Maruti's A Star has been designed to replace the Alto in the European markets and give competition to Hyundai's i10 that was launched in 2007. The A-Star is a car that is made in India to meet European standards. In addition, the eco-friendly characteristics of the car make the car even more desirable. It is designed to meet the 'end of life vehicle' (ELV) specifications according to which the cars components are up to 85% recyclable. This global car is also presented with the most dynamic Penta Drive, a zenith of five world class features. Artistically crafted with detail, precision, and wild imagination, Maruti Suzuki A-star delivers impressive aesthetics. The overall design of the car is a true reflection of the contemporary European tastes.
Exterior
The A-Star has a bold design language and has large wheel arches with strong lines. The overall design of the car is a true reflection of the contemporary European tastes. The brilliant aerodynamic design along with a host of appealing features like sweeping expressive lamps, comet shaped tail lamps, striking bumper, and a wide sporty grille with good engine ventilation adds to the exciting impression of the car exterior.
Interior
Maruti has lived up to its image of providing a classy finish with good materials in dual-tone grey in contrast to the beige. The door pockets and cup holders, however seem smaller than those of Zen and Wagon R. The dashboard illumination is worth a mention here as Maruti has incorporated a red illumination which may not measure up to many people's taste. The A-Star is a Euro V compliant car with CO2 emissions. From all perspectives this car is a true driver's car with the speedometer area quite prominent and easy to read. This car also has a first of its kind dash mounted tachometer in this segment of cars. Talking about the space, there is enough front leg room and can comfortably accommodate even tall people who have put up with great discomfort in small cars. Headroom, however, is not as great as the leg room. The rear leg room isn't much to write home about. This coupled with small rear windows can make people uncomfortable. The dead pedal is also absent and the car has very little boot space for stowing luggage.
Engine
The KB- series engine, from the house of Maruti Suzuki is an engine for the new generation, Generation A-Star. An engine with its zippy drive helps them leave the others behind. Which epitomizes their “No compromise” spirit by providing both power and mileage the best in category. An engine which truly shows what the generation A-star stands for. The new engine comes with advanced technologies making it powerful as well as fuel efficient while at the same time being kinder to the environment. The KB 10 engine is a 998cc unit which delivers a maximum power of lightweight aluminium construction, an all plastic engine a smart distributor less ignition system manifold with dedicated plug top coils, advanced injectors and innovative rocker-less DOHC shaft. And the topping being the superb mileage of 19 kmpl. This 1000 cc engine car has a 3 cylinder unit generating a max output power of 48kW (65hp), enabling the car to have higher fuel efficiency. Maruti A Star with a 12 valve MPFI unit generates 67 PS of max power at 6200rpm and 90Nm of torque at 3500rpm.
A Star's wheelbase measures 2300mm and has a kerb weight of 860kg to 880kg. The car comes with 155/80 tubeless tyres (R13). The front two wheels are fixed to a MacPheson strut and coil spring suspension and the rear to Isolated trailing link and coil spring. The car has a minimum ground clearance of 170mm.
Safety
Safety features on the Maruti A-star include Crushable structure energy dispersing frame and a high rigidity body combined with lightness, driver airbags and ABS. The A-star's body reflects the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept in the form of crushable structures that absorb impact energy and then disperse impact energy away from occupants in the event of a collision. The A-Star is available in nine exciting colours.
In India, the car is available in three variants, LXi, VXi, and the top-end version ZXi.
Verdict
Maruti A-Star seems slightly overpriced as compared to the space and features it offers. However, it is a comfortable, stylish and spacious B segment hatchback which despite of being recalled due to its fuel pump problem has managed to sell well in India and also abroad, because of large volume exports.