Maruti Suzuki A-Star is launched in India. Â This car would be manufactured only in India and exported to the rest of the world. A-Start is a 5 door hatchback priced between 3.47 lakh and 4.12 lakh. Powered by a 998 cc engine, A-star is available in petrol only version for Indian market. A-Star would be ready in 4 years time.
Maruti plans to sell 50000 (per year) of these in India and around 1 lakh in the international market. With this new launch you might think that they will stop the production of Maruti 800. It is their flagship product and has changed the way Indian middle class travels since its launch in 1983. Also, it does not meet the new emission standards which will be in effect from 2010. Instead of discontinuing 800, Maruti chose to make modifications to meet the new standards.
A-Star will be competing with i10 and Chevrolet Spark. This is a tough space to fight for with i10 already making waves. Given the Maruti brand value, resale and the service A-Star can eat into i10’s pie. Consumer’s have one more choice until, Tata Nano comes in, which again is a different story. Maruti is also working on a indigenous car which will be wholly designed and developed in India. This will be launched in 4 years time.
A-star sure has good looks.