Maruti Suzuki A Star Vxi Aktiv

A Star Vxi Aktiv Review

Maruti Suzuki A-Star is the hatchback by the Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. This hatchback is the replacement of Maruti's most selling hatchback Alto, but the car is sold with A-Star in the Indian market. This car was launched in the December 2008 and is manufactured exclusively in Haryana, India and is exported worldwide. This A-star model is the 7th generation of Suzuki Alto and is also sold under the badges of Nissan Pixo, Suzuki Celerio and Mazda Carol across different regions. Maruti Suzuki A-star is one of the most awarded cars in MSIL stable; it bagged the `Car of the year’ felicitation from leading auto magazines in India. The hatchback was launched in 2008 and came to the showrooms in 2009. It was also rated as the most fuel efficient car in the world by the global green challenge Australia, 2nd most environmental friendly car by VCD Germany and Total Customer Satisfaction Award in 2009-10, 2010-11.Now to bring vibrancy and excitement to the market, MSIL has introduced the limited edition of A-Star, christened as A-Star Aktiv. The car is available in the market in 2 different variants these are Maruti A-Star Aktiv Vxi and Maruti A Star Aktiv Vxi AT. The A-Star, which primarily targets the youth, has been launched in this limited edition attractive new version to lure its young customers. The Aktiv model is packed with new features and offers comfort, style and utility that will complement their personalities.With well designed exterior there is a new refreshing, trendy and sporty interior. The exterior has features like both Side Body Graphics, Front, Rear and Roof Graphics, A-Star Aktiv Logo, Red ORVM, Red Spoiler, Red Bumper, Bold Back out film on B-Pillar and Bright Red Fog Lamp over plate whereas in the interior we have new stylish Seat Covers, slick Steering Wheel Cover, Classy Floor Mats, Handy Rear parcel tray, Door Sill Guard and a key less Security system. The car will be powered by a 998cc K10B petrol engine which produces a power of 66.08bhp at the rate of 6200rpm and a torque of 90Nm at the rate of 3500rpm. The car is also fuel economic as it delivers a mileage of 19kmpl as certified by ARAI .Taking a look at the price, features and mileage, this car is really good option.

Exterior

The car with its European and aerodynamic design is surely going to impress the Indian buyers with its looks. From front to rear, it’s 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 color. Apart from the standard that were available in the previous models, the limited edition Aktiv is going to have features to enhance the outer look and make it look more sporty. These features are both side body graphics, front, rear and roof graphics. It also has A-star Aktiv logo, the ORVM's, Spoiler and bumper are colored red which go with the stripes on the roof of the car. The car also features Bold Back out film on B-Pillar and Bright Red Fog.

Interiors

The interior of the car with the exterior has been modified a bit. The real European style has been shown inside, it has neatly designed dashboard with clear instrumentation. Maruti give A-Star a minor face lift in 2012 in which the interiors of A-Star were spiced up. The new dual ‘grey and beige’ interiors blend well with rich beige upholstery. Smart combination of colors, imparts roominess in the cabin . Maruti Suzuki has reworked on the front headrests to give a roomier feeling to the interiors. The 50:50 rear split seats have enhanced user convenience and boot space usage. In addition, useful and handy cubby holes, bottle holders have been created for passenger comfort and ease. The dashboard is mounted with speed sensitive three spoke urethane power steering wheel for better control. 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, 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. Apart from all these standard features the Aktiv variant sports new stylish seat covers , slick steering wheel cover for the power steering wheel, classy floor mats which goes with the interior, handy rear parcel tray, door sill guard which serve as an important exterior automobile accessory, protecting the door sills of your car from scratches and scuff marks. It also features key less security system that allows you to open the lock of the car without inserting the key.

Comfort features

Maruti A-Star has comfort features like Power Steering wheel to provide more easier handling, front and rear power windows allows you to open or close the window with a single touch of the button. It also has remote trunk and fuel lid opener, low fuel warning light, accessory power outlet, rear seat headrests , front and rear cup holders and key less entry.

Engine and Performance

This new model powers the same K series petrol engine which provides a displacement of 998cc . This 3 cylinder engine has 4 valves per cylinder in SOHC configuration and MPFI fuel supply system . The bore x stroke of the car is 73.0 x 79.5mm and a compression ratio 10:1. The power produced by the engine is 66.08bhp at the rate of 6200rpm and a peak torque of 90Nm at the rate of 3500rpm. The engine is mated with a 5 speed manual transmission which further improves a efficiency. The power produced by the engine can accelerate the car from 0-100kmph in just 17.5 seconds and can touch a top speed of 125kmph .

Braking and Handling

The brake mechanism of the car includes the ventilated disc brakes in front while we have drum brakes at the rear . For handling the car has in it a power steering wheel with rack a pinion steering column which provides a turning radius of 4.5 meters.

Safety Features

The safety features in the car include the Central locking, Child Safety Locks, Passenger side rear view mirror, Halogen headlamps, rear seat belts, Door jar warning, adjustable seats, engine immobilizer and centrally mounted fuel tank. We also have option to choose ABS with Brake assist for effective braking.

Pros

Sporty looks, ECO friendly, stylish exterior and interior, mileage

Cons

Less rear space, low top speed