ಮಾರುತಿ ಎ-ಸ್ಟಾರ್‌ ವಿಎಕ್ಸೈ Airbag

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is the largest passenger car manufacturer in India and it has produced a wide range of automobiles for the Indian car bazaar. Among these, Maruti A Star is one of the popular hatchback in its portfolio, which is available in a few variants. The company has equipped this particular trim with a 1.0-litre, K Series petrol power plant. This hatch is a perfect combination of performance, fuel efficiency, comfort and style. The car maker placed this particular hatch in the entry level segment where it is competing with the likes of Chevrolet Spark and others. One of the highlights of this particular hatch is its TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) safety feature that allows the vehicle to absorb all the energy caused in case of collision or an accident. This hatchback series is available in numerous trim levels out of which, Maruti A Star Vxi is the mid level variant. Although, this hatch falls in the entry level segment, it is being offered with a decent set of safety functions. Also, the company has equipped this four wheeler with attractive exterior features that makes it look stylish.

Exteriors :

Maruti A Star is the low cost hatchback with a trendy body design and contemporary looks. This hatch looks very simple from the front, rear and the sides. To start with, its frontage comes with a large air dam that contributes for better air intake. The company insignia has been fitted just above this radiator grille that enhances the appeal for brand Suzuki. The headlight cluster is large and curvy with a swept-back design, which is incorporated with powerful halogen lamps and turn indicator. Below this, there is a body colored bumper that has a plain design and completes the overall look of frontage. The side profile of this mid range variant is blessed with a set of standard features including black colored door handles, ORVMs and window sills. Here, the wheel arches have been fitted with a set of standard 13 inch steel wheels equipped with full wheel covers. When it comes to rear, this hatch has a smiley design that captivates the individuals in the first instinct. The company is selling this particular model in overall seven attractive color shades such as Bright Red, Glistening Grey, Caffeine Brown, Silky Silver, Arctic White, Midnight Black and Paradise Blue.

Interiors :

When it comes to the interior section, this Maruti A Star Vxi variant has a decent cabin equipped with number of useful features. Despite being a low cost vehicle, this trim is blessed with a standard set of features that provides good comfort and conveniences to all the passengers. It has a dual tone cabin with black and beige color where the dashboard has black color, while the rest of the interiors comes in a beige color scheme. The seats are very comfortable, wide, well cushioned and are covered with good quality fabric upholstery. The dashboard looks very stylish and it is equipped with many features and equipments including a stylish instrument cluster with crimson back lit illumination. Functions such as digital clock, speedometer , key-off reminder, door ajar warning lights and others functions have been incorporated to the instrument cluster, which will add to the convenience of driver. This particular variant also comes with noticeable features including floor carpets, sun visor, cup holders, front seat head rests, map pockets and so on.

Engine and Performance:

The company has equipped the mid range Maruti A Star Vxi trim with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, K-Series petrol engine that produces 998cc displacement capacity . The company integrated this particular engine with a multi-point fuel injection system, which will enable it to deliver a decent performance. The maximum power produced by this engine is about 66.1bhp at 6200rpm and yields a peak torque of 90Nm at 3500rpm . The manufacturer has mated this K-Series petrol mill with an advanced 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that sends the engine torque to the front wheels and returns a good mileage of about 19.0 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has bestowed this low cost hatch model with a high quality braking mechanism. The front wheels are integrated with ventilated disc brakes, while assembling the rear wheels with drum brakes . The company is providing an option to incorporate the most sophisticated ABS system, which will furhter augment the braking mechanism. The front axle of this hatch is assembled with McPherson Strut type of suspension system, whereas its rear axle is coupled with isolated trailing link type of mechanism. This suspension system is further loaded with coil springs for enhanced stability.

Comfort Features:

The Maruti A Star Vxi is the mid range variant in its model series, but still it is being offered with many useful comfort features. This variant has an integrated audio system with AUX input along with 2-speakers that offers good entertainment to the passengers. Also there is a manual air conditioning system that keeps the cabin cool. The front seats have integrated headrest and are covered with beige fabric upholstery. Then it has floor carpets, cup holders, bottle holders, sun visor with ticket holder , assist grip, 3-position cabin lights and various other useful features. Apart from these, there is a power steering system, remote fuel lid opener, manually adjustable outside mirror, roof center antenna, remote tailgate opener and much more.

Safety Features:

This mid range variant in the model series comes with a set of standard safety and protective features. Its TECT (total effective control technology) is the most impressive safety feature. This system will enable the vehicle to absorb the energy caused during collisions and provides better safety to the passengers inside. The list of other safety aspects includes an advanced engine immobilizer system, child-proof rear door locks, headlight leveling, front wiper and washer with an intermittent setting and a high mounted stop lamp. All these aspects put together makes this affordable hatchback, one of the strong contender in this lucrative hatchback segment.

Pros : Attractive price range, standard safety features.

Cons : Fuel economy can be better, cabin space is quite less.