The Concept A-Star previews a new 109g/km C02 model from Suzuki that is based on the Suzuki Splash/Opel Agila launched last year. Significantly, it will form a key part of their commitment to lower C02 emissions and will be built by Maruti Suzuki in India. For the Concept A-Star, designers from Maruti Suzuki joined with the Japanese design team to bring a unique Indian aesthetic to this project.

Perhaps most obvious is the use of a bright magenta accent that's used throughout the design, including the cheater panel housing the rear view cameras, inserts in the wheels and the upper eyebrow area of the headlamps. Up close, this eyebrow comprises an arabesque pattern that becomes back-illuminated at night by LEDs. The rear features two boomerang-shaped rear lamps with the magenta-colored DI lamps hidden behind the tailgate glass, a trend we first spotted last year on the VW Up! and Seat Tribu. Other features include the sharp crease on the rear fender that curls down onto the bumper and the Suzuki diamond-shaped logo which pushes up into the tailgate glass.

The Concept A-Star is particularly notable for its interesting bodyside section, despite the inevitable width restrictions of an A-Segment car. A small overhanging shoulder below the windows dives into a softly-sculptured surface with a deep lightcatcher low down near the rocker panel that flicks up into the wheelarch and successfully breaks up the depth of the bodyside. We also noted the two sharply recessed slots for door handles that puncture the surface, a theme repeated for the exhaust outlets at the rear.

The interior is finished in black and light beige suede. Most interestingly, the IP is completely split into a pair of upper and lower wings, with a magenta-illuminated cavity between them and a high-mounted gearshift lever.

Article key :  Suzuki Concept A-Star, Suzuki A-Star, Suzuki motorcycles, Suzuki, Suzuki cars, 2008, 2009