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 
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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November 21st, 2008 at 10:39 am
The build quality is clearly lacking. The steering wheel for instance is just unacceptable in a car that costs more than $10,000USD. I’m disappointed, this could have been a proper world car. It isnt.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:05 am
At first instance this seemed like a wonderful car and a true replacement for the origibal zen (which I have owned for about 7.5 years now). But I am still to see the car in real and now I am worried it might leave me dissapointed. The pricing looked correct to me coz I was expecting a better job from Maruti. Obviously for this job the pricing shud be a somewhat more competitive.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:34 am
Sumit the old Zen was in a league of its own. Maruti has killed the Zen brand. There is room for improvement but Maruti really thinks it will sell the car anyway.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
great blog..will suggest my readers ur site for news related ur blog..
November 22nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
A Star is very compact car. Rear leg space & even front leg space is not optimum as it was expected earlier. Maruti has used same base as of Alto with lot of extra features.
Space for luggage is also too less. It has not been understood for why A star is lacking in overall space.
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Was eagerly awaiting for the car to be launched, and when i had a look at the car in the showroom, i felt that this was gonna be a car that I would buy, looked good from the exterior and i had high expectations, but the moment i opened the front door of the car, i realized that maruti have screwed up on the interior part again……….. I’m 5ft 11″ tall and I had to push the driver seat to the maximum extent to seat my self in the vehicle, the steering is a bit low and I felt that they could have done with tilt\adjustable steering, the passenger seated behind the driver will definitely have a hard time..looks like maruti might have to hire some personnel from hyundai to get the interiors right. There is a waiting period of 6 months. the car wasn’t even available for a test drive. the boot space in the car is very minimal. This car is a big no-no for people who are as tall or taller than me. To summarize my first experience with the A-Star, the car looks good, has a fresh feeling, however, the interior spacing (legroom)suck big time…Got fed up with the Maruti A-Star, went to a Hyundai Showroom in the evening, had a test drive in the i10 and I must say that I was very pleased with its handling and the minimal cabin noise and the interiors of the i10. Booked an i10 1.2 Kappa Magna, gonna get my new car in a couple of weeks…For all the people who had very high expectations about the A-Star, the car (Vxi at 4.41 lacs on road price bangalore) is still a pretty good deal, but, u might still wanna have a look at the i10 before deciding on the buy. The i10 is a tad expensive than the A-Star, but, I’d rather pay 25-30K more for an i10 rather than buying a Vxi A-Star…
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Hi All,
Yesterday, I had been to the dealer to have a look at A star.. The Car is Beuty..however when i sat inside, I came to know at it lacks space..I am 5′11 and there is no way that i can sit at the rear side if a person of the same height is driving…It was So crampy that I was not able to keep my feet on the ground, forget about setting Comfortably….Also there is no Luggage space..I doubt if you can keep even one suitcase properly.. I think that is ment only for carry bags.
Anyways that was for those who are above 5′10…for small heighted people it would be a beauty and amazing car and it looks amazing…….
November 23rd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Deepak and Praveen you people are right, the A-Star lacks space. Its very cramped and Maruti should have designed the car better since this is a global model. Also the rear windows are too small and will make the person sitting at the rear claustrophobic.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I was very excited to see it. But when I visited maruti showroom,I found. It is BAKWAAS car. I am really very disappointed.I found comparatively santro xing and Maruti Wagon R are better cars.
November 24th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I would say it is not as good as expected but it is not bad either.
This feature pack car comes at a price of i10 era, with much better mileage expected (Petrol prices doesn’t seems to be going south in near future).
I would appreciate Maruti Engineers for design and innovative K10B Engine (An all aluminium low weight engine)
I took it to test drive in Bangalore (Nice Road) and drove it at 155 km/h but his baby never denied and was still raring to go. Also, feature like all 4 power windows, integrated stereo, internal adjustable ORVMs, good quality exterior/interior are just few to mention.
To Conclude, Everything is excellent except legroom for rear pessanger.
I booked the car and will be getting delivery in a months time.
Will add my city exp. later.
Veekay
November 24th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Veekay the price of Xtra Premium has already decreased. We can expect fuel prices to go south. The i10 has a superior engine compared to the A-Star.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
That’s right, but also remember that Maruti is going to export 1.5 lacs unit to Europe, so this car is build as per Euro Norms…also Nissan is going to sell this car with the name PIXO.
