The A-star rolling out in October

Time for some garma-garam news. India's leading car company, Maruti Suzuki has just confirmed that it is set to launch the A-star in India right on scheduled – that's October '08. The Jap auto giant will start exports by January next year. The firm also announced that car will be priced between Rs 3-4 lakh.

The A-star will introduce Suzuki's revolutionary next-gen 'K-series' engine in India. The new star-car , if I may say so, is targeted to fight back Hyundai's i-10 assault as the i-10 has not only dented the Waron-R and the sad Zen Estilo, but the Kappa engine has kicked Swift sales below the belt.

Meanwhile, the parent of the Indian company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, has asked its subsidiary to boost its research and development (R&D) for small car engines, according to news reports.

Pics: Team-bhp.com

A-star is born!

Come September and Maruti will spice up the hatchback segment with it's much awaited A-star. The A-star better known as new-age Alto in European countries, will be unveiled at the upcoming Paris auto show this October. In India the Maruti Suzuki A-star will have to live along with the Alto and Wagon-R.

The Maruti Suzuki A-star concept was showcased earlier this year in India at the Auto Expo, though the production car will not be as futuristic in designed as the concept car. With a low slung front grill like the Audi accompanied by high bonnet line and the vertically stacked headlights make the car distinct yet its not over the top. The tall-boy design assures roomy interior and legroom.

The A-star will sport a 1 liter K-series engine which can produce 65 BHP and we can expect better fuel economy. This family car will be price around Rs 4 lakh... Beware Hyundai i10!