Maruti Suzuki's workhorse, Alto, has become a bestselling car in India surpassing the record set by the manufacturer's currently-discontinued model, M800.

Launched in September 2000, the entry level hatchback surpassed a sales mark of 29,19,819 units within a span of 15 years. The company has passed the 29 lakh sales mark of Alto in October 2015, claims a statement.

"Over the years, Alto has brought happiness to 29 lakh families to become India's largest selling single brand car. With its success, Alto continues to remain the first choice for personal mobility solution for Indian customers," commented RS Kalsi, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) of Maruti Suzuki on the achievement.

It is remarkable that the Alto took only 15 years to achieve the 29 lakh sales mark, while the previous bestseller -- Maruti 800 -- took 29 years to reach the milestone. Maruti Suzuki has been selling Alto in 800cc and 1.0-ltre engine, while the M800 was only available in 800cc as the name suggests.

Alto has been a bestseller for Maruti Suzuki right from its launch. Alto 800 is powered by 796cc, three-cylinder engine that develops 47bhp and 69Nm of torque mated five-speed manual transmission. Alto K10 was launched in 2010; it is powered by K10B 998cc engine that develops 68bhp and 90Nm of torque mated to five speed manual transmission. In 2014, Maruti Suzuki launched refreshed Alto K10 with an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).

Launched in 1983, M800 was the bread and butter model of the Maruti Suzuki until the arrival of the Alto. The last unit of the car to be produced was a Firebrick Red M800, chassis no 2890893, rolled out the assembly line at Maruti's Gurgaon plant on 23 January, 2014.

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