Maruti launches limited edition A-Star Aktiv

To keep the buzz around the festive season alive and to push sales of one of its slowest-selling models, the A-Star, Maruti has launched a limited edition version called the Aktiv. The Maruti A-Star Aktiv comes only on the VXI and VXI AT (automatic) variants. It is priced at Rs. 14,990 over the cost of the regular A-Star VXI and VXI AT variants.

That would put the price of the A-Star Aktiv VXI at Rs. 4.23 lakh and Rs. 4.73 lakh for the Maruti A-Star Aktiv VXI AT ex-showroom Delhi. Also read: Automatic hatchback comparison: Honda Brio vs Hyundai i10 vs Maruti A-Star

What’s new?

So what’s new with this limited edition A-Star?

Maruti has tried to give the car a sporty and youthful appeal with 14 feature and cosmetic changes. On the exteriors the car comes with blacked out door pillars, bright red fog lamp insert covers, red outside rear view mirrors, bonnet, roof and body graphics reminiscent of the Fiat Abarth style of sporty body graphics, a red spoiler, bumper and Aktiv logo. This edition is available only in white and red colour combination.

The styling changes carry over to the interiors too, with the car getting customized seat covers, steering wheel cover, matching floor mats, a parcel tray, sill guards and a keyless entry security system.

There have been no tweaks to performance or any other kit such as alloys or skirts. The car continues to be powered by the 1-litre K-Series three-cylinder petrol engine putting out 67 bhp of power and 90 Nm of torque with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission (VXI-AT) driving it. It has a claimed fuel efficiency of 19 kmpl for the manual variant and 17 kmpl for the automatic. Also read: Maruti A-Star facelift launch likely in 2013

Is it worth buying?

The A-Star is still one of the cheapest automatic transmission cars available in India today. It is a good city runabout and comfortable for two, but it lacks rear-seat comfort and has very little luggage space.

Is this limited edition worth buying? Not really, because the changes are mainly cosmetic. For the Rs. 15,000 that Maruti is charging one can get better customization done to the car at any good car accessories shop. Still it’s worth checking out if you want that unique look, and since the A-Star is selling at an average of just about 560 units a month, it is also quite exclusive.

Share your thoughts on the Maruti A-Star Aktiv.