more features, but the Cervo covers all basic safety and comfort needs.
Mileage Comparison (ARAI & Real-World)
Maruti’s engineering focus on fuel efficiency shows in both cars.
| Condition | Maruti Cervo (2025) | Alto K10 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| ARAI Mileage (Petrol) | 27.5 km/l | 24.9 km/l |
| ARAI Mileage (CNG) | 35.1 km/kg | 33.8 km/kg |
| Real-World City | 22–23 km/l | 20–21 km/l |
| Real-World Highway | 25–26 km/l | 23–24 km/l |
Verdict: The new Cervo delivers better efficiency, especially in city driving and CNG mode — perfect for urban India.
Safety
Both hatchbacks come with basic safety equipment in line with government norms, but neither is meant for high-speed expressway runs.
| Safety Feature | Maruti Cervo | Alto K10 |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Airbags | Yes | Yes |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | No | Yes |
| High-Speed Alert | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: Tie — both offer mandatory safety kits suited for their price range.
Pricing (Ex-Showroom & On-Road, November 2025)
| Variant | Maruti Cervo (Estimated) | Alto K10 |
|---|---|---|
| Base (Petrol Manual) | ₹3.89 lakh | ₹4.29 lakh |
| Mid (AMT) | ₹4.49 lakh | ₹4.79 lakh |
| Top (CNG) | ₹4.79 lakh | ₹5.19 lakh |
On-Road Prices (Approximate):
-
Cervo: ₹4.35 lakh – ₹5.45 lakh
-
Alto K10: ₹4.85 lakh – ₹5.95 lakh
Verdict: The Cervo is expected to undercut the Alto K10 by nearly ₹50,000 across variants, making it India’s new most affordable car.
EMI & Ownership Costs
| Variant | On-Road Price | Down Payment | EMI (5 yrs @ 9%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cervo Base | ₹4.35 lakh | ₹45,000 | ₹7,400 |
| Alto K10 Base | ₹4.85 lakh | ₹50,000 | ₹8,200 |
Running costs on CNG variants are below ₹2 per kilometre, making both cars excellent for daily office and delivery commutes.
Verdict: The Cervo wins on total affordability — lower EMI, higher mileage, and cheaper servicing.
Maintenance & Service
Maruti’s wide service network ensures both cars are cheap to maintain.
| Service Item | Maruti Cervo | Alto K10 |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | ₹1,000 | ₹1,100 |
| General Service | ₹1,200 | ₹1,400 |
| Annual Cost (approx.) | ₹2,400–₹2,700 | ₹2,600–₹3,000 |
Verdict: The Cervo is marginally cheaper to maintain due to smaller components and lighter weight.
Final Verdict
The New Maruti Cervo (2025) makes a strong comeback as India’s most affordable and efficient city hatchback. It focuses on what first-time buyers truly need — mileage, safety, and simplicity — without unnecessary frills.
The Alto K10, meanwhile, remains the slightly premium option with extra features and stronger highway capability.
Choose Maruti Cervo if:
-
You want the most budget-friendly new car in India.
-
Your driving is mainly within city limits.
-
You prefer maximum mileage and low EMI.
Choose Alto K10 if:
-
You want more features and stronger performance.
-
You often drive beyond the city.
Overall Verdict: The Cervo takes the crown as India’s new budget city car champion, combining legendary Maruti reliability with unbeatable value.
FAQs
Is the new Maruti Cervo cheaper than the Alto K10?
Yes, the Cervo is expected to be ₹40,000–₹50,000 cheaper than the Alto K10 across variants.
What mileage does the Cervo offer?
The petrol version delivers up to 27.5 km/l, while the CNG variant can reach 35 km/kg.
Is the Cervo suitable for highway use?
It’s primarily designed for city driving; occasional short highway trips are fine.
When will the Cervo launch in India?
The Cervo is expected to reach Maruti dealerships across India by late November 2025.
Which car is better overall?
For affordability and mileage, the Cervo wins; for features and performance, the Alto K10 still leads.
Click here to know more.