Maruti Suzuki A Star VXi - Small cars for big Future

As it has been designed based on European standards the exterior gives contemporary European look. The Vxi's target market involves youth and thus the car's engine is boxed in athletic styled exterior. It is spacious enough looking at the downsizing done to the car but in comparison to the Hyundai i10 the interior appears a bit confined. The car has a comfortable front seating but it does not provide enough leg room for back passengers. Even the windows provided to the back seats are very small. The car might look petite but it is not recommended to short drivers as the elongated height of the dashboard may obstruct your view.

Peeking inside, the car employs an all new KB-Series 998cc engine which is Euro 5-compliant with Co2 emissions and develops 67 Bhp of power with 90 Nm of torque. Apart from this the A- star Vxi combines all the high edge features like Power windows, Power Steering, Remote central locking, Driver & Passenger Airbag, Anti Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), CD Player with 4 Speakers, Dash-Mounted Tachometer, Remote Boot & Remote Fuel Filler, Rear Defogger with Rear Wiper/Washer, Fog Lamps.

Planned on European standards does not mean that the car would fall-back on Indian roads. With a turning radius of 4.5 meters and a ground clearance of 170 mm the car goes easy on jam-packed roads. Not forgetting the bumps and speed breakers A-star Vxi employs a unique all-round gas damped suspension, making rides much more comfortable, and also reducing wear and tear resulting in a low maintenance cost. The car is equipped with Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) which is a technology designed to lower the impact of collision. Thus a high rigidity body combined with lightness Airbags and ABS safety is all taken care of by Vxi.

Overall, A-star cars have been engineered with a sheer focus on quality, comfort and safety. In India it will coexist with Maruti's alto but in other countries A-Star series will reinstate alto

Major Improvements Enhance 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln's small midsize MKZ is entering its second generation of service as the 2010 model is welcomed to Lincoln-Mercury showrooms as early as this Spring. First introduced as the Lincoln Zephyr in 2005, the MKS was renamed the following year to better suit the new naming designation rolling out for all Lincoln models.

Sharing the same platform as the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, this second generation model goes much further to distance itself from its capable, but less luxurious stable mates. A fresh new grill, which shares the same design language of the bigger MKS sedan and upcoming MKT crossover, reveals a look that is unique, bold and highly distinctive.

"The new MKZ improves on the success of the current vehicle with Lincoln's new signature look, appointments that amplify and expand the Lincoln portfolio and a faster, more refined powertrain," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas.

Among the new features for the MKZ is a sport version with special sport suspension tuning, stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, unique grille, darkened headlamps, a decklid MKZ badge with a red "Z" and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.

"We've increased the luxury feel and improved on what was already a great interior," said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. "We have a new interior theme with all-new primary touchpoints, complemented by new features and technologies that make the 2010 Lincoln MKZ stand out in the competitive mid-size segment."

Additions or improvements to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ interior include: Armrest clamshell storage New instrument cluster layout with center speedometer New door trim with 360-degree door handles Redesigned center stack with high-mounted, Next-Generation Navigation system Leather-wrapped steering wheel with real wood insert Available perforated suede seat style Interior schemes include Dark Charcoal or Steel Gray with Swirl Walnut accents, or Light Camel with Olive Ash wood accents

The MKZ is powered by Ford's 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine, which delivers 263 horsepower and 249 pounds-feet of torque. The 3.5-liter uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs.

Paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, 0-60 mph times have dropped from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds. In addition, Ford says that the engine is quieter than the one used previously for the MKZ.

"The customer definitely should notice how quiet the new MKZ is," said Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan. "That's important - especially in the luxury sedan buyers who perceive that quietness equates to quality."

For Lincoln, the MKZ represents one of three new models being released within a one year period. Last summer, the MKS made its debut while this summer the MKT crossover will find its way to Lincoln-Mercury dealerships.

Clearly, Lincoln is making great strides to recapture its share of the luxury market, with the MKZ doing its part to welcome buyers of small, luxury sedans.