Maruti A Star Specifications and Safety Features 2012

A Star uses mainly the used products from various manufactured car models of the company, the practice which the company terms as ‘the end of useful life'. The concept is used across Europe extensively though it is new to India. The car currently carries a price tag of Rs.3,59,838 onwards.

A Star is a hatchback that was designed to replace the Alto in the European markets and as a competition for Hyundai i10. The car was launched in India in 2007 and an automatic version of the same was introduced in August 2011.

Maruti A Star is available in four variants, Lxi, Vxi with manual and AT transmission and the A-star Zxi.

A Star is a truly environment friendly car, designed to meet the end of life vehicle specifications, according to which 85% of the components used in the car are recyclable. The dynamic Penta Drive feature of the car empowers it with five world class features. The car abstains from using fatal materials like mercury, cadmium and lead, using it only in the production of batteries.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, headquartered in New Delhi, is a subsidiary of Suzuki, the automobile and motorcycle manufacturer of Japan. Maruti is one of the most popular brands in India, selling more than a million cars in the country.

Maruti has recently launched a new variant of Maruti A Star, called as A Star Automatic, which incorporates four speed automatic gear.

Maruti A Star features a new K-Series engine, the upgraded version of which produces a top power of 67 bhp @ 6200 rpm. Peak torque of 90 Nm is produced @ 3500 rpm.

The very powerful engines are equipped with 3-cylinders and an MPFi system which can generate a displacement of 998cc. The 12-valve DOHC powertrain is mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a four speed automatic transmission option. Though the automatic gear option is more fuel efficient than the manual variant, one would need to keep an eye on the mileage offered. The engine is BS IV emission compliant while satisfying the Euro 4 and 5 norms too. The low CO2 emission of the car makes it one of the most environment friendly automobiles on the roads. The car contributes to a fuel economy of 14 kmpl on the city roads and 19 kmpl on highways. The CO2 emission of the car is lower than 108 gm/km, which it had estimated earlier, outperforming the required emission of 10 gm/km according to European standards. The car offers a minimum turning radius of 4.5 metres.

The first thing that one would notice about the Maruti A Star is its aerodynamic eye-catching European style hatchback design, reflecting the contemporary European tastes. The exterior of the car is crafted to precision and body painted. The front portion of the A Star features frog-eye shaped extended headlamps, a wide open shaped grille slot, combined with a fog lamp, shaped like a small leaf. The bonnet is compact and designed with the likeness of a wide swept nose. Wide wheel arch, small turning lights, front windscreen fitted with intermittent wiper and washers, the A Star is pleasing on the eye.

A Star features a neatly designed dashboard, mounted on the urethane power steering wheel with clear instrumentation, contributing to better control. The crimson illuminated meter console along with a pop-up tachometer in the ZXi version allows better visibility. The car comfortably accommodates four adults, with enough space for a fifth person too and allows good leg, head, hip and shoulder space, especially in the front seat. The MacPherson Strut and Coil spring suspension system allows efficient handling and good performance on bumps. The adjustable driver seats ensure the comfort levels for the driver while the seats of the car are given an appealing finish with premium fabric. The Other comfort features of the car include standard climate control AC and vents at both ends, centrally placed twin ducts, an integrated audio system with four speakers, parking light, cigarette lighter, sun visor with ticket holder, two cup holders in each seat row, ashtray, accessory socket, vanity mirrors and rear luggage shelf in the premium version of the car. The car also has comforts like boot lid opener, fuel lid opener, front and rear electronic power windows, inside manual outside mirrors and others.

A Star is built with a crushable structure energy dispersing frame and a highly rigid body, which is also light weight. The body absorbs impact energy and disperses it away from the occupants in case of a collision. The dash board mounted with speed sensitive three spoke urethane power steering wheel allows good control. A Star has other safety features including immobilizer, child proof door locks, front ventilated disc brakes, front seat belt force limiters, seat belts, door ajar warning light, Key off reminder, remote control door locks, central door locks apart from driver airbags Electronic Brake Distribution and an Anti lock braking system.