While some drivers struggle to navigate the challenging trails of the Himalayas even with proper four-wheel-drive vehicles, there are seasoned drivers who efficiently tackle such roads with front-wheel-drive vehicles. One front-wheel-drive car favored by cab operators in the Himalayas is the Maruti Suzuki Alto, repeatedly proving its efficiency in navigating difficult terrain due to its light curb weight. In a video, a Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 showcases its prowess by confidently traversing a muddy trail in the Himalayas, demonstrating how a front-wheel-drive vehicle should handle such conditions.
A YouTube shorts video from the channel of a user named “Abhishek Sharma” captures a Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 effortlessly conquering a challenging off-road muddy trail. The video features a cab operator driving the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 over the muddy trail with passengers on board. The presenter notes that the Alto 800 is equipped with worn-out tires, causing it to struggle for traction on the trail. However, the driver employs a clever technique that swiftly turns the situation in his favor.
How did it work?
Driving over a muddy trail can be demanding for a front-wheel-drive car, especially compared to four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 driver in the video faced a similar challenge. After steering the car a few times, the driver of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 shifts the car into reverse gear, allowing him to find decent traction. The presenter humorously refers to this maneuver as driving the Alto 800 in “rear-wheel-drive” mode.
For a front-wheel-drive vehicle, navigating surfaces with loose traction is feasible with a keen understanding of power delivery and steering movements, as demonstrated by the Alto 800 driver in this YouTube shorts video. The Alto’s low curb weight contributes to an impressive power-to-weight ratio, enabling drivers to find sufficient traction on challenging surfaces such as the muddy trail shown in the video. The ease of driving a lightweight car over such terrains has solidified the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 as the undisputed queen of the hills.
The Alto has demonstrated its off-road abilities on multiple occasions, surpassing even some SUVs. Its lightweight and compact nature allow it to navigate challenging terrains with ease. However, the Himalayas pose unique challenges due to the constant growth and development of the mountain range. During the monsoon season, landslides occur when the loose soil between rocks gets washed away. Unfortunately, these landslides have led to travelers getting trapped and in some cases, fatal accidents. Given the unpredictability of the mountains, especially during the monsoon, travelers must exercise extreme caution. To prioritize safety, the government often closes routes affected by landslides.
