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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May 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Dear Fas,
I am planning to buy car between Rs.3.75~Rs.4.5 lacs. Car Shortlisted by me are Getz Prime1.1, A-Star, i10 1.1 or 1.2, Ritz Lxi or any other as per you. I like Swift VDI & Ritz VDI but Price is a problem for me.
Pl suggest Whether to go with Petrol & diesel car. My running in not more than 700~1000 kms. My company pay me for the exp of car. I ove Maruti Zen.
May 29th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Ankur, since your running is low and your company gives you fuel, mileage is not a concern. Thus I would suggest you buy the Hyundai i10 1.2 or Ritz LXi. Don’t buy Swift petrol because its going to get a new engine soon. If you can stretch a bit the Swift VDi is a fantastic car too. Its not only mileage where the Swift Diesel rocks, but the superb torque and the kick in the pants feel the engine gives you once the turbo kicks in.
June 1st, 2009 at 11:54 am
What do you say about Getz Prime 1.1 as it Rs.3.95 Lacs with Loyality bonus of Rs.20K & corproate bonus Rs.4 K would cost me around Rs.3.71 only OTR A’bad. Is worth buying it.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Ankur, at that price the Getz is absolutely value. The space, ride and comfort of the car is in a league of its own. What you waiting for, at that price, go get it. Its totally worth the money
June 1st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Fas,
Thanks Can u give your cell no I would like to discuss with you.
i10 1.2 Cost OTR – Rs.4.44 with some Rs.15 K discout & Ritz Lxi is also Rs.4.44 without any Discount.
Still you would suggest to go with new technology for future better drive.
June 1st, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Ankur, if you can stretch than the i10 is a better bet. It has a more powerful engine, better mileage and will have better resale. I would suggest you get the i10 is price is not a issue. The i10 has the latest Kappa engine and the car is relatively new. The Getz will be discontinued soon.
A better way to talk would be through gtalk since I am not in a position to talk right now.
I would suggest you go to the Hyundai showroom, sit in both the cars, see which is more comfortable. Test drive both cars and than decide.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Dear Fas,
I have just TD of A-star, I found it drving pleasure & very strudy on road at even high speed better than i10. What would you suggest.
In terms of mileage it is around 19+ are many custoomer in city & highway around 23 kmpl. I really got impressed with driving pleasure.
I am in mood to go with A-star vxi version. It this VFM & best resale.
June 4th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Ankur, yes the A-Star is value for money. You liked the car, then you should go for it. But mileage figures seem a bit stretched. You wont get 19, but expect 16-17 in city and 19-20 on highway. Resale will be very good, since its a newly launched car (hence no discounts) and its a Maruti.
June 5th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Ankur,
Handling of this car is just perfect. Its just inch perfect when it comes to taking curves at speeds over 80Kmph. As Fas said, Mileage will be around 15 ~16 with in city. May be a km more if you reduce the usage of AC. I am getting a 16. I try to keep the windows down before 7 AM and after 10 PM drives.
I find the hard suspension set up for better handling results in more jumping for slow speed (10~20 kmph) bumps in city especially in the road around my residence in Bangalore – i am planning to shift anyway
My Astar came with JK’s – The ones i preyed not to come with. Its making hell of a sound at 70+ speeds. same happened with my old Zen as well. I dont know why maruthi has a tie up wit JKs
June 5th, 2009 at 9:36 am
New bridgestones in my old zen is so quiet even at 100+ speed. but I dont have plans to change these JKs soon.
June 5th, 2009 at 10:35 am
K Sundar, Maruti has tied with JKs for cost benefits.
June 5th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I am planning for i10 1.2 Magan in cost of Rs.4.24 OTR A”bad. Almost many people are advising me for i10 only I don;t now why but I think for family of 5 people i10 shall be enough. It also comes under premium segment rather than Astar.
Secondly I had never own Hyundia product so was worried about heavy maintiance cost & not good service network. But Current scenario in city like A’bad is differeent, I see more no of i10 on roads than Astar.
I personally think that care is awesome so nos are increasing.
Anyway I hope with my family also I could finalize i10 as my father is much keen of Maruti products.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Ankur, the i10 is a very good choice for a family car. The A-Star is not so comfortable for 3 people to sit at the rear. Get the i10, Hyundai service is one of the best, if not the best.
