The model of Maruti A-Star, the much-awaited latest small car model which was showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year, will be launched in India on November 19. The model, expectedly priced at Rs 3.85 lakh, also marks the launch of the new KB series engines in India.

It will be the first car that will be produced exclusively in India, and the engine production commenced in October this year. A-Star shares its platform with Maruti Alto in India, as it has a similar 2360 mm wheelbase.

The new Maruti A-Star will have a 3-cylinder 12 valve MPFI unit that generates 67PS of peak power at 6200 rpm and 90Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. Its dimensions are quite similar to its rival Hyundai i10.

The car - a fuel-efficient hatchback model, powered by an eco-friendly engine that complies with Euro IV and Euro V emission norms, and designed for the global markets - will also help Suzuki to re-enter the European markets.

Maruti's A-Star is the fifth global strategic model from Maruti Suzuki. To be manufactured simultaneously in several countries, it will be sold under the name of Alto in Europe, and Celerio in other countries.

Maruti also plans to develop a completely new model by 2011 that will be designed and developed entirely in India by the Indian engineering team.