Maruti A-Star

Maruti A-Star Description :

Overall

In a move to make an environment friendly car, Maruti Suzuki has come forward with its model Maruti A Star. The car is named as Suzuki Alto for international market where the car is exported. This car is manufactured mainly through used products from the various manufactured car models or as the company calls it. 'the end of useful life'. Maruti A Star is a type from the group of 'end of the life vehicle' (ELV), a new initiative launched from the Maruti Suzuki group. The ELV specification vehicles have come to India recently but they are used greatly throughout Europe.

Maruti A Star is the first environmental friendly car launched under the A-segment cars of its group. In the manufacturing of these vehicles, fatal materials are avoided like-wise mercury, cadmium and lead. Metals like these instead can be used for other purposes like production of batteries.

With a petrol engine of 998cc displacement, Maruti A Star is available in four variants viz., Maruti A-Star Lxi, Maruti A-Star Vxi with manual and AT transmission, Maruti A-Star Zxi. The price range of this car is Rs.3.46 lakh to Rs.4.34 lakh. Maruti A Star comes under the category of hatchback car body type with a fuel economy of 14 kmpl in the city and 19 kmpl on highway. With 3 cylinders and MPFi system and KB series engine, the first car of Maruti which is fitted with this new engine, this car seems to be very powerful. Maximum power delivering capacity of the car is 67 bhp at the rate of 6200 rpm. While the maximum torque provided by the mill is 90 Nm at the rate of 3500 rpm. Maruti A Star has a seating capacity for five with pretty good leg, head, hip and shoulder room. The vehicle is equipped with MacPherson Strut and Coil Spring type of suspension system that results in efficient handling while driving. With front ventilated disc and rear drum type of brakes, the handling becomes easy. Maruti A Star also offers a minimum turning radius of 4.50 mts. It is also equipped with five manual gears with power steering.

The company has recently launched a new variant called Maruti A Star Automatic that is incorporated with 4 speed automatic gears added with standard ABS and driver seat adjustment. It is a welcome change in the vehicle and was much desired by the car lovers who wanted to drive their hatchback with uninterrupted acceleration. Our team took the test ride of the car from Delhi to Agra-organised by the company and the team has lot to say about the positives of the new change.

The front seat of the Maruti A Star has ample legroom, shoulder room, headroom and hip room. With automatic gears, the car provides smooth drive with nimble power and pick-up. Needless to say, the car responds well at every speed and takes you at your desired speed range. The suspension system that was also tested on bumps does its duty well, the braking with ABS is superb. Overall the handling becomes easier and fun. A special mention about the transmission, the car with automatic gears is not meant for those who keep eyes on mileage, even though it delivers pretty good fuel efficiency which is better than its manual variant.

Furthermore, as far as the comfort and convenience of the passengers goes, Maruti A Star is equipped with a standard climate control AC, Power windows, integrated audio system with 4 speakers, front and rear power windows, power steering, manual lock at the centre, remote fuel filler and folding rear seats. To secure the driver and passengers, the Maruti A Star is loaded with a lot of passive and active safety features that include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, front seat belts pre-tensioners and force limiters, immobiliser, child proof rear door locks, security system, etc.

The interior and exterior of the Maruti A Star is equipped with sound engineering and design work that make it an Indian car with European taste and standards. The front view of the car is majestic, thanks to the swept nose of the hood, new designed headlamp cluster, very wide grille section and well placed front fog lamps. The fresh look of the exterior of the car is dominated by body colour at rear view mirrors, bumpers and door handles. The full wheel covers on the wheels look stunning and give the vehicle the much needed international appearance. The rear view of the hatchback speaks volumes about the sound designing of the vehicle; the rear side has vertically positioned taillights, short hatch, wide windshield and high mounted brake light.

