Maruti Suzuki A-Star is an A-Segment car as per the European car standards. The car is produced at the company’s Manesar facility in Haryana. Designed by Rajesh Kumar Gogu and Saurabh Singh of Maruti Suzuki India, A-Star, which is a five-door hatchback; has been engineered keeping in mind the trends and standards of the European market.
A-Star is to be made in 200 variants and will be exported to 150 countries across Europe, Middle east, Latin America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. A-star will be exported under the name of Suzuki Alto and Suzuki Celerio. Nissan also sells A-Star under the name Nissan Pixo in Middle East and African markets. A-Star has replaced the present alto model in other countries. In India, because the Alto (F8) was doing unbelievably well in the Indian market, Maruti Suzuki chose to sell both cars side-by-side in different segments.
The JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Alto is a version that has evolved from the A-Star and the latest development is that Suzuki has just launched a very fuel efficient version of the car christened as the Alto Eco which promises an impressive fuel economy of up to 32Km/l.
The front wheel drive car has a modern 660 cc three cylinder (code name: R06A) motor which pumps out a good 52-horses (reasonably more than our 80cc F8) at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 63Nm at 4,000 rpm. This engine is mated to a CVT gearbox and Start Stop system.
The 2012 Alto Eco will be offered in Japan in two trim levels, “S” and “L” with pricing set at 995,000 Yen (INR 6,68,444) and 895,000 Yen (INR 6,01,235) respectively. Sales will start on December 13 in Japan. However in India, Maruti Suzuki has no plans to enter sub 600 cc segment. The company is readying a brand new M800 to fight the stiff competition from Hyundai’s EON and Tata’s Nano expected to launch in 2012.
Also see – Spied – 2012 Maruti 800 small car
Maruti Suzuki India to unveil 800cc small car
See more pictures of Suzuki Alto Eco 600cc –
Source – CarScoop.Blogspot.com
