Follow us on TwitterV6 Coming for the Suzuki Kizashi
Suzuki first revealed the Kizashi mid-size sedan at the end of July this year. Spyshots came out quite a bit earlier than that, and some speculation swirled that the car could possibly have been cancelled after a delay in introduction. Thankfully that proved not to be the case!
Suzuki recently held a media event for the Kizashi, and the reviews from the press are starting to trickle in. Unsurprisingly, they are quite good. From the first time the car was revealed, I was impressed with what it had to offer.
The Kizashi’s styling doesn’t break any new ground (it looks a like the Jetta in the front) but it is good looking, and most importantly seems to offer a good performance value. The specifications list on the standard car is excellent: 2.4L I-4 making around 180-200 horsepower (estimated), 6 speed manual and a pricetag below $20K.
Suzuki is positioning it as a bargain alternative to cars like the Audi A4 and Acura TSX. A V-6 model is in the works now, although the introduction date is unknown. The journalists attending the event got to drive the basically completed V6 mule, which utilizes GM’s 3.6 liter V-6. It definitely isn’t just speculation, Suzuki is putting the finishing touches on it now. I can’t wait to see a full-blown performance variant – Suzuki has got to make one.
a few things
the official specs on the Kizashi’s 2.4L 16v motor are 185bhp and 170lb-ft of torque, with a 6750rpm fuel cut. The CVT-equipped model only makes 180bhp, but is available with all-wheel-drive.
also, I’m not sure about a V6. It’s going to bump the cost up to where this car will make less sense, and one thing all the reviews have marvelled at is how well-balanced and nimble the Kizashi is. I doubt GM’s V6 is going to do anything positive for the Kizashi’s steering response; and you know they’d never offer it with a manual transmission in the first place. It’d end up being like the Saturn Aura 3.6 – a really nice engine that really ruins the car it’s in.
I feel like for 21 grand with this punchy four-cylinder and “just right” sizing (seems to be somewhere between a Jetta and a Passat), they can sell a lot of these. With a thirsty V6 and probably costing closer to 30, I think people are going to look at the Suzuki badge and decide they’d rather have a Passat. Or Accord. Or Mazda6. But put this against some other stuff closer to 20, and it’s way more appealing.
Anyway, I think it’s remarkable in and of itself that Suzuki has created a car that we even care about enough to discuss.