Maruti’s A-Star is not only an important car for Maruti but even for Hyundai. After the launch of the Hyundai i10, Maruti hasn’t had swift sales. However the A-Star is set to change that. The Maruti A-Star has been priced very well and we won’t be suprised if it becomes the car of the year either. However its not all that good as it appears.
Surely the A-Star looks cute and uses the latest K series engine but Maruti seems to be missing the point. Well almost. They already have 4 cars in the same segment and they plan to launch the Splash as well. How many small cars will Maruti launch? They should phase out the Wagon R and Zen Estilo.
The A-Star surely is a good car and has the capabilities to take the fight to Hyundai’s i10. It looks cute and built quality is better than the Swift. The mid range VXi comes with integrated audio system with remote. However tachometer is only present on the top model. A bit disappointing and looks like an afterthought.
Rear legroom is nothing to talk about either. But then remember this is a small car and targetted towards unmarried bachelors :P aka the youth and people who want a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th car in their garage.
Boot space is good for a small car and the interiors seem to be a control + c and control + v job from the Swift. The steering, AC vents, gear lever are a few things which are straight lift from its elder sibling. Not that its a bad thing but Grand Vitara owners will feel a bit upset about same.
The A-Star ZXi at Rs. 4.9 lacs OTR, Mumbai is not only expensive but makes me wonder why would i buy a small A-Star for that much money when i can get a Maruti Swift VXi. The VXi variant is going to be selling the most. Overall the A-Star is a car in the right direction for Maruti but it might just not be able to dethrone the i10. Test Drive review to follow, stay tuned.
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July 24, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Aseem, I am sorry I haven’t got my hands on the A-Star recently to check. However I will personally go to Maruti and check.
July 24, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Aseem, I spoke to a Maruti dealer and he said you need to open the driver side door and there will be a plate which has the engine number and the manufacturing date. Kindly check the door.
July 24, 2009 at 6:24 pm
THANKS fas ,
i will ve a look on that and get back to you
July 24, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Sure buddy. Your most welcome.
July 27, 2009 at 2:36 am
Hi Fas,
i ve checked that on window side but could not get it.i confirmed it from maruti dealership only that the last 2 digit printed downside of hood in engine bay are the code of month & year make.like a9 indicates jan2009 and b9 indicates feb2009 and so on.
suggest any brands for sunfilm one is asking for 1800 for gARWARE imported sumnfilmin chennai.please advice.
THANKS
July 27, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Aseem, I think thats the latest way Maruti has been printing the manufacturing dates. About film, the Garware costs about that much and is better than local films. You can go for Lumar too which is also very good. You can get them at any accessory shop.
August 13, 2009 at 1:37 am
Hi guys,
my dad is buying an astar and is yet to decide between the lxi and the vxi. although we are keen on getting the central locking and the power windows i am not really an big fan of the audio system they provide.do any of you know the model of the kenwood audio system that comes with the vxi. How much is that audio system worth and how much will i have to pay for an audio system with usb or mp3 player connectivity.
any info will be helpful
August 13, 2009 at 11:07 am
Subhash, you can get a Pioneer Audio system with USB and MP3 connectivity for around Rs. 6000/- from the grey market. Pioneer music systems work very well and won’t give you any problems. The stock system is well, crappy.
August 24, 2009 at 8:12 pm
ARE U SURE THAT A-STAR VXI INTEGRATED AUDIO SYSTEM IS WITH REMOTE
August 24, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Rochak, the A-Star VXi does not have remove control for audio system. The ZXi has I guess.
August 25, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Hi,
Maruti has launched zen estilo with KB series engine. The engine seems to be very much similar to A star and the price band is also good (in fact better than A star). The car also seems to be more specious than A star. And the are also calming the mileage of 18.5 kmpl. It will be nice to compare these two cars in this thread or may be we can have a new one for that. Can anyone throw some light on this?
Ani
August 25, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Ani, you are right but the A-Star is superior due to better dynamics and thus a better buy if you like driving. The Estilo has more space though.
