A new star has been born in the household of Maruti Suzuki. Codenamed YC5 and to be known as the A-Star in India, this all-new mini car is the new Alto for the global market and will compete with the likes of Hyundai i10 and the Chevrolet Spark.

To sell alongside the Alto, which it will replace in 2011, the A-Star doesn't by any means look as flashy and dramatic as the A-Star concept car. The design is rather toned down but still remains modern. The flame headlamps, high bonnet and the large grille that flows into the bumper, are in keeping with the latest automotive design trend. The rear of the A-Star is quite ordinary looking and can be mistaken for any other mini car.

The interior of the A-Star on the other hand, is quite satisfactory in terms of storage space, and the quality of the material used is also far above that of the Maruti Suzuki's other budget cars like the Alto, Wagon-R or for that matter, the Zen. The steering wheel and certain switches have been lifted from its elder brother, the Swift, in favour of reducing the car's overall cost.

The A-Star will be the first car in India to carry Suzuki's new K-Series engine, replacing the old workhorse F-Series engine. In the 1.0-litre guise the 3-cylinder petrol engine will offer a modest output of 60bhp, but bestow the A-Star with more fuel-efficiency than the Alto and even the 800!

The Maruti Suzuki A-Star is said to be the most important model to be launched by Maruti since the Alto. Being designed and made to meet the latest global standards, the A-Star will meet future safety and emission standards. Likely to be priced between Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs, the A-Star is slated to hit the market by this Diwali!