Budget normally equals boring. Cheap is stripped-down bare essentials. Suzuki has been doing this for years, giving us reliable, efficient and practical like no one else. Most entry-level cars have been boring as hell. Now, here’s something extra. Some extra attitude, desirability and some fun bundled in.

The A-star in the AutoCar garage, as a result, has been getting huge amounts of respect. It’s not the ideal family car or the one to drive if you need to seat four for long runs. For one, it’s just the right size for city traffic and parking. Visibility out of the rear of the car is easy and the car gives out the right amount of attitude and spunk. Of course, there are downers – the seat is little low, the pop-up tacho is hidden behind the wheel most of the time and legroom at the rear is tight.

The thrummy three-cylinder motor may not be the most powerful in the world but the car is a hoot to drive in city traffic. The motor is pretty responsive after 2000 rpm, the steering quick and light and the brakes are well weighted too. Also the wide track, almost-zero overhang, stiff chassis and Swift suspension components mean this car just loves changing direction.

What Maruti has engineered well is the car’s cold start idle. Three-cylinder engines often flutter and die if loaded when cold, but this car starts up and idles at 2500rpm for a couple of seconds, then engine speed is progressively stepped down till the motor is warm. So this allows you to start and move off without having to pump the accelerator or the risk of stalling…

Fuel economy has also been impressive at 12.17kpl in city. So overall the A-star is a car the AutoCar (March ’09) team really enjoys driving…watch the space for more next time.