September 3, 2009 at 1:55 am
no the Zen with the new KB series engine is nowhere near to a-star in terms of refinement, acceleration, interiors or looks. It is infact costlier that A-star (Estilo Lxi Vs A-Star Lxi). No, not a good choice
September 5, 2009 at 7:58 pm
A star is a superb car.This car is very economic.VERY BEAUTIFUL TO SEE TOO.
September 5, 2009 at 8:48 pm
my father bought a star vxi.can we add a wiper on the back glass and can we add the talkometre. iam eager to here from u soon
September 5, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Akshay, Yes you can add a wiper at the back but it will cost alot. You can have a talkometre too. Contact your dealership for more information.
September 9, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Hi Fas,
Now I am really confused between A* and new Estilo. My usage will be around 600 km/month. We are a family of 4 adults.
1. Estilo seems to be over priced (hyd OR price 4.12L LXi with all accessories). I am feeling its not a worth buy looking to its specs and also comfort.
2. A* seems to be very compact for 4 adults Vs new Estilo.
Both has pros and cons. Another thought, as not many A* are visible on road, is that A* is a flop model? What if Maruti stops A* just like Hyundai is going to do to Getz?
I am planning to close this deal in another 1 month. Please suggest.
September 9, 2009 at 9:40 pm
YK, I would suggest you get the A-Star. The A-Star is a internationally sold car and won’t be faced out like the Getz. The Getz has been replaced by the i20 and hence it is being phased out. If you could increase your budget you can go for the i10 which is a better car in terms of space. Out of the A-Star and Estilo, my pick would be the A-Star anyday.
September 10, 2009 at 2:57 am
which is better lxi or vxi? is a-star vxi worth extra 30k? and is black colour available in a-star metallic??what are the charges to install the tachometer in lxi model?
September 10, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Austin, the VXi is a better bet. It comes with more features. If you can stretch your budget to get the ZXi, then please do so as it has essential safety features like ABS and dual SRS Airbags. Tachometer can be installed in Rs. 5000/- and there aren’t really any changes required. Black is available in A-Star and yes its metallic black.
September 10, 2009 at 3:27 pm
hi!
i m planning to buy a car in the range of 4-4.5 lacs. should i go for astar zxi or wait for the k-sereis swift lxi?is there any conformation on the date on which the new swift is to be launched
September 10, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Vicky, if you can wait then wait for the Swift with K-Series engine. Yes its coming this Diwali.
September 11, 2009 at 8:53 pm
hi fas is your reply true is new swift surely coming this diwali
will there be any change to exterior or just the change in engine
September 11, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Yes Ankit, the new Swift is coming this Diwali. There might be some minute changes to the exterior.
September 12, 2009 at 2:34 pm
i heard that a-star got just 3-stars in euro ncap test for safety!! this is not so gr8 what u have to say on that? can u tell me what will be approximate resale value of astar lxi in say about 3years from now!!
expecting a reply
September 12, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Ab, yes the A-Star got 3 stars in Euro NCAP which is certainly nothing to talk about when cars like the Fiat Grande Punto, Honda Jazz and Hyundai i20 have got 5 stars. Resale value of the A-Star will be good after 3 years because its has the latest engine and the car is a Maruti. Don’t worry about the resale value.
September 14, 2009 at 3:05 am
hi
i am palnning to buy a hatch which one is better a-star or the hyundai i10 kappa
September 14, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Ab, overall the Hyundai i10 is a better bet.
September 15, 2009 at 8:56 am
Hi Fas,
You suggested A* over New Estilo and I agree with you on that. Also, as you said, i10 is better compared to A*. Now, if I see my budget, i will get i10 Era in my budget. Is that i10Era is better buy compared to A* Vxi?
I am not too sure of technical specs but it seems that all i10 models are more or less same with more features in higher versions. Please suggest.
September 15, 2009 at 2:01 pm
YK, the i10 is a bigger car than the A-Star. Its not cramped and has a bigger engine as well. If you want to seat people at the rear get the i10. If you drive alone than get the A-Star. The Era has decent equipment though the Magna would be a better bet for the i10. Yes the higher variants have more features but they vary technically with the Kappa engine instead of the IRDe powerplant.
