I am facing the same issue. Although clutch is generally soft however there is friction in gear change especially in 1st, 2nd and reverse gear. I am waiting for initial 1000 km service to check its transmission oil and clutch cable adjustment. However few members have intimated similar issues in their alto as well which means that stiff gear change problem is being faced in most altos.
However i agree with you that said issue should not be present in new car...