Maruti A-Star gets minor upgrades

Maruti A-Star finally got a much needed  update in this new year. Though the changes are  minimal, they are  worth having a look. Maruti has added new beige tone to interiors. The lower half of the dashboard and seats are now looking new. New A-Star’s rear bunch is now replaced with 50:50 split seats. This will increase the usability of the car. The front head rests are also redesigned in the new A-Star.

A  new  variant (ZXi) has been added and  it  will run on a set of factory fitted alloy wheels. New A-Star will also get a rear spoiler which enhances the sporty look. The top end variant will get air bags and ABS as optional features. The new Maruti A-Star will be available in two more shades – Pearl Metallic Brown and Glistening Grey. Company is currently offering five shades, Bright Red, Pearl Arctic White, Paradise Blue, Silky Silver and Midnight Black.

“The smart modifications in the spiced-up A-star are in line with customer feedback and seek to enhance the overall look, feel and comfort of the buyers,” said  Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager (Marketing) – Maruti Suzuki India (MSI).

The ex show room (New Delhi) prices of new Maruti A-Star are

LXi       – Rs. 366,618

VXi       – Rs.397,268

VXi AT  – Rs. 447,175

ZXi       -  Rs.422,250

ZXi       -  Rs.440,503 (With Air Bags and ABS)

Maruti A-Star was debuted in India in 2009. In the initial phase, A-Star fared moderately well but later sales took a nose dive. But Maruti Suzuki had decent demand in European markets where A-Star is sold with Suzuki Alto label. Also Maruti Suzuki supplies  A-Star to Nissan for overseas market. The latter sells A-Star as Nissan Pixo there.

Back in home, Maruti A-Star failed to impress prospective family car buyers. The major reasons could be lack of luggage space and cramped rear row seats. But A-Star Automatic variant gained popularity among city dwellers as there are  not much options available in the segment. Let us see how the A-Star is going to perform in our market.