September 15, 2009 at 6:33 pm
@ab, @fasI believe its unfare to compare cars of different class. Also see the specification of the tested i10 herehttp://www.euroncap.com/tests/hyundai_i10_2008/323.aspx. It sports side body airbags that’s why it scores higher rating. But the Indian i10 doesn’t have this feature. The european i10 is different from Indian i10 but Maruti Suzuki offers the same A-star here.
September 15, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Sanjay, its not only the i10 which differs in India, even the A-Star does. The European A-Star is known as the 2009 Suzuki Alto has 6 airbags, whereas the Indian version has only two. So its not just Hyundai who skimps on equipment in India, it happens with every manufacturer.
September 15, 2009 at 6:34 pm
@ab @YK A-star is the Ideal car for city runabout. A-star’s performance is unmatchable even by large sedans. Who wants extra space in city cars. As everybody knows that’s why A-star is huge success in european markets. I’m owner of A-star for six months. You can’t go wrong with A-star..I10 is meant for ladies…Take my words friends go for A-star
September 15, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Hi YK,
I am Raghu(nath) from Kerala. I subscribe to Fas’s comments about i10 Magna from Hyundai. I am a proud owner of an i10 Magna – purchased it on the 25th of May from Apco Automobiles in Calicut. Before that, we had been undecided on our choice between A-Star and i10. I test drove A-Star and found it good with a nice sleek and smooth engine, but sitting at the back is an ordeal; the rear is too cramped for space. Also, the rear door windows are a too small that we feel a bit caged..
i10 Magna is far far ahead as compared to A-Star. The Kappa engine is powerful and has an aluminium mould which makes it light. We have covered 1900 kms. so far, had our first service last month and it is giving a sure 14 kms to the litre, and that too in city drives.
Go ahead with your purchase of a Magna i10 without any second thoughts YK. You wont regret it..
Fas, I hope u r doing well. I and my i10 are doing well…
Regards to all
Raghu
PS : Any news about our old friend Sunder ? He is an ardent fan and a proud owner of A-Star.
Raghu
September 16, 2009 at 10:54 am
hi!!!!can i know which colour looks sporty and the best on the a-star
September 16, 2009 at 11:38 am
Ab, I think black looks the best on the A-Star.
September 16, 2009 at 1:55 pm
hi i want 2 buy a star,but i m confused between the colours.
plz tell which colour looks the best in a star, black,white or silver?
September 16, 2009 at 11:19 pm
A Kapoor, go with black, it looks awesome on A-Star.
September 17, 2009 at 12:10 pm
hi!fas
do u think that the head light of a-star is inspired by the vw beetle
September 17, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Ab, the headlights of the A-Star seem to be inspired from the Kia Picanto, LOL.
September 17, 2009 at 1:34 pm
right now i m using santro xing xl,should i go for a star?or santro is gud then a star..?
if i buy a star black then wat about resale of black..i think black resale is not gud!!
and how can i maintane black colour coz mostly i have seen black cars it become dull after few month.but luxary cars like bmw n merc colours dont get dull.this is because of maintance or the quality of colour..?
September 17, 2009 at 3:01 pm
A Kapoor, yes the A-Star is better than Santro but just. You can go for the A-Star but I would suggest you go for the i10 instead and the Santro has more space than the A-Star. Resale of black colour is decent, not bad, not too good either. For maintaining black colour make sure you shampoo her every week. Quality of colour of high end cars is superior and thus they don’t look dull plus most high end cars have drivers maintaining the car and cleaning it throughout the day.
September 17, 2009 at 8:41 pm
thank u 4 ur replys.
as space in not a problem for me but it should be fun,comfort and pickup should be gud to drive.plus the looks.now wat would u say?(a star or i10)a star i like!!
chevorlet is launching new spark? should i wait 4 that and wat will be the price range?
September 18, 2009 at 12:49 am
A Kapoor, the A-Star fulfills all the requirements you are looking for in a car but you should certainly wait for the Matiz to be launched. It will be a step up on the A-Star.
