New York 2010: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport lands on show floor

"You'll turn blue in the face if you're holding your breath waiting for a V6 Kizashi." That was the word from a Suzuki spokesman at last night's insider preview of the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport. It makes sense since Suzuki and General Motors have parted ways and that V6 was expected to come from GM. While we had been hoping a V6 would be part of the package, we are taking this quote to mean there won't be anything other than a four-cylinder in the engine bay for a good long time. And we do mean anything. Automotive News is also reporting that Suzuki has also dropped plans for the hybrid version of the mid-size media darling.

What we're left with isn't exactly chopped liver though. We've waxed poetically about the Kizashi and its near perfect blend of styling, performance and value, and the Sport looks to add just that little extra bit of styling and performance to make it even more appealing. We still have to wait to pass judgment on whether they keep the value part of the equation as prices won't be announced until closer to the vehicle's July on-sale date.

[Source: American Suzuki Motor Corp.]

SUZUKI DEBUTS 2011 KIZASHI SPORT AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

* Suzuki enhances Kizashi lineup with world introduction of 'Sport' version.
* 2011 Kizashi Sport adds even more flash and class to content-packed Suzuki sport sedan.
* Competition in sporty hatch segment heats up with 2010 SX4 SportBack.
* Suzuki's New York International Auto Show exhibit (First Floor 311).


NEW YORK (March 30, 2010) - American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) arrives in Manhattan - a city known for and populated by its many imports - for the global introduction of its 2011 Kizashi Sport at this year's New York International Auto Show. Offered exclusively on Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels, Suzuki's new 'Sport' variant of its sleek and sophisticated sport sedan is scheduled to go on sale in the United States this August. Pricing for the all-new 2011 Kizashi Sport will be announced closer to the vehicle's arrival in dealer showrooms.

"We've been thrilled with an enthusiastic reaction to the 2010 Kizashi, and we look forward to offering sport sedan buyers the newest iteration of our stylish sport sedan later this year," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "The Kizashi Sport provides us with an opportunity to build on the sport sedan's short-term accomplishments and further engage driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable alternative to luxury performance vehicles."

Based on the recently introduced 2010 Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee"), already acclaimed for its near-luxury content and Euro-tuned platform, the 2011 Kizashi Sport moves the excitement meter upward with a host of external mods. These include a more muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille, body side sill extensions, lower body side molding with chrome accents, a trunk mounted spoiler, custom light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride height for a combination of better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity for enhanced grip and sharper handling.

Inside, the new Kizashi gets a distinctive designed sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip and contrasting stitching on the leather seats, shifter boot and emergency brake boot (when equipped with black leather interior). Interior upgrades speak to the Kizashi's sporting intent, with form-fitting sport seats and driver-centric cockpit.
2010 Kizashi

The 2010 Kizashi is available in four trim levels, ranging from the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S priced between $18,999 for FWD and $21,899 for AWD, to the luxuriously appointed SLS model ranging from $24,499 for FWD M/T to $26,899 for AWD Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Prices do not include the $735 destination and handling charge.
2010 SX4 SportBack

In addition, Suzuki will showcase America's most affordable "Hot Hatch", the all-new 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack. Sharing its base configuration with the all-wheel-drive SX4 Crossover, the SX4 SportBack offers an all-new 2.0-liter engine delivering 150 horsepower with its standard six-speed manual transmission. For those with a preference for action with less interaction, a performance-tuned CVT (with paddle shifters) is optional. Suzuki's new hot hatch also features an aero package, larger rear, fog lamps, spoiler, lower ride package (when compared to the SX4 Crossover) with KYB performance shocks, keyless start, stability control, all-new instrument cluster and a class-exclusive standard navigation system.
2010 Suzuki Auto Product Line

Suzuki Auto's versatile line of vehicles includes the spirited four-door SX4 Sport, all-wheel-drive five-door SX4 Crossover, refined Grand Vitara compact SUV, award-winning Equator pickup truck and all-new 2010 Kizashi and SX4 SportBack. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of durability, leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All 2010 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.
About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 350 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2009, SMC sold more than 2.3 million new cars and trucks and more than 2.8 million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 196 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).

First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Shut your eyes and say the word "Suzuki" out loud. Unless you're a moto-head or one of those rare Geo Metro fanatics (they exist, trust us), the image that springs to mind isn't very nice. Odds are that the car your subconscious conjures is tiny, cheap and bizarre. It's probably named something forgettable like "Aerio" or totally inaccurate (and forgettable) like "Esteem." Forgettable cars tend to attract forgettable customers. Don't believe us? Suzuki referred to their recent crop of owners as "subprime." Ouch. But, with that pain comes some truth. And in an industry long known for complete and total self delusion, Suzuki's admission was cathartic across both sides of the