Maruti Suzuki launches A-star Automatic at Rs 4.34 lakhs Ex-Delhi

Maruti Suzuki has launched an automatic version of its A-star today. It is priced at Rs 4.34 lakhs Ex-Delhi compared to Rs 4.56 lakhs for the i10 Magna Automatic. The A-star automatic is only available in one trim level – Vxi that comes with all the features of the top of the line ZXi except for airbags, rear defoggers, remote locking, tachometer, parcel shelf, fog lamps and body coloured door handles and ORVMs. However, you still get ABS with EBD as standard.

Maruti has taken the lead over Hyundai in terms of both price and fuel economy. Not only is the i10 less economical (16.67km/l compared to A-star’s 17km/l), it also costs Rs 22,000 over the A-star Auto and comes with fewer features (ABS unavailable on i10 Magna AT). While automatic cars are mostly confined to city use, the smaller and cheaper A-star might just steal sales away from the i10.

Maruti Suzuki to launch A-star Automatic Jul 2010

Suzuki launches Alto automatic in Malaysia Aug 2010

Hit the jump for more information and images.

The Automatic gearbox doing duty in the A-star is an old fashioned 4-speed torque converter automatic that is quite slow but will handle city duties with aplomb. The brilliant K-series 1.0L engine remains unaltered and so are the dynamics. Maruti Suzuki exports automatic A-stars abroad and introducing an auto variant locally makes sense as the demand for automatic gearboxes is slowly rising as traffic snarls hit urban India. What’s more, women, beginners and older folk prefer automatics. With good looks, an even better engine and compact size, the A-star automatic seems to be the perfect city car. Click here for more details on the A-star automatic.

All information from manufacturer websites.