Follow us on TwitterSuzuki Kizashi Sedan Revealed
Suzuki is a brand name world-renowned for it’s excellence in motorcycles, dirtbikes and ATVs. Many people recognize the company as the leader in the area. With all that goodwill, it’s a shame not to try to build on that with the company’s automotive business.
Suzuki has now recognized this and is working to do just that in it’s products as well as advertising. One of the first examples of this is the Suzuki Kizashi mid-size sedan. According to Suzuki, the name Kizashi “tells us something great is coming.”
I think they’re right! For some reason I really have taken to this car. I like the clean, modern and forward-looking design. In addition, Suzuki’s expertise in packaging small cars has resulted in a car with larger interior space then expected for it’s size.
While it’s categorized as a mid-size vehicle, the Kizashi is smaller than the segment’s current norms. It all works together to achieve Suzuki’s performance goals for the car.
The whole aim of the Kizashi is to provide a premium sports sedan feel for a low price. Suzuki said they didn’t want to produce just another soulless appliance. At launch, one engine engine will be available: a 2.4L DOHC inline-four. Curiously, horsepower numbers haven’t been released for the engine – supposedly those will come closer to the car’s launch. Also, a V6 is rumored to be in the works for a future launch.
Suzuki says the “driving experience was validated on Germany’s Autobahn, Switzerland’s Alpine twisties, cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nürburgring”. Some pretty serious testing there!
To that end, the Kizashi has been equipped with high-performance dampers, a multi-link rear suspension with “embedded aluminum” and 4-wheel disc brakes sourced from Akebono, a world-leader in braking systems.
Some of the intended competitors Suzuki has listed include the Acura TSX, VW Passat and Alfa Romeo 159, an undoubtedly ambitious goal to tackle at this price point.
Inside the design is thoroughly in line with the car’s sporting mission and upscale ambitions. Some of the standard features Suzuki offers in here are sports seats and a keyless push-to-start system most commonly seen in high-end makes. Other features like iPod connectivity are standard as well and there is an available option for “streaming audio via Bluetooth”.
From what I can tell now, I think Suzuki has really delivered with the Kizashi inside and out – and they deserve to succeed. If the claims about a truly sporty driving experience are true (which I’d love to be able to verify), I think Suzuki could have a winner on it’s hands with the Kizashi.
Update:
I noticed Suzuki also took some pictures of the interior in a tan color. I think it helps break things up! Check it out:
Honestly, this car is pretty mediocre. There is no “WOW!” factor to it whatsoever. The 2010 Hyundai Sonata, and Kia VG sedan will be far more praiseworthy than this forgettable sedan.
I have to agree with Keith that it’s somewhat bland and forgettable. Granted, the interior looks well appointed and I’m sure the price point will be such that it’s a great value, but it’s a far cry from the concept car that evoked a sort of old school ‘rod meets the 23rd century. In fact, as one Michael Banovsky pointed out, it’s almost identical to a the Jetta.
This feels like Lamborghini came to town with a Reventon, selling the wonders of inspired design and purpose, then released a Dodge Caravan under the name a year later. Know what I mean? (Although the idea of a Lamborghini minivan is brilliant, now that I think about it.)
I see your points guys. But I’m thinking more about the performance aspect. It’s available with a manual transmission and I’ve heard rumors it’s 4-cylinder has 200+ hp standard.
If it really handles like they say and is available for under $20K, isn’t that a compelling proposition?
You make a good point, Tony. Assuming you can get it with 200hp and a proper stick shift, it could turn out to be a solid performer. The interior looks pretty sharp as well, so assuming the car handles confidently and build quality is above bar, it could be a mover/shaker in the industry.
My initial comment was partly from the shock of things. I mean, Google search the Kizashi concept car and you’ll notice it looks nothing like this thing at all! The stark contrast between the two vehicles was like expecting a stunningly designed exterior only to be presented with a generic Jetta.
Who am I to say anything, though. My Galants are often mistaken for a Nissan Maxima of the same vintage. (Maybe therein lies the pet peeve!)
Brian – you talk about how the concept was so much better looking than the production version. I’d have to say this is true in about 90% of cases these days. For instance:
Chrysler Crossfire
Pontiac Solstice
…
actually, THESE days the automakers don’t have the MONEY to make any concept cars. Decidedly short list.
anyway, the Kizashi sounds promising on paper. I mean, 2.4L I4 with 180-200bhp (that’s the current estimate), 6 speed manual, independently sprung suspension, good looks (subjective) and a sub 20k price tag… sounds sorta like what everyone wants these days. I’m interested.
What’s missing is the USP. There’s nothing strikingly individual about it. It just looks like it’d be “nice.” Sorta like the last-generation Mazda6. I rest my case.