June 12th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Hello fas,
Thanks for your replies..
Can you please suggest me a car with in 3-4 lakhs..
I want a good car with good mileage..
I’m still single…..
Thanks in advance
Regards
Chetan
June 12th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Fas,
Narrowed down upon with 2 choices now Hyundai 1.2 Magan or Ritz Lxi.
Pl help me out………..My father does not like diesel cars as my running in low than 900~1200 kmpl a month.
June 12th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Chetan, you can get the A-Star Lxi, its a good car and gives good mileage.
Ankur, both the cars are very good, you can’t go wrong with either. Take a test drive of both. I would choose the i1 Magna for more features.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Hi guyz, I am highly confused between A-star, I10 , Zen Estillo And Ritz. my Max budget is 4.5 Lcs. Please suggest me the best with reason, M really confused,
June 28th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Prayas, following is a comment from Raghu. He mistakenly replied to the comment in email and thus its not showing here.
Hello Prayas,
I am Raghu from Calicut, Kerala. We purchased i10 Magna (with power-steering, power windows for all doors including the boot, and manual central locking system). The price when we took it on the road was Rs. 4,32,000/ –. We purchased it in May (the 25th) and hence we were covered under the Hyundai special offer which waived the insurance amount of about 11,000 /-. So even if you make a purchase now, it would still come within your budget.
As regards the vehicle, it is good, comfortable and has a nice pickup. We have covered almost 800 kms., the first service is between 1200 and 1500 kms. or 2 months whichever is the earlier, and as of now, though we have not checked the mileage by filling the tank full, I think we have got around 14 kms to the litre with A/C, which is good as compared to Santro.
A-Star is good; it is from a proven and reputed company and it is reported to give about 17 kms to the litre.
Ultimately, it is your choice which prevails isn’t it ?
Keep in touch
Raghu
June 28th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Hay Raghu,
Congrats on getting your new i10. Happy driving.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Hi ..
This is Amol from pune.I am planning to purchase a new family car in next 3-4 months.So please give me a Suggestion to which car i have to buy
Options are= Maruti Suzuki RITZ,A star,Swift,hyundai i10..
Give me your suggestion as early as possible.
June 29th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Amol, I would suggest the Ritz, its the best car of the ones you mentioned. Can you please tell me your requirements so I can accordingly recommend looking into your preferences.
June 30th, 2009 at 3:07 am
hi ankur,
i am planning to buy an A-star whithin next week .all done…. test drive,finance but i am bit confused and doubtful about its perforrmance in long run.we are family of 3.my monthly drive is 900km.what u suggest and what about getz and what s getz price & milage.
Regards,
Aseem
June 30th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Ankur has replied the following : -
Aseem,
I have finally shortlisted i10 1.2 Magna after long research on cars.
Getz Prime 1.1 : Old Santro engine & Less Re-sale value. Mileage claimed by hyundai is 13Kmpl -City & 17Kpl-highway. Depends on driving condition over all.
Astar : Good car with new enginer K10 1.0litre, but less in terms of space. Not suitable for me like family of 5 paxs.
i10 1.2 Magna : 1.2 Kappa engine with new technology, more power same as Ritz. Over all best VFM.
Any way you can decide upon your budget & requirement & taste.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Hi Ankur,
Thanks for your prompt reply.i took TD of Magna 1.2 found not much difference between A Star and Magna as far as driving comfort is concerned accept boot space and rear seat comfort. As i am not a technical person so i could not reveal the engine. What is magna 1.2 milage & price anyway…..please advise.
Regards
aseem
June 30th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Ankur has replied the following : -
Aseem,
Look i10 1.2 is 1200 CC engine & Astar is 1000 CC. Off course when you drive new vechicle you cannot feel much difference intially.
But all the way i10 1.2 Magna is best in all terms & is best value of money.
Astar is also good for those who’s family is not more than 3 persons.
I shall advice you to consult some best auto consultant if confused.
July 1st, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Hi all,
First of all my apologies to Fas and Sunder for not intimating them through this blog of our purchase of i10 Magna on the 25th of May. (We went for Oyster Grey). I think the advices and suggestions of both of you had in a big way filtered down my options to A-Star and i10, and again, considering the pros and cons of both coupled with the special priorities specific to the buyer, made us decide in favour of i10. Thank you once again Messrs. Fas-Sunder for your wise guidance. The Kappa factor was a great parameter which of all things tilted the scale towards i10 Hundai.