September 18, 2009 at 10:54 pm
hi! fas i am planning to buy a hatchback. i am cofused between a-starzxi,ritzlxi,and the swiftlxi please advice me the best of the lot
September 18, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Ajay, get the Ritz, its the best petrol hatchback currently.
September 20, 2009 at 12:56 am
Can we add tachometer in A-Star Vxi
September 20, 2009 at 1:08 am
Subhasish, yes you can add a tachometer to the A-Star.
September 20, 2009 at 12:23 pm
hey!!
i am planning to buy a car and shortlisted 3 the ritz lxi the swift with k series and the grande punto 1.2liter which is the car to buy and is there any exact date of launch of the new swift? thanks!
September 20, 2009 at 1:43 pm
what is the top speed of a-star and the swift?
September 20, 2009 at 2:57 pm
hi! fas i stay at mumbai but i dont see many a-star on the road is it not selling or what how is a-star performing in the sales department? its been a year now! is the a-star poplular as other maruti cars in the industry
September 20, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Rahul, the A-Star is doing pretty well. Yes not to many are seen on the roads due to the higher pricing but Maruti has another successful car from their stable.
September 21, 2009 at 12:10 am
hey!!
i am planning to buy a car and shortlisted 3 the ritz lxi the swift with k series and the grande punto 1.2liter which is the car to buy and is there any exact date of launch of the new swift? thanks!
September 21, 2009 at 12:21 am
Gaurav, get the Ritz. If you can wait till Diwali than get the Swift. The Grande Punto 1.2 is very sluggish compared to the Ritz and Swift.
September 22, 2009 at 12:11 am
hello again what is the top speed of a-star and the swift?
September 22, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Arav, top speed of A-Star is 155kmph, whereas the top speed of the Swift is 175kmph.
September 25, 2009 at 10:01 am
Hi,
I am looking for car with very good milage, low cost(lower the better :) ) and good handlng(means less tiresome to drive). I am confused between Alto LXI, Spark 1.0PS and A-star. Please, help me out with detailed analysis. apart from these, do u have any other car in your mind? price should be less than 3.5 lakh.
Tanks in advance. Plese, reply mee soon.
Regards
Ranjan
September 25, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Ranjan, you can get the A-Star or the new Estilo, both are very good car if you are looking for mileage.
September 26, 2009 at 3:29 am
hello i own a swift zxi and i am looking to buy a second car should i go for the astar is the a-star as much fun to drive as the swift?
September 26, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Vaibhav, the A-Star is fun to drive but the Swift is more fun anyday. Get something more exciting.
September 26, 2009 at 2:58 pm
hey fas what do you mean by that which car is more exciting? that i can check out in the same pricetag thanks
September 28, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Some of my friends told me there are very little headspace & legspace in AStar.
Is it so?
what is the mileage of Astar?
what is its performance while ac on?
Is it 50k worthier than Alto LXI?
Feel free to suggest. Thanks in advance.
Regards
Ranjan
September 28, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Ranjan, A-Star is not that good on headroom. Why don’t you personally sit and see for yourself. A-Star gives a mileage between 17-20kmpl. Performance of the car is good even with AC turned on. It is worth the extra money over the Alto as the car uses the latest K-Series engine.
October 1, 2009 at 4:18 pm
hello! fas i have 2 questions
1-what is the price of a-star’s music system of kenwood
2-price of wheel cover of a-star from maruti showroom
October 2, 2009 at 12:17 am
Austin, the price of A-Star music system is around Rs. 8000/- and a wheel cover costs around Rs. 750/- I am not quite sure about the prices though as they are subject to change. You can get that cheaper outside and it will be as reliable.
October 1, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Next generation Suzuki Alto concept!!!
hi! fas i came across this web page which says that suzuki has revieled 2011 suzuki alto concept what does this mean is the curent alto(a-star)is not hitting sales in international market is it safe to buy the a-star as it can be replaced by this concept alto by next couple of years thanks!
http://www.motorbeam.com/cars/maruti-a-star-cars/new-suzuki-alto-concept-already/
October 2, 2009 at 12:18 am
Austin, the Indian A-Star will remain, checkout the update on the A-Star concept on the homepage.