Maruti Suzuki is soon launching the A Star in an automatic variant and we had a chance to drive the all new Maruti A Star Automatic through a mix of city and highway traffic (Delhi – Agra – Delhi). The car effectively remains the same besides the introduction of a new 4 speed automatic gearbox. The A Star AT will be only available in the Vxi (ABS) variant and will get extra goodies such as integrated music system, seat height adjuster, 4 power windows and central locking.
Traffic situation is only getting worse by the day and an affordable automatic transmission car can be a real boon in today’s congested metros. The A star is already known for its nippy handling and a fuel efficient engine and the all new automatic gearbox is exactly what it needed. The gearbox uses a slot shift mechanism rather than the conventional (press button and shift) mechanism. There are 6 positions which include P, R, N, D and 3, 2 and L. This gearbox can be used to manually shift and drive in 3, 2 and L. L is more like first gear and is useful while doing sharp inclines, where one needs more of the low end grunt. D and 3 are locate in the same slot and can be shuffled by just flicking the gear lever left (D) and right (3).
The engine is responsive and acceleration is good. No rattles or vibrations. Lag period between the shift is well within the acceptable range. The automatic gearbox delivers a more comfortable driving experience and can hit 100 km/h within 18.5 seconds. The common misconception about automatic gearboxes is the adverse effects on the mileage but ARAI figures of 17 speak for themselves. Pricing is yet to be revealed and we expect it to be priced around the 4.5 lakh mark (ex showroom). The automatic avatar of the A Star makes it a very practical car for city use. Complete test drive review to follow soon. Keep watching.
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August 14, 2010 at 2:19 am
Excellent stuff motorbeam. U hav been doin it wid other cars n now da astar at good job
I was lookin to purchase a automatic hatchback n da only options I had were from Hyundai. But both of them giv terrible mileage. Readin da initial impressions I m positive this car will b the best auto small cR. Jus waitin for price to book 1
August 14, 2010 at 9:39 am
I see a good move by maruti here. after the zen auto there really wasn’t many car which made anyone feel relaxed and casual and the a-star auto seems to be set to change that. cant wait to take a test drive.
August 14, 2010 at 9:45 am
What Maruti has done right is offered ABS braking which i think is very important considering the road conditions nowadays, now only thing which is important to know is the pricing.
August 14, 2010 at 1:54 pm
I have an i10 AT and I am very disappointed by its mileage. It gives me 8kmpl. If the A-Star gives even 15kmpl I am making a switch.
August 15, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I dont know whether the A star auto makes sense, it does not sell so much anyway. i think the i10 is better.
August 16, 2010 at 11:20 am
I think Maruti has done very well with the pricing and the variant. AT with ABS and priced 20000 less than i10.
August 16, 2010 at 11:30 am
Thanks motorbeam for the superb feedback, was looking for a Hatch Automatic has explored i10, didnt like it. Went for a test drive today for astar but could not get the same, dealer has recieved the car, demo car looks fantastic but could not drive as its not registered. Will be driving tomorrow. There are lot of features which i10 does not have – ABS, Music system, Power window, Driver side seat height adjuster, these are few i remember as per ther sales person. But best part is the mileage quoted 17kmpl..if it gives 15 also it will be worth exploring.
August 16, 2010 at 6:49 pm
its good, a few more options are not bad. it will sell but i think maruti will have a small target for it initially.