The face-lifted version of the popular A-star is going to make its debut in India at early 2014. This premium hatchback is designed by the leading automobile manufacturer of India i.e. Maruti Suzuki. This brand is famous for its reliability, deserving competent, great performer in India. The already existed Maruti Suzuki A-star has won several titles in India which includes ‘Most fuel efficient car’, ‘2nd most eco-friendly car’, ‘car of the year’ etc, but somehow it disappointed the company in terms of sale in India, probably its reason is existence of other competitors in car market. Hence, it is now ready with renovation to make a boom in India. It is rumored that this new A-star will be called by the new name i.e. A-Star Eco.
Price:
This new and improved hatchback is expected to be priced between 3.85 lakhs to 4.75 lakhs which is quite affordable by almost every car lover.
Engine details:
It is expected that this face-lifted version is powered with the same 998cc, K-series petrol engine which is mated with two transmission options; 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox. This engine offers five variants namely LXI, VXI, ZXI, ZXI (opt), VXI AT. This petrol engine produces the max power of 67.7bhp@ 6200rpm and peak torque of 90Nm@ 3500rpm. But company may also fit the 800cc turbo-diesel engine and also chances to introduce the 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox with this upcoming renovation.
As its predecessor is already an eco-friendly car, this updated version is going to be highly eco-friendly and may provide an outstanding mileage of 33 km/l (as reported till now). Currently the A-star is giving the impressive mileage of 19 km/l (ARAI certified), 12.45 km/l in city and 17.8 km/l on highways.
Space:
It is expected to be slightly longer than the outgoing model which has the dimension of 3500mm*1600mm*1490mm with the clear height of 170mm. It is also rumored that Maruti is going to reduce the weight of A-Star’s face-lifted version up to 20 kg to meet the new mileage figures. The existing A-star has the kerb weight of 860 kg at present. It has the minimum turning radius of 4.5 m.
It is a 5-seater hatchback which comes with 45 liters of fuel tank capacity.
Interior & Exterior:
The face-lifted version is also expected to be designed with the entire features which are available in its previous version like air conditioner, integrated audio system, aux input, 2/4 speakers (depends upon variants), roof center antenna, remote controlled door locks (present only in ZXI and ZXI opt), central door locks (missing in LXI variant), remote tailgate as well as fuel lid opener, power windows (missing in LXI variant), manual adjustable outside mirrors, power steering, premium beige seat fabric, 50:50 split rear seats, headrests, 3-spoke steering wheel, door-ajar warning-light, socket for accessory, climate control (dial type), key off reminder, digital clock, vanity mirrors (only in ZXI and ZXI opt), cabin lights, cup and bottle holders and many more.
Overall, the A-star already comes with a bulk of impressive and modified features to attract consumers and now it is also expected that this updated version will come with slight changes in interior too like dual tone beige and black upholstery.
As far as the exterior of this renovated version concerned, then this car has become trendier with this renovation. The exact description about the changes done in exterior is still unrevealed but we are expecting it to launch with modified features at outside too.
Road handling & Safety:
The new list of safety features which would be equipped in this new version is not disclosed yet. But it is expecting to have the all features as its predecessors like immobilizer, child proof rear door locks, high mount stop lamp, head light leveling, ABS with EBD (only in VXI AT and ZXI opt), dual airbags (only in ZXI opt).
Talking about road handling, it can be said that it is the one of best premium small cars which provides a balanced and comfortable rides even on city roads. It is highly fuel efficient which gives better drivability in comparison to other hatchbacks in its segment. It is well equipped with ventilated disc brakes at front while drums brakes at rear which helps in proper handling at roads even on driving in challenging conditions. It covers 0-100 km/h in just 17.22 seconds with the top speed of 166 km/h.
Verdict:
The A-star is one of the pocket friendly cars which could be afforded by any person. With this affordable price, it also gives you every required and premium feature which one expects. As this premium small hatchback is coming after renovation so it would definitely provide sales increment to company and also could be a tough competitor for the cars in its segment. Till then, we only have to wait for its launch to get more and exact updates.