November 28th, 2008 at 12:23 am
The front grille looks like Audi cars, don’t you think so?
November 30th, 2008 at 9:32 am
A-star car looks great. However I found dash panel height is more and obstructing the view. Iam 5′4” height. Iam sure average Indians will face this problem. Luggage space is small and is less than Zen. Rear window is small.Front grill is too large and allows ingress from the road. Lxi variant has no power windows in front unlike Zen. So one has to go for Vxi model which will cost Rs.4.30 lacs on road, which is about Rs.60 thousand more than Zen vxi
External Looks wise ofcourse A-star is tempting.
haraprasad, Hyderabad
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I have not yet done a test drive but based on what people have been writing i could make out that the car is good but lacks space. also when compared with competition that is i10, the later scores more than the A-star.
Guess Maruti needs to be little more innovative and take competition in to perspective while designing.
Looking forward for any further reviews
December 8th, 2008 at 3:32 am
I was also waiting for A star since the time i visted auto expo where they displayed the concept a star ..i thought that was better…but this one is also good looking ..But i was disappointed when i sat in the car ..the front leg room is ok…and interirors are also ok …the plastic quality is not so appealling …but the worst thing was the leg room at rear …it was less then alto and is cramped ..at the price its offered ..i don’t think its worth it …the boot is also not good ..no better then M800 … I think i 10 still is better made and better looking then Astar.
December 10th, 2008 at 11:55 am
yesterday i drove A Star . A star cant even stands near my first car santro in terms of quality, performance & space. Its shame to compare A star with my macho i10. Still If u are waiting for the car and wanna buy it, then it seems u r goin insane
December 10th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I have always loved some cars and hated others as downright ugly and bad in my opinion but never once did i think that I have any right to think so on behalf of others and so i never questioned a person’s decision when he/she bought a car which was outright stupid to me. Everyone has a taste, everyone has a choice and my choice is as bad to some as their’s is to me. So Mr Auto Mania …. better remain an Auto Maniac rather then being a real life maniac with your pointless comments
December 11th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Dear Sumit,
I m really sorry. I don have any rights to comment on others decision. frustations made me to comment like that. I have been waiting so long for that so called A Star (a non sense car to me).. but ultimately disappointed with the in built quality, power, price, plastic quality, rear leg room, steering adjustment,cabin noise, every thing other than their claimed mileage of 19kmpl. thats y i had commented like that.
For all the pals out there, before going to buy A star just take a drive of Hyundai i10, u definitely love it, i bet.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:07 am
can any one suggest between A star and i 10, iam looking for low running and maintenance cost..
December 12th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Vikrant i would suggest you the i10, its a better car than the A-Star anyday.
December 12th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
thank a lot fas for your prompt reply, but ver u talking bout i10 kappa or older engine version…..????
but i heard dat i 10z dashboard reflectz on d screen in d day….is dat true..??
n can u plz heighlight some cons of A star……
December 13th, 2008 at 12:19 am
The i10 Kappa is better than the older version but with any engine the i10 is better than the A-Star. Dashboard reflection does happen in cars with beige interiors. The problem with the A-Star is its cramped and lacks power compared to the i10. The A-Star is really a small car, the i10 is not.
December 13th, 2008 at 6:58 am
ok,, but as far i knw KB series engine is better then the old engine of i 10, no doubt kappa is better….
another thing bother me is the running cost of vehicle and easy of servicing??
n i have heard dat Hyundai spares are costly then Maruti..??
will there be alot of diff. btn d running cost of the vehicles.???
December 14th, 2008 at 1:37 am
The Santro has a 4 cylinder engine, whereas the A-Star has a 3 cylinder engine. Hyundai spares are slightly costlier but not all that much, but overall the i10 is way ahead than the A-Star.
December 15th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
ok…thnx mate…
December 20th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
A-STAR IS A CAR WHICH I WAS LONGING TO BUY. BUT I’M CONFUSED NOW WHETHER TO BUY A-STAR OR SWIFT Vdi.
December 20th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Nandan the Swift VDi is way superior, get the Swift, its a no brainer.