Having driven almost 800 kms. in one month and 1 week, none of us at home rues the decision; it is a silken smooth vehicle. Though we havent checked the mileage by the usual method of filling the tank to full capacity twice and calculating the distance covered within those two points, we roughly estimate the mileage at about 14 kms to the litre; which should be good considering the fact that a good part of the distance covered has been in Calicut city with A/C on right through. It should only improve shouldnt it, with three services to go… Touch wood..
From what i see around, at least in Calicut, I see i10 accounts for about 60% of the hatchback small segment usage. Strange since A-Star, launched in December or January, has not taken the road as much as compared to i10. I heard Ritz is a gem, with Kappa engine again mounted on it, but it is awkward to the core… worse than A-Star with regard to looks.
Some of the dampners of i10 :
- The beige coloured upholstry above the dashboard, which during daytime, reflects on the front windscreen, hinders the sight. Though it doesnt hamper the vision, but gives a blurred view of the road ahead.
- The doors are not sleek; our old Zen Vx , 1998, even till last month before we disposed it off, didnt require much force while closing the door. (That was a grand vehicle i have to say, the low styled structure nowithstanding).
- AC is good, cools up the interior fast, but in the evenings, the the windscreen and the windows fog up fast..I think no Indian car is perfect on that count as yet. (any suggestion regarding that is welcome).
- Acceleration and decelaration take atleast 4 or 5 seconds to take effect. I feel the same problem with my brother’s 2007 Santro which again is a good car…
That is all for now friends. Would keep in touch…
Happy driving to all.
Raghu
July 1st, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Hi friends,
What is torque ?
How does the litre unit come in, while talking about engine capacity – for eg. i10 magna and Ritz are 1.2 l powered engines, while A-Star and i10 Era are 1.1 litre powered engine.
Wagon-R is 1.1 right ?
What do you mean by turbo intercooler ? I think, Tavera has that feature. I know it is something to d with the engine power above a particular RPM but still I dont have a clearer picture regarding the concept.
Hope someone will make these things clear.
Thanks in advance.
Raghu
July 1st, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Raghu, thats a very detailed review on the i10. Thanks alot for sharing.
Torque is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist. i10 and WagonR and 1.1 but the A-Star is 1.0L.
A turbocharger, or turbo, is a gas compressor used for forced-induction of an internal combustion engine. Like a supercharger, the purpose of a turbocharger is to increase the density of air entering the engine to create more power. However, a turbocharger differs in that the compressor is powered by a turbine driven by the engine’s own exhaust gases.
An intercooler is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged (forced induction) internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric (constant pressure) cooling. A decrease in air intake temperature provides a denser intake charge to the engine and allows more air and fuel to be combusted per engine cycle, increasing the output of the engine.
Most diesel cars have a turbo while 90% also have a intercooler.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Hi fas,iam gonna buy a new car soon and iam a lil confused to choose between zen estillo and a-star! which one should i choose?? we are a small family of 4 and my dad is taking this car for me..iam a student!
wat would be the best in all aspects… estillo or a-star
pls reply and thx in advance
Vicky!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 am
Vicky, get the A-Star. The Zen is a old model and is due for a revamp soon.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:05 am
revamp means?
sorry donno much about it!
so i should go with a-star ha…most people are saying that it wont give fuel as promised and it’ll be around 14-16kms/lt and some of ma frns are saying that the a-star will be a flop soon!
thx
vicky
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 am
Vicky, a new version of the Zen is expected soon with a new engine. The A-Star is a hit and it won’t be a flop because the car is very good and is sold internationally as well. The mileage is still pretty good for a petrol car and depending on your driving style it is possible to achieve the claimed figures. Get the A-Star, its a very good car.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:15 am
Thx for your help
i was so worried seeing the comments on a-star,well thx to u…i’ll be happy to buy that one now!
seeing all the comments,i was about to go for estillo again which was not gud when compared with a-star in pickup etc etc!
well thx anyway
Gudnite
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
Vicky, your most welcome buddy. If you have any doubt, feel free to write anytime.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:59 am
Hi Vicky,
Raghu here. I endorse Fas’s opinion about A-Star. There is no need to ponder too much on your selection; just go for A-Star. It is any day a better option than the current Zen. It is not a car held on high esteem by all, and as Fas said, even MS are going to phase it out it seems..
