Suzuki Kizashi Pricing Announced

Suzuki is a brand that has a history in motorsports - dirtbikes, ATVs, motorcycles - you name it and Suzuki makes it. Not only that, they rank quite highly in doing so.

Ask about their automobiles on other hand and you'll get a different answer, as Suzuki has found it difficult translating that excitement to its automotive division.

That is something they are looking to change with a product offensive here in the United States. That plan begins with the Kizashi - its name translated from Japanese means "something great is coming."

Today Suzuki has announced pricing for the trim levels of the entire lineup. There are four: Kizashi S, SE, GTS and the most upscale model,  SLS.

As rumored, the base Kizashi S comes in at only $18,999. The base Kizashi promises to offer a good value for your money as well in the feature set, with standard power windows, doors and mirrors, nine-speaker stereo, eight airbags, and the requisite safety systems. Standard push button start and projector beam headlamps too - in a $19K sedan?

The main things to get excited about for those looking for a sporty sedan are the car's driving characteristics, available six-speed manual and 180 horsepower 4-cylinder.

The next model is SE, and it ranges in price from $21,499 to $22,749. SE adds 17-inch alloy rims, a power driver's seat, leather steering wheel and cruise control. The main change on the SE versus the S is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of a traditional automatic.

The sportiest Kizashi is the GTS, available with either a six-speed manual or a performance-tuned CVT with paddle shifters. It ranges in price from $22,499 to $24,849. The GTS adds 18-inch wheels, power moonroof, ten speaker 425-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, Bluetooth audio capability, hands free calling and voice command.

Starting to get the idea? These cars are feature-packed! Last but not least is the uplevel SLS that ranges from $24,399 to $26,749. It adds heated leather seats, a universal garage door opener, auto head lamps, proximity sensors and rain sensing wipers.

No word yet on pricing for the Kizashi's AWD system. One thing is clear though: this car is just begging for a high-performance variant. Suzuki probably has one in the works, along with the V6 variant. A turbocharged or supercharged 4-cylinder would be fine with me though!