December 20th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
I had been to the showroom of maruti. surely i was impressed with the shape of A-star. But I am 5′9″ and i found the boot space is some what not sufficient to sit comfortably. The luggage room is also not sufficient for a millenium family. front view from the driver’s seat seems to be diving. Only Zxi model has some plus points like fog lights etc. The leg room for back seat is very less. Maruti could have thought of for a better leg room & luggage area when compared to WagonR and Estilo.
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 am
i would like to get a comparison between A-star, Wagon R and Alto. planning to buy my first car this week.
December 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Sabu you should get the A-Star, its better than the Wagon R and Alto. Take a test drive of the A-Star and see how it suits you.
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Yes, it is a good car to drive and the engine certainly feels nice and responds quite well for varying high speeds.
Interiors are OK and rear seating is very uncomfortable without legspace. If you have a family then you would have more problems of luggage space which can’t accomodate beyond a small suitcase and a tiny carry bag. If you fix a pad/board for the rear speakers then you really kill the luggage space.
Good for singles and may be as a second city car. Good looks and drive…..I wished Maruti gave a little more leg and luggage space. I would have bought it today. Decided to buy a Wagon R Vxi instead and fix a good MP3 player etc…came cheaper and well suited for family.
Car is a beauty though.
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
One more problem in A star apart from space that the third gear gives jerk in hand when you accelerate or apply breaks and when I talked to dealer about the same they told me that this problem exists in all new maruti cars and can’t be rectified.%0aSo buyers when you take test drive of maruti cars take care that gears are working properly else you end up
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I agree to the fact/opinion being expressed by many in the group which largely are negative for A-Star.
What this car offers:
- Mileage
- Great futuristic exteriors / almost looks like a sports car
What it does not offer is:
- Value for money against competition – I10 , Santro, Alto LXI, Spark
- Boot Space (Absolutely no – no): You need to have a career on the top to carry even a mid sized suitcase for long distance
- Rear seat leg room(pathetic): i wonder when the engineers were designing the car did they forgot that its not a two seater but a 5 seater car that they are making.
- Boot space lacks space for fitting an LPG/CNG kit: Car is not equiped for future requirements. Therefore even a 20 kmpl mileage not be good enough when fuel will cost above 75 after 3-4 years.
Not recommended if it is the ONLY car in your house.
But good enough if it is your second/additional car.
December 30th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
My Review –
+ POINTS—
———–
-> Very Good Mileage.
-> Good Pricing(Around 4.3 to 5.2 Ex-showroom)
-> Comes with Really alot of features for top model esp.
-> Caompany fitted tape in Vxi and Zxi is gud and is well positioned.
- Points—
———–
-> i10.A much much better car at some high price esp. 1200cc kappa is really enthusiastic. I loved it driving.
-> Ugly and Uncharming looks.
-> Rear Legroom and Swift type cramped rear windows.
-> Small boot.
-> Unattractive interiors.
-> At least 1.1L engine should be there in these segment cars.
-> Headlamps n also Rearlamps r ugly.
Do u think this review of mine is good??
December 30th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Good review Abhishek. I think Maruti A-Star will be a success no matter how good or bad the car is, because its a Maruti.
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I am planning to buy a maruti car in jan last week.I am totally confused between A-star vxi and swift lxi/vxi and this will be my first car.
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Bhargav i would suggest you the Swift, its much better than the A-Star in almost everything.
January 4th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I took test drive of A star and i10 and my review is
Model Considered A star Lxi & i 10 Era (i 10 Kappa is not comparable)
1st lets discuss on one time expenditure based feature
Pricing- similar– In Noida A star cost 3.76 lac(3.64 lac on Road + 12K and u will get it with front power window + key less Central lock), While Era comes for 3.75(3.9- 15k discount) comes with factory fitted Front power window and central lock)
Exterior- A star looks better
Interior- i 10 is better
Space- i 10 scores in terms of more width and boot space
Handling- i10 is slightly better
Engine refinment- A star is slightly better
Ride quality- similar
Gear shift- Similar
Now Operational expenditure-
Mileage- a star will easily give u 2.5 to 3 kmpl more
Maintenace- Maruti always cost low in ownership
Resale value- Again Advantage A star
So while initially i10 seems to little edge over A star but once after owning it A star will clearly put i 10 on bay. My verdict if u have family of 4 and most of u want car for city driving then go for A star. It is better value for Money.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Nits thanks for your review, it will help prospective buyers of the Maruti A-Star.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I Thik maruti WaganR is better option than Astar.
