Really nice package but should never be compared with i10

Purchased A-Star Lxi Pearl Metallic Arctic White on 27.04.09. On road price 3,88,662/-. I was initially inclined towards i10 era as it is more comfortable & more of a family car but then by younger brother persuaded me to test drive A-Star just once. (i was not interested as i really don't like maruti vehicles except swift). I was blown away by the handling of this car. I took it on highway and drove approx 24km at 120+ speed. This car handles like a dream unlike other tallboy designs that i had driven before i.e. santro, wagon-R, i10. The ride was so much fun that i immediately cancelled my i10 booking and went for this one. if u want a family car then go for i10 but if u love to drive and enjoy fast cornering this one takes the cake. Initially the pick up in lower gears was non-existant but after driving 500km in these few days it has significantly improved. probably something to do with car's ECU control. Mileage from day one is 18.3kmpl (60% AC). Rear space is not as bad as people suggest if you don't push the front seats all the way back. Front seats on the other hand have way more travel then i10. i am 5'11" and i found my feet struggling to reach the pedals with the seats pushed all the way back.

Boot is quite smalll. Rear seats are foldable so u can carry stuff if u really want too. A-pillar obstructs view when cornering to right but soon i got used to it. I am tall so i have no real problem with low seating but shorter people will find it difficult to see because of low seats & high dashboard. Overall a very good city hatchback & fun to drive at high speeds on the highway. Engine is a gem, although 3-cylinder it is still quite refined & silent at high speeds. Car is low in hieght but ground clearance is quite high so does not scrap at high speed breakers. The track width (distance between adjacent wheels) is higher than any other hatchback which aids in handling.