Maruti Suzuki A-Star vs Hyundai i10 : Comparison

How much for how less has always been the most cherished mantra amongst Indian car buyers, and in the country’s bubbling entry level hatchback space, few cars can match up to the style, drive quality and segment re-defining technology standards set by the Hyundai i10 and the Maruti-Suzuki A-Star.

When it comes to looks, the pint sized MSIL hatch is most certainly gorgeous in flesh and its design philosophy is reminiscent of an urban setting, giving the car a suitable appeal when taking its place on our city roads. However, having just returned from its heavy duty beauty treatment, the new Hyundai i10 is wonderful in many aspects of its exterior appeal, starting with the re-designed headlamps that goes very well with the cars overall hexagonal design theme. 

But the serious competition begins under the hood, where on one hand we have the A-Star’s tried and tested 998 cc K10 engine that produces 67 PS of Power and 90 Nm of Torque. In the new Hyundai i10 however, we now have a 1197cc petrol engine that gets variable valve timing technology that hasn't really bumped up power or torque figures but is still impressive at 80PS and 112Nm, where the power peaks at a higher 6000rpm. 

Fuel efficiency on the A-Star was great to begin with. Returning about 12.45 km/ltr in the city and an impressive 17.8 on the highway. Straight-line performance isn’t too bad on the A-star either taking the car from 0-60 km/hr in 7.44 seconds and a 0-100 km/hr in 17.22 seconds. Top speed is estimated to be around 166 kph. But the ARAI certified 20.36 km/ltr figure on the new Hyundai i10 is outstanding, something we feel can be well-achieved if driving is adhered to based on what the gear shift indicator suggests.

Where interior/exterior gadgetry and safety elements are concerned, the new i10 surely takes the cake in the former, offering its driver some first in class features like gear shift indicators for better fuel efficiency and turn indicators on its winged mirrors, apart from all possible connectivity options like AUX inputs, USB slots and Bluetooth technology. But safety features like ABS with EBD and dual airbags, rarely found in the cars belonging to this category are optional with the A-Star model, which makes it a safer car in real world conditions.

And finally, the most important of all, the price that needs to be spot on to garner any attention to begin with where this segment is concerned. Coming in with a fresh look and a new engine under its hood the new Hyundai New Next Gen i10 is priced competitively between Rs. 3.48 lakhs and Rs. 5.91 lakhs (ex-showroom New Delhi). The K series petrol engine powered Maruti Suzuki A-Star on the other hand remains in the price range of 3.60 to 4.38 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

Verdict:

The upgraded/ facelifted version of the new Hyundai i10 surely makes it more valuable proposition for city commuting purposes. It also excels in its comfortable ride quality and refinement, and is now the definitive urban hatch for the small family. The A-Star has great driving dynamics at the cost of some comfort, and that makes it one of the best cars this side of Rs 4 lakh to have fun in. If good after market service and resale are your top priorities the A-Star surely is something you need to look at, but in most other departments, the Hyundai i10  takes the cake.

Check out our First Drive Report on the new Hyundai i10>>