Maruti A-Star India

Maruti A-Star is one of the most successful and fabulous car released in the recent past by the original equipment manufacturers, the Maruti Suzuki India limited. The design of the car is equally unique and has become an inspiration for the next generation of cars. Maruti A-Star is the perfect companion for the urban conditions and city occupations. The clutch and transmission handle all the tricks and trade of driving in heavy traffic conditions. The engine under the hood of Maruti A-Star truly makes it A-Star in performance and mileage which is well suited for the Indian roads. The car is also available in automatic gear which was launched in the recent past. The A-star is one of the most stylish cars to have come from Maruti’s stable till date.

The Maruti A-Star is also known as the 7th generation Alto in the worldwide auto market. However it been a poor performer due its size. In India, size does matter and this car doesn’t live up the expectations, especially considering the price it ranges. The car not only looks small but also has an equally poor cabin space as well.

Maruti A-Star Engine

Maruti A-Star is Powered by a peppy 1.0 litre KB series engine, the A-Star proved to be a peppy drive yet deliver strikingly well on the mileage front as well. The KB 10 engine is a 998cc unit which delivers a maximum power of 48kW (65hp), enabling the car to have higher fuel efficiency. The Maruti A-Star generates 90Nm of torque at 3500rpm. The Maruti A-Star comes with a five speed manual and four speed automatic gear box with the KB10 engine with the same driving pleasure retained.

Maruti A-Star Exteriors

The Maruti A-Star has a contemporary European look. The front end of the car has an aerodynamic body, raised bonnet, elliptical curved windows, and oblong headlamps. The back end of the car is equally complemented with a sporty grille, and a contoured rear bumper. It has a bold design language with strong lines and large wheel arches. The sides of Maruti A-Star are contoured creating a nice view of a single body nicely flowing all around.

Maruti A-Star Interiors

The interior has a modern look with minimalist instrumentations. The seats are made from fine seating cloth and are very comfortable. The leg room however in Maruti A-Star is a bit short for the passengers. The A-Star's exterior design reflects a smart, active, and fun way to drive a vehicle. This theme is reflected in hand-crafted details, in expressions of Japanese and Indian culture, and in an elegantly sculpted body with slick surfaces. The elegant interior panels and designing compliment the exterior appeal to make the A-Star eye candy.

Maruti A-Star Safety Features

On the Vxi variant, power windows and central locking are offered as standard features. The top variant comes fully loaded with ABS, dual front airbags, rear defogger, fog lamps, and central locking.

Maruti A-Star Colors

The Maruti A-Star is available in 6 colors and these include midnight black, azure grey pearl metallic, silky silver, bright red, superior white and metallic sunlight copper.

Maruti A-Star Ride and Handling

The Maruti A-Star is nothing short of a driver’s car. With a monocoque chassis the car keeps the driver entertained. The wide tyres also help the driver’s cause which offers improved driving dynamics. Be it a straight road or one with curves and sweeping corners, the Maruti A-Star handles through all with élan. At high speeds it feels well planted on the road and doesn’t get panicky even during hard braking. The power assisted steering wheel is quite communicative and delivers good feedback. The steering is neither too light nor devoid of feel which makes guiding this car through traffic an enjoyable experience.

There are no complaints with respect to ride quality too owing to the presence of gas damped suspension on all four corners. In comparison to its competitors, the suspension is a tad stiff which only aids its cornering prowess.  Make no mistake: in terms of ride quality, its competitors offer a more cosseting experience. But when it comes to being a driver’s delight, the Maruti A-Star takes the cake.

Maruti A-Star Specifications

It sports 155/R13 tubeless tyres as standard with a turning radius of 4.5 metres and a ground clearance of 170 mm. The Maruti A-Star has a 998cc engine capable of developing power of 67 Bhp at 6200 rpm along with maximum torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. The car has a length of 3500 mm along with a width of 1600 mm and height of 1470 mm. The suspension is McPherson strut for front and isolated trailing link for the rear. The Maruti A-Star has 5 manual gears and the kerb weight of the car is 860 kgs. The fuel tank has a capacity of 35 litres.

Maruti A-Star Ex-Showroom Price

The Maruti A-Star Price is slightly expensive with respect to the features it offers. The Maruti A-Star Lxi is priced at Rs 3.47 lakhs while the VXi is priced at Rs 3.74 lakhs and ZXi is priced at Rs 4.12 lakhs. Priced at Rs. 4.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the A-Star automatic is not the cheapest hatchback in its category, however it does offer a level of versatility and peace of mind driving that few can match.

Maruti A-Star Models

Maruti A-Star Lxi: This base variant of the A-Star and comes with standard features like seat fabric, integrated front headrests, door ajar warning lights, power steering, air conditioner, immobiliser, child proof rear door locks, front ventilated disc brakes, front seat belt force limiters, etc.

Maruti A-Star Vxi: This higher version of A-Star comes with optional ABS with EBD, integrated audio system with 2 speakers, central door locks, front and rear power windows, ashtray and cigarette lighter, two rear headrests, etc.

Maruti A-Star Zxi: The top-end variant of the A-Star has been added with features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, front seat belt pre-tensioner, rear window defogger, security system, 4 speakers, remote controlled door locks, tachometer, vanity mirrors, rear luggage shelf, etc.

Maruti A-Star AT VXI: This upgraded Vxi variant is now equipped with automatic transmission, standard ABS and driver seat adjustment. The variant has inherited rest of the features from its base VXI variant.

Maruti A-Star Competitors

The Maruti A-Star directly competes with the hatchbacks like Hyundai i10, Ford Figo and Chevrolet Beat in Indian market.

  
Compare Maruti A-Star with other Models

Maruti A-Star vs Hyundai i10: Hyundai i10 is one premium hatchback vehicle of Hyundai India. The car has won many accolades in the Indian market and has proved it mettle in the market. The Maruti A-Star on the other hand is still struggling to find a foot hole in the market. The Hyundai i10 also comes in various option and also scores with better looks than the Maruti A-Star. Compared to the Hyundai i10, the Maruti A-Star is cheaper but lacks power and interior space.

Maruti A-Star vs Ford Figo: Ford Figo has won even the Car of Year awar and looks better than Maruti A-Star in terms of the interior and exterior design of the car. The Maruti A-Star and Ford Figo price falls in the same range. Maruti A-Star scores over the Ford Figo with a better fuel economy.

Maruti A-Star vs Chevrolet Beat: The Chevrolet Beats the Maruti A-Star with its look which is the best in class. The Chevrolet Beat is also available in Diesel and LPG variants in the Indian market, and has been good seller for the Company. Maruti A-Star is an inexpensive hatch which gives better mileage than Chevrolet Beat.

Maruti A-Star Awards

The Maruti A-Star India has grabbed Car of the Year Award from Zig Wheels in 2010.

Maruti A-Star Mileage

According to ARAI data the automatic A-Star returns a mileage of 17 kmpl, which is just a little short of the 19.8 kmpl that the manual offers under ARAI test conditions.