Maruti-Suzuki A-Star - A preview

A Star is Maruti’s first contribution in R&D in the Maruti-Suzuki partnership. This car has been completely developed by Maruti’s R&D division (yes don’t be astonished, there is one!) Maruti’s version of the small car for the world, the A Star will be sold in Europe under the Nissan badge, and Maruti India will be exporting units. The A Star will be a replacement for the Alto in foreign markets, but both cars will co-exist in India.

Design:
This is a perfect example of what Indian designers are capable of. The car is simply fabulous with European looks and a tinge of Indian styling with the essence of
futuristic looks. The car also looks like the perfect affordable family car. The angry, winged dual tone headlamps in conjunction with the Audi-ish grill is nothing like we have ever seen before. The sleek tail-lamps that flow along with the rear windscreen just add to the overall futuristic look. If the body-integrated exhausts make it into production, the car will officially be a drool machine.

Engine & Gearbox:
The car will be available with a 1000cc petrol, Suzuki style and will be Euro V  Compliant (2012) We can expect the fuel efficiency to remain as much as the current Alto, an increase in power and top speed figures can be expected.
The gearbox would be a regular 5 speed, which is redesigned specifically for this car.

Ride & Handling:
The car is expected to have stiff ride, but should be able to neutralize reasonable sized bumps without any issues - more or less like the Swift.

Price & competition:
The car is expected to be priced just above the Alto. Also check out the Chevy Spark which looks like its closest competitor.

Our Take:
Maruti is making a big comeback and the A-star is a major tool in this.

Maruti Suzuki Splash - A Preview

Maruti Suzuki’s next car for India is going to be the Splash, which is a tall-boy car that seems to be the perfect family car. If you liked the Swift, this car is the Swift and more. Since the car is based on the Swift’s platform and follows similar design strategy it’s bound to be an instant hit just like the Swift. The car will be more spacious that the Swift which is a boon to people who are feeling a lack of space in the Swift. The car replaces the Wagon R in other markets but in India it will co-exist along with the Wagon R.

Design:
Suzuki’s design strategy spells muscularity and boldness which Indians seam to adore. The Swiftish headlamps with softened edges seam to give it a less sporty feel which might appeal to a few. The Splash sports a big front grill with a bold line through it - starting to become synonymous with Suzuki. It’s a very tall car, but what seems to be giving it a sober look is the massive and wide wheel arches. The rear of the car looks a bit deformed, but not ugly - we could get used to the styling over time.

Engine & Gearbox:
The car is expected to have 2 petrol and 1 diesel options. The 1.0L doing rounds on the present wagon R giving 65bhp, a new 1.2L and the present 1.3L DDIS from the Swift giving an output of 75bhp.
The 1.1L might be a little small for of car of this size but, that will just be on the base model.

Ride & Handling:
It’s a family car, so even though it’s based on the Swift’s platform we could expect softer suspensions that could take on bumps a little better that the Swift. The seating position is expected to be slightly less sportier that the Swift as this is meant to be a family car.

Price & competition:
The car will be priced just above the wagon R but will surely be under the 3lakhs tag. They aint any direct contenders to the splash yet but the Hyundai Santro and the Chevy uv-a are worth a look.

Our Take:
Go for the splash if you are interested in a good family hatch with fresh looks.