A-Star is just apt for you, a family of four… Its rear seat is suited for 2 actually. Mileage wise also, it compares favorably against Estilo.
Just go for A-Star.
No second thoughts.
Good Luck..
Raghu
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 am
@raghu Thx for ur help raghu
@fas
Vicky
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Sorry to trouble you again fas
Now we are looking at a-star and i10 kappa…wat should we choose??? wats the best in all aspects…we dont care much about the space! so excluding the space..temme which is the best car among these two?
Thx
Vicky
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Vicky, you are not troubling at all. Your comments and questions are always welcome.
Among the two cars you have mentioned I would choose the i10 Kappa for the better engine and better driving dynamics.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
wats the max speed of i10 buddy???
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Vicky, the i10 Kappa will reach 160kmp. You can read more about the i10 Kappa here http://www.motorbeam.com/cars/test-drives/hyundai-i10-12/hyundai-i10-12-test-drive/
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
thx buddy
hows the hyundai after sales service??
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Vicky, Hyundai service is very good, second only to Maruti.
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 am
Raghu, no problem buddy. you dont have to thank. sharing of info with out much effort is very positive. Intereting to see several discussions on astar vs i10 vs Zen estilo etc… I saw Fas and you answering. keeping going! fantastic job. If any one has any other question on Astar, let me know i will try to answer
I am happy to see some Astars on road now. In my office i believe i was the first one to buy, now i see few more parked around. I have many ppl asking me in the signals, and parking lots about the car and the mileage. I saw one of the little girls pull her daddy to show my AStar a while ago. Astar is getting popular i guess.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:27 am
K Sundar, sure A-Star is getting popular. It looks quite cute among all these masculine hatches.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:50 am
hi k sunder,
thanks for not feeling me low on decision to buy an Astar.any information about A* please let me know. By the way which colours A* should i buy .
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:40 am
Dear Friends,
I have purchased Alto LXI in March 2009. I have some doubts about my car. When i switch on the ac the pick up considerably reduces. After few seconds a click sound comes and pick up goes little up and after few minutes again the click sound comes in the engine and pick up goes down. Is it a problem with the engine or its normal? Secondly when the ignition is off with hand breaks on if i press the break pedal 2-3 times it gets very tight. is it normal?? This is my first car and i am a little worried about these. And also please explain me what is MPFI engine? how does it works? Awaiting for your valueable inputs.
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Shodhan,
Your Alto is just behaving normally. Any car with the AC on will have slower pick up. The clicking sound that you hear is the turning on or off of the AC comressor. Keep in mind the AC compressor does not run on electricity like our house AC does. It runs on the engine direclty by means of a belt. Hence when it turns on, part of engine’s power is drawn for its functioning. so a slower pick up. on the next click sound it turns off and all the power of the engine is avaible for the drive.
About the brakes that is normal again. That is probably because of the assisted brake set up in all cars now and the hand bake is not a separate system like the old Fiats. I have the same feeling in my A* and Zen both having assisted brakes like your Alto. When you start the engine, the brake should feel up and functional as normal.
Enjoy your new car and wish you all the best.
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
Azeem,
Sure – A* is a car to be proud off owning. The engine (cc to its power), its drive, handling – all are greatly designed + the mileage atleast a couple of Kms more. As told in this forum, if you are a family 3 or 4 – AStar is a very good choice.
Colors – I have sun light copper, I liked the white and Azure grey as well. Ppl in my family did not want a white and my zen is already a grey. so I decided on the copper. I did not like the blues and greens.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Aseem,
Sorry I did not spell you name correct in my above post. After my ownership, I pretty much discussed everything in Astar – the handling, the suspension, tyres, AC and Mileage. You can read through the comments between me, Raghu and Fas about a month’s back.
I believe I did not dicuss about the audio system that comes in. Its fantastic too, Has wonderful spearkers – i dont know what brand, sales rep did not know too. It lags USB port. The sound quality is fantastic. Best integrated audio system i would say. Far far far… better than what i expected from an integrated audio system.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Dear Sundar,
Thanks a lot for your valuable inputs