Maruti A Star comes with funky interiors that includes three spoke power steering, crimson illuminated instrument panel with tachometer, power windows, 3 position cabin light, premium seat fabric, etc. The dashboard is designed in a very stylish way that houses audio system, AC controls, AC vents, glove box, etc.

Styling of the Maruti A Star is typically European - the low slung grille, elliptical glasshouse, sweeping oversized headlamps and compact dimensions give the car the necessary character. It has a good road presence. One of the most striking features of A-Star is the highly contoured rear bumper which brings in the cool quotient to the premium A2 segment car.

For the compact body, Suzuki designers tailored a stylish, sporty and youthful look for Maruti A Star that simultaneously exudes solidity and urban energy. It is perfectly matched to European tastes and supports a low drag coefficient. It has a bold design language with strong lines and large wheel arches. The "A" in the A-Star stands for Aerodynamics. The car pierces the wind like a bullet.

The good thing about the car is that all such attractive features are available at very affordable prices. Moreover it is Hyundai i10's closest competitor which is now loaded with automatic gears and ABS.

Maruti A Star Models

Compare Maruti A Star Models

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Maruti A Star comes loaded with innovative KB series, 998cc, 3 cylinder, 12 valve, DOHC powertrain that is mated with 5 speed manual gearbox and 4 speed automatic transmission-available with only VXi variant. This upgraded powertrain of the car produces a top power of 67 PS at 6200 rpm and a peak torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. This new KB series engine meets with new BS IV emission norms in India, as well as Euro 4 and Euro 5 and thus emits less Co2 and claims to be more environment friendly.

The 1.0 litre KB series engine of Maruti A Star is thought to be the best in fuel efficient cars of its class and generate more power, no noise and lower vibration and harshness. The car delivers a mileage of 18.9 kmpl on highway and 14.6 kmpl in the city, though, with AT transmission the mileage will be around 17 kmpl. This enhanced fuel economy is a result of the light weight aluminum powetrain which ensures better combustion of every drop of fuel.

Power

The newly launched Maruti A Star is powered by the same KB series 998cc, 3 cylinder, 12 valve, DOHC powertrain that belts out a maximum power of 67 Ps at 6200 rpm and a top torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. The car is incorporated with 4 speed automatic transmission which promises higher acceleration and performance whereas other variants of the car comes with manual type 5 speed gearbox. The KB10 engine of the Maruti A Star is designed to get more power value and nimble acceleration.

The automatic gear system is meant for fun driving that also promises no loss of power while shifting gears unlike manual transmission. The mileage figures certainly lowers but automatic gears improves overall performance of the car. This automatic gear system help the driver to drive in crowded areas where one needs to change gears every now and then.

Colours

Maruti A Star is available with azure grey, sunlight cooper, bright red, midnight black, arctic white, silky silver, healing green, paradise blue, desert brown. The body colour is painted at bumper, ORVMs, door handles as well.

Acceleration and Pick Up

Maruti A Star is available with 1.0 litre, 12 valve, 3 cylinder, DOHC that is loaded with 5 speed manual gearbox and 4 speed automatic transmission (only in VXi variant). The powerplant of the vehicle develops a top power output of 67 Ps at 6200 rpm and churns out a max torque value of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. With the help of 4 speed automatic gearbox, the car allows fun riding with more power and acceleration.

During the test ride taken by our auto experts,it was found that the Maruti A Star Automatic takes 17.5 seconds to cover 0-100 kmph mark that is quite remarkable for a hatchback. You can hardly achieve the top speed of 140 while after the top speed of 125 kmph, it starts shaking or vibrating but below that speed, the car runs as smooth as butter.    

Maruti A Star Exteriors

Exterior Appearance

They say, first impression is the last impression; and when we talk about cars, the first impression is its (a car's) exterior appearance, and the Maruti A Star catches the eye at first sight with its European styling and aerodynamic design. From front to rear, its a great piece of designing that has resemblance of sports car with a hatchback design. The overall style of the Maruti A Star is muscular and aerodynamic, the exterior has well crafted components painted in body colour.