WaganR have more space & better performance, than Astar.
January 6th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Ashu Yadav the WagonR does not have the latest features which the A-Star ZXi comes with as standard.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
thnx fas.. ashu if u want big boot go for wagonR. its engine is also well refined(i drove a brand new wagonR some days before).ride is well. but is a little dated and boxy looking.a-star has the newness a good features too but has small boot.
January 7th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
A-Star:
NO LOOKS, NO SPACE, NO VALUE FOR MONEY, ONLY MILEAGE..
U WILL NOT FEEL GOOD IN DRIVING.. SO AGAIN MORE MILEAGE..
MARUTI CAN NOT GET IT RUNNING ON JUST SERVICE WING.. SURE
TOUGH TIME..
January 30th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
a-star is a very good car.don’t criticise on internet before taking a test drive.as far as space in the rear it is in line with cars in the segment that is not a problem as being criticised here,the boot space is less as compared to others,as far as power is concered it is more powerful than i-10 era as written in all auto magazines specially 0-100 time where a-star is faster than i-10 era.ride & handling is also better than any car in it’s segment.MILAGE is best in all petrol availlable in india as per ARAI goverment authorities has approved.it has lowest drag at 0.3,lowest poluting engine in INDIA.
February 19th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Planning to buy A Star any suggetions.
February 19th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Becvs, checkout the i10 before you go ahead with the A-Star.
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Dear Freinds,
I wish to share with some engineering facts which still no body mentioned while comparing the cars.
A Star : Pl note that having 3 cylinders OR 7 cylinders in engine doesnot gives power. It’s physics. Pl review the Bore X Stroke of AStar.
It is 76.3 X 79 which is almost eqv to 4 Cylinder engine capacity. Secondly it comes with chain drive & not belt drive no maintiance life time. It comes with DOHC-Double Cam shaft means more torque & Power. i10 Era1.1 is SOHC & Belt drive with Cast Iron + Alluminium engine.
Freinds AStar is a car compared to 1.2 Kappa of Hyundia which is low tagged with simmilar features. If u drive long drives 5~10 times a year no issue of space.you can easily accomodate 26″ suitccase with handbags.
Mileage is concern- no car in this segment with such pick up can give.
I shall defenatilely buy this car only due value of money———–.
Runnning cost is city comes not more than Rs2/kmpl.
Regards.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:35 am
I read this review fully before taking a Test drive of ASTAR. As space is mostly critisied, i will start with my opinion on that. I am 5′8″ tall. It fits me in comfortably in all the 4 seats. I set the driver seat as per my comfort and tried the other seats. Its just cool. The concern is the boot though, i would say the boot space alone is still enough for my requirement of luggage for 2 ppl for long drives
It has a 998CC engine, I would not ‘consider’ comparing power of 1.2 i10. But that 998CC Engine delivers the power very well and I was able to take it to 140 Km/hr too. it would go beyond but the road did not allow.
THanks to Ankur – I believe you are talking about the timing belt. Sure its a good thing to have a chain there.
This is my question (I may be wrong)and i am not bashing any body or car here. ‘Just’ an all alluminium engine technology is existing since the old zen days. did Hyundai just gave a name to it as Kappa? I also need to say Marketting for i10 is great. None of the maruthi cars (except swift) got that luxury.
This KB Series engine is a good idea. all Alluminium engine + few innovations around the engine part to achive better efficiency. I appriciate Maruthi for this engineering and this according to me is power and mileage without compromising either.
IMPORTANT point to note: The ZXi adds safety with ABS and Airbags at a cost slightly more than the i10 Megana.
So over all, I can get Safty (primary), comfort (expected comfort) and as bonus i get to drive atleast few km more per litre of petrol. I see i10 has little more space and better interiors for sure. But they are less expected by me compared to the pros of ASTAR.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:44 am
Nice review there K Sundar. Yes Aluminum engine technology is there since quite some time now, but the i10 Kappa has more technology in the engine like DOHC and is also Euro V ready.