Maruti A Star Zxi Optional

Maruti A-Star is the hatchback launched by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. The car is sold in the international market but is manufactured in India. The car is sold by the name A-star in the country but otherwise it is the sold as Maruti Alto in the international market. The Alto is the most successful hatchback manufactured by the company both in the Indian and International market. A-star is supposedly the 7th generation of Suzuki Alto. The small car 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 `Most fuel efficient car', in the world by Global green challenge Australia, 2nd most environmental friendly car by VCD Germany and Total Customer Satisfaction Award in 2009-10, 2010-11. It is one of those rare models in Maruti Suzuki stable where the international sales have by far exceeded the domestic sales numbers. It is a great hit in Europe where it was designed. A-Star is marketed keeping in view the youth of India. A-Star is a machine with extraordinary power and flawless control styled to turn heads. It is a machine that leaves others way behind. The car is available in the market in 7 different variants all with petrol engine. Maruti A-Star Zxi Optional is the one of the higher variant of the car and is powered by a 1.0 Liter 12V K series Petrol engine, which produces a power of 66.1bhp at the rate of 6200rpm and a torque of 90Nm at the rate of 3500rpm. The mileage delivered by this car is 19kmpl which is pretty good and is surely going to attract many Indian buyers. The interior and exterior features of the car are going to leave an impression on the onlooker. The standard features of the car are Air Conditioner, CD Player, ABS, Power steering and power windows and Central locking. 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. With the contemporary styling, dynamic handling and ride quality, best in class turning radius, power, flat torque and superior performance, A-star is a popular choice especially amidst the youth.

Exterior

Maruti A-star hatchback is the car which catches the eye at first sight with its European design and aerodynamic style. The exterior of the car are well crafted components painted in body color. In the front we have frog eye shaped headlamps, wide open shaped grille slot, small leaf shaped fog lamp slot. 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 color which enhances 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 high-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. In the revamped A-star hatchback, the company has added a rear spoiler more enhancing the aerodynamics and new alloy wheels that upgrade the side profile.

Interior

The interior of the car is designed with the dual Grey and beige color with the seat upholstery in beige color. There is a smart combination of colors used in the car at different places. 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 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.

Comfort Features

The comfort features in the car includes the Power steering wheel to provide a low turning radius, front and rear power windows to open or close the window with single touch of the bottom, remote trunk and fuel lid opener which allows you to open them without inserting the key, Low fuel warning light, accessory power outlet, Vanity mirror, rear seat headrests and front and rear cup holders. 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.

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 66.1bhp 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 ajar 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