Maruti Udyog Ltd on Thursday launched the non-AC version of Alto priced at Rs 230,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The price of the new Alto was cut by Rs 35,000, thus bridging the price gap with Maruti 800, which is priced at Rs 207,000 and is India's cheapest car.

The new variant had a provision for retro-fitment of air conditioner, a company statement said.

When contacted, the company officials said they had long-term (three-year) plans for Maruti 800.

The narrowing down of prices of the two models has fuelled speculation on the future of Maruti 800.

Sales of Alto went up by 135 per cent to 60,629 units in the last fiscal while its exports grew by robust 53 per cent to 36,436 units during 2003-04 over 23,869 units during the previous year.

At present, Alto is available in three versions Alto Lx (Rs 265,000), 'Alto LXi' (Rs 285,000) and 'Alto VXi' (Rs 366,000).

The new version was aimed at expanding the entry-level car market, Maruti officials said.