The front face of the Maruti A Star is dressed with frog eye-shaped extended headlamps, wide open shaped grille slot, small leaf shaped fog lamp slot (with no standard fog lamps). The compact bonnet has wide swept nose design. The wide wheel arch is another noticeable item at front; it has very small turning lights. The front windscreen is fitted with intermittent wiper and washers.

The manually adjustable ORVMs and door handles are painted in body colour that enhance the sporty and stylish look of the four-wheeler. The door opening is wide enough to allow all size passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle. The rear side view of the Maruti A Star is quite stylish attributed to its vertically placed taillight, boot lid, and compact rear windscreen; the bumper has body match as well. The car comes with height-mounted brake light that gives clear signal to the drivers behind. The rear seat bench of the car does not have middle passenger's headrest that makes the rear side view uninterrupted. Last but not the least, the 13 inch long wheels come with full wheel cover that adds to the beauty of the vehicle.

Maruti A Star Interiors

Interior Appearance

The real picture of European design of Maruti A Star becomes vivid when you open the door of the car and enters in the cabin, it has neatly designed dashboard with clear instrumentation. The distinctive composed dashboard houses crimson illuminated meter console for better visibility and stylish pop-up tachometer (only in ZXi variant), funky AC vents at both ends and centrally placed twin ducts, audio system, AC controls, parking light, cigarette lighter, etc.

The dashboard is mounted with speed sensitive three spoke urethane power steering wheel for better control. The designers have used two tone interiors that can be seen on seats,dashboard and doors. The seats have premium fabric for appealing appearance, needle punch floor carpet is standard to all variants. There are a few added interior features including 3 position cabin lights, assist grip for co-driver and rear passengers, sun visor with ticket holder, 2 cup holders in each seat row, door ajar warning light, ashtray, accessory socket, Key off reminder, vanity mirrors and rear luggage shelf are available only with higher-end variant of Maruti A Star.

The Maruti A Star Automatic is equipped with driver seat height adjuster that allows the driver to adjust the seat as per his/her covenience. The seats are provided with seat belts that assure safety of the passengers.

Interior Comfort

Maruti A Star comes with a host of comfort features that make sure of driver and passenger's comfort. The new Maruti A Star Automatic is available with driver seat adjustment which is a much-demanded feature. If we talk about the space inside the front seat row, it has sufficient legroom, headroom and shoulder room while the rear seat row does not have enough legroom. The rear seat is designed for three passengers but only two occupants can seat comfortably and accommodating three passengers would create a little problem: after all it is a hatchback and should not be blamed for less space. The front seats have integrated headrests while the rear seat bench has only two. The car is blessed with power steering positioned at a decent height for controlled and easy driving.

Maruti A Star has been equipped with Air Conditioner that intelligently works to keep the inside atmosphere cool. In addition to this, the car comes loaded with integrated audio system with 4 speakers. The company has provided audio system and AC in this affordable hatchback car uncommon to the segment. The car comes with automatic gearbox that frees you from changing gears, a feature liked by many. Other comfort features include remote controlled door locks, central door locks, boot lid opener, fuel lid opener, front and rear electronic power windows, inside manual outside mirrors, etc.

Maruti A Star comes with enormous storage space inside, total 4 cup holders, dash integrated glove box and rear luggage shelf.

Interior Measurement

Maruti A Star can comfortably seat five people including the driver. The front cabin has enough room for comfortable driving. But the same is not found in the rear seat row; it is a bit cramped with less legroom and headroom.    

Engine Capacity and Performance

Maruti A Star is the first product of the company which is loaded with KB series engine in India that also meets with new emission norms in India (BS IV) as well as Euro 4 and Euro 5. The heart of the car, its powertrain, is fitted at front side under its attractive bonnet. The 998cc, 3 cylinder, 12 valve, KB series mill of the Maruti A Star churns out a top power of 67 Ps at 6200 rpm and pumps out a peak torque of 90 NM at the rate of 3500 rpm. The new powertrain of the car is incorporated with 5 speed manual transmission and 4 speed automatic transmission (only in LXi variant).

