It is probably one of the worst-kept secrets that Maruti Suzuki is readying a new facelifted avatar of its bestselling model Alto.

Emerging reports on the web now say the facelifted avatar of Alto 800 is likely to get its premier at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016. It was reported earlier that the new Alto 800, believed to be a mild facelift of the model, is currently undergoing test runs in the country.

As for styling changes in the new avatar, little is known so far. However, rumours suggest the facelifted Alto 800 will get redesigned front and rear bumpers with changes in taillight and headlight design.

The model will also incorporate changes inside the cabin. Under the hood, the current 796cc engine is likely to continue, and we hear a diesel mill could also make it to the new model. If this is true, Maruti Alto 800 facelift is likely to get the same 0.8­-litre two­-cylinder turbocharged mill that does duty in the Celerio diesel. This engine can churn out 47 bhp and a peak torque of 125 Nm.

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Maruti Alto 800, which competes against the likes of Hyundai Eon, Datsun Go and Tata Nano, is likely to be more fuel-efficient in its new form. And most importantly, Maruti, which gets the credit for bringing the first AMT model, Celerio, to the Indian market, is likely to add the Alto 800 facelift in its AMT line-up as well.