Simply the best !!!

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!!!