The KB series, codenamed KB10 is claimed to be the most fuel efficient and environment friendly engine due to its light weight design and advanced technology for greater fuel combustion and minimum friction. The engine gives the best fuel efficiency in its class with lower Co2 emissions. This high performance mill of the Maruti A Star is designed to minimise emission, engine noise, vibration and harshness. With the new Maruti A Star AT, you can get more power and acceleration something that will make your drive a memorable one. However, the mileage delivery is not the same as in MT one but A Star AT is not meant for mileage conscious people, but for those with the need for speed. The engine performs very well at revs and thus ensures zipper acceleration.

Wheels

Maruti A Star with newly launched variant, Maruti A Star AT, comes assembled with 13 inch long wheels that provide comfortable and tension-free drive with its tubeless tyres, the specification of the tyres read as - 155/80R13 (front and rear tyres). Maruti A Star LXi variant is available with centre cap type wheel covers while the rest of the wheels come with full wheel cover. The wheel covers enhances the exterior look of the car and give an impression of alloy wheels.

Braking and Handling

Maruti A Star has incorporated ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. This type of combination ensures super safety along with ideal handling; the same being tested and challenged  by our auto experts during the test drive. The braking system is made more advanced with ABS and EBD, ABA coupled with EBD that ensures better handling to the vehicle as well. The suspension system of Maruti A Star is quite impressive with a combination of latest forks at each end. The front one is an McPherson Strut with coil spring while the rear one is a isolated trailing link with coil Springs. The latest suspension system ensures a silk smooth journey even on bad roads; the system also give support to the frame of the car that results in its super stability on road while on the move.

Handling and Safety

Maruti A Star has been equipped with latest braking and suspension system along with higher ground clearance and turning radius. All these features help to handle the car very efficiently. The power steering is placed at reasonable height that allows the driver to have a good grip on it, and ensures easy and smooth handling. When we tested the Maruti A Star Automatic, we were amazed to see its sharp turning and smooth cornering, thanks to its good turning radius.

Good news for Maruti A Star car lovers, the car now comes with standard ABS with EBD that prevents wheel locking-up under heavy braking and ensures no skidding while EBD promises more or less braking pressure to all wheels with a view to increase braking power along with balancing control. The Maruti A Star is made of crushable structures that absorb any impact on the car, thus keeping the occupants safe. Latest safety equipments in the car include dual airbags which protect the front seat occupants in case of front collision. Other safety gurads include immobiliser, security system, rear window defogger, child proof rear door locks, high mounted stop lamp, head light levelling, front wiper and washer with intermittent, front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters, RR CTR seat belt, etc.

Stereo and Accessories

Maruti A Star comes with an array of  comfort  and  a few  luxury features that make it a value for money car. The car developers have kept passenger comfort and entertainment in mind and provided standard integrated audio system with 4 speakers in the top end variant while the other variants come with only 2 speakers. The audio system allows you to enjoy your favourite tracks with good quality sound . You can also add your iPod  to the audio system to play your favorite numbers. The 4 speakers integrated ensure a good sound effect.

The hatchback car Maruti A Star takes care of the inside temperature with its powerful air conditioner that gives the desired cooling level, beating the heat outside. The Maruti A Star Automatic comes loaded with both integrated audio system and AC.

Our test reports suggest the features are efficient enough to give you a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

Maruti A-Star Pros :

Good Sporty Looks, Environment friendly, Powerful in its segment.

Stylish exterior and interior design, great mileage figures, environment friendly car with attractive price tag.

Maruti A-Star Cons :

Rear seat bench has less room for leg, some vibration is felt after 125 kmph of speed.