मारुति सुज़ुकी ए-स्टार यूज़र रिव्यूज़

A-star - stop at nothing is a cute hatchback from Maruti Suzuki for global markets. This compact A-star  features all the norms of contemporary hatchback. Raised bonnet, larger airdam, peeled back headlamps and elliptical glasshouse of the A-star does not excite you but it looks pleasing. But once again Maruti Suzuki has not given sufficient care to the rear part of the A-star. Passersby might miss the A-star as any other one. Overall styling is not outstanding but contemporary.

 

The dimensions of A-star are - 3500mm*1600mm*1490mm (length*breadth*height). The dimensions are more or less similar to its rival Hyundai i10. However i10 scores over the A-star wheelbase (2360mm) by 20mm.  But we have to look how these dimensions are efficiently utilized before concluding which one is superior. Anyway, the 4.5m turning radius of A-star will help you to tight corners and make swift manoeuvers.  The 170mm ground clearance of A-star makes it good enough to roll over potholes and bumps.

 

With the launch of A-star, Maruti Suzuki also debuts its superior KB series engine in India. The 3 cylinder, 12valve MPFI unit generates 67PS of peak power at 6200rpm and 90Nm of max torque at 3500rpm. Though these figures are nowhere near the i10 kappa, remember, we earlier reported you that this A-star returned 19.5Km for a litre of petrol.  The mill is mated with a 5speed manual transmission. A-star does not feature automatic transmission even as an optional one.

Overall, it is a product from Suzuki, so it should catch the market. With the current market, it really needs to attract. But it may not have an exciting sales before Jan09. Let us wait and watch. I will write more after a test drive.

Good fuel economy (in the paper..but to test)Cramped rear seats, less boot space, narrow back window, ugly side look

I had purchased A-Star car one and half years ago. I like its Exterior and Interior. All features are as per my necessity. But I observed that performance of Engine is very bad. The engine has excessive vibration since the date of purchese of car. The dealer (M/s Autopace, Chandigarh) and Engineer of Maruti Suzuki Ltd. tried their best to rectify the problem, but in vein. They have also tested the car for more than 11 days at workshop but the problem remains same. It has also come to know that all A-Star cars have this problem. I think that this problem may be due to wrong desine. I had spent my hard earned money to purchase this car but performance of this car and dealing of dealer/ manufacturer broken my heart. I had been harassed by the dealer and representative of the manufacturer by calling me at workshop again and again but they have failed to remove the problem. I requested M/s Maruti Suzuki Ltd. to take this car back as the car has a non remediable manufacturing defect. But it is very sad that inspite of my long correspondance with Maruti Suzuki Ltd., they have not taken the matter seriously. They have played very irresponsible role to solve the issue. I think they are just trying to pass the warranty period. Finally I had to knock the door of Cosumer forum Chandigarh. I hope that I will get justice soon. New buyers should  listen the lesson from my story if they have planned to purchase the A-Star.

Jaswinder Singh

Mohali

098155-XXXXX

Bad performanceBad service

Exterior

Of Course, the opinion differs from person to person. I bought it because I liked the looks. The looks are mostly european and unconventional as far as India is concerned.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

This is one of the most debated points and attracts a lot of criticism. I tried a different method to compare the space inside different models. I put side by side, The Chevy Spark, Maruti Astar, Hyundai i10 and Santro, Chevy U-VA, Maruti New Estilo (K-Series). It is amazing but true that the space inside all these cars barring UVA is practically the same. A Lot depends on how the front seats are adjusted. I could find absolutely no difference between i10, A-star and Estilo. The UVA was a bit more spacious whereas the spark was slightly congested. Adjust the front seats properly and there is plenty of leg space in the rear. The same goes for i10. The grey interiors makes the Astar feel more congested whereas beige ones in i10 makes it feel more roomy. The only point where the Astar fared badly was the boot space. There is practically no boot space in the A star. All you can manage is just 2 medium size suitcases and/or Bags. Again this depends on how the luggage is adjusted. the stereo system thats bundled along with the Astar is decent and the speakers are good as well. It saves a lot of space in the rear boot as separate speakers need not be installed here. However only 2 front speakers are provided and had 2 rear ones been provided, it would have made a formidable package. There is also a neat glove box. The dashboard is decent as well and the Vxi and LXi doesnt have a tacho though it doesnt really matter. An extended dashboard towards the front windscreen gives the feel of sitting in a really big vehicle.

Overall I feel that people who crticize the Astar are just prejudiced.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Here the Astar beats all others hands down. What a responsive engine though its a 3 cylinder one!!!. the present mileage with 100% AC is around 18 on highways and 15.5 in the city. No complaints there. there is Astar is clearly the leader. Overtaking is a breeze and even in 5th gear the car just salis ahead. People who find complaints in this area may be comparing the car with BMWs and Audis. The gear box was not so smooth initially of course and now has become a lot better. The short gear shift and clutch keeps things simple and uncomplicated.  The AC could have been a little more effective but it cools the cabin within 5 minutes with around 38 degrees outside.

 

Ride Quality & Handling

The handling was excellent and the way the car negotiated curves and turnings is simply uncomparable with other cars. The i10 and Santro tend to bank a little while negotiating sharp curves. The UVA and Spark seem underpowered. The new Estilo is also good but the balancing at high speeds is nothing to write home about. The Astar is safer than most models because of the aerodynamic design. At no point do you feel that you are not in control I have done upto 135km/hr and not a shiver not a shake out of place. The suspension is simply excellent and pot holes and bad roads seem less. The i10 and UVA  also have good suspensions. People who compare the car with Alto must atleast drive it once. Hey there is absolutely no comparison with Alto. Maybe true that it is marketed as Alto in many countries but it has no similarity with the alto.

Overall I feel Astar gives a very powerful ride.

Final Words

I think the car is a very good buy and the best in the segment if you can put up with the unconventional looks. You wont find this ride exprience and comfort in any other car.

Areas of improvement  

Only one : Boot Space.

 

Fuel Economy, Handling, Safety, Space (!!), Looks, Pick Up, Ground Clearence.Boot Space!!!

Today I participated in car mileage rally held in pune. I got overall mileage of 23.5 kmpl, but surprizingly highest mileage that one got was 33.30, and many above 25. I was just amazed to get the results.

Calculation of mileage was based on 1) full tank 2) drive car for 61 km 3) again full tank 4) difference of fuel consumed during both tank full condition. and, after driving 61 km from various parts of the city including heavy traffic areas and many traffic signals.

 

It is very responsive car and with such a huge mileage it's surely gonna rock the country. It's truely is the Star. In times of recession who will not think of mileage. Atleast all A-star owners are concerned and that's why they have wonderful baby to drive..

 

 

 

excellent fuel economy, I got 23.5kmpl without AC, spacious enough for small familyless boot space

it's a very good city car to drive,you can easily get to 30kmph in 1st gear and 60kmph in 2nd which isbest in it's class also you get torque at 20kmph in 3rd gear.it's really fun to drive and need less change of gearing.as being 998cc &3cly. engine it,s power is more than 1100cc engine at the same time it has incredible fuel economy which is 13-14kmph in city & 20-22kmph on highway under full a/c.

music sound is also great.

interiors are very inteligently done as you can acces easily to every switch.As far as colors it's well tought in long run it will not get dirty as some of it's competitors looks as they are new.

best in it's segments are:

ride,handiling,air shockup are great,very good high speed stability,sleek gear shift,best aerodynamic shape,lowest center of gravity,lightest weight of engine,all alluminium engine,lowest polluting engine,best fuel efficiency in india.

rear seats are comfortable with adequate leg room not less than in it's segment as said in net three can sit with ease.

boot space is not great is only point that what you should see in real.

I HAD OWE THIS CAR FOR MORE THAN 2 MONTHS

there is no problem in the car till date and the average i am getting is real and i personal was surprised when i got above 20kmpl now i have driven more than 3000km and i am getting 21-22kmpl easily in full a/c.

good fuel economy,good style,good interiors,good power as it is 998cc engine.*----boot space

Exterior

Very Good Design with Curveture look, Look like next Gen Car

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Interior is good along with the good system provided, but space is concern fro family of 4 or 5

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Very Good Fuel Economy - Getting 17 KMPL with AC while running car on 100-110 KMPH with Very good response of Engine developing good Power, Gear box is not much Smooth required improvement in Gear Box and Power Stearing both doesnt respond smoothly even in ZXi

Ride Quality & Handling

Better Ride comfort 

Final Words

I believe who doesnt have more concern about Boot Space, this car is very good in the available car in the market in same segment. I had shifted from Maruti Swift owned for 4.5 Years and drive 65000 KM yet fill that A-star is having better pick up along with very good fuel economy due to its K Series engine even after it is 1000 CC compare to 1300 CC of Swift.

 

I purchase A star in Oct 09 and till date i drove 6500 KM combine on highway and City. Both the places It perform outstanding visa vis expectation

 

The only concern is Boot Space which is very less in this car. This car suit to a small family of 2+1 or 2+2 not for 4 adult or more.

Just wanted to Share that Maruti Export around 18000 Astar to europe market a Month which will increase to 25000 / Month in 2-3 Months.

Nissan buy A Star and market with Nissan logo and brand in Europe

At last a Good car with Good Performance with Good Fuel Economy with Good Interier with Less Boot Space

Areas of improvement  

Boot Space required lots of improvement also if rear seat Leg space can improve will do the job

 

Pick up, Good Fuel Economy, Interior, Sterio systemLess Spacious, Boot Space

I own A-star vxi since 12/04/2010 and driven about 2500 kms out of which 1200 kms on highway.

 

Exterior

Very nice sporty looks but vxi model should have body colored door handles and ORVMs.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Interior are very descent and attractive and not seen in any car in this class. I have added 2 extra kenwood speakers and CD player has good sound quality and easy to operate controls. sitting spce is good and we were comfortable while travelling with 5 adults. but I think  if anyone with ht more than 6 ft. sits on front seat and pushes back the seat fully, then rear passanger will be cramped. But this happens in any car in this class. Boot space is sufficeint only for luggage of family having 3 members only and is Ok for me.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

998cc K10B engine is very resonsive and pickup is good even with AC on. Gears are easy to shift with gear lever comfortably placed. city mileage aroud 16 kmpl with 50% AC and highway mileage 19 kmpl with 50% AC.

Ride Quality & Handling

I have purchased this car as I liked ride quality and amazing handling. I have driven at 140 kmph on highway and stability at high speed is too good. A-star has best in-class ride quality and handling due to wider track width.

 

Final Words

Those who can sarifice boot space for driving pleasure, must buy this car, A-star is always compared with i10 but i10 with  outdated SOHC 1100 cc iRDE engine costs you more.

 

Areas of improvement  

Boot space.

Looks, best interiors, pickup, fuel economy, handling, stability at high speedless boot space

I have been owning A-star ZXI since last 2 months. Done almost 800 kms. So far my exp. with this car has been fantastic. It is very practical car for city drive and for a family of 4. Before buying the car researched a lot and filtered down two option A-star and i10. Finally chosen A-star because in the prise of 4.5 lac I was getting i10- sports and A-star ZXI with required safety features like Dual Airbags and ABS, which I was really looking for. another thing which was important for me and for most of us would be fuel efficiency which is really good. I have got 17-18 (driven both with AC on and off) in city drive. It must be giving around 20 on highways.

Had read complains about rear seats, but found it good enough so, final option was A-star.

And finally I am happy with the decision I made.

If you are concerned about safety features and fuel economy, and very pepy and responsive car with budget of only 4.5 L, just go for this car.

 

 

Good fuel economy, VFM, practical and responsiveless boot space

i10 will be a better choice if you are looking for more space in a compact car.

A-Star is not to seat 5.

Worth spending 50K more for i10.

A-pillar obstruction is more in A-star.

Cost, Service, Mileage are positives for A-Stat.

i10 scores on all others.

May be engine, controlsless boot space, rear seat cant accomodate 3rd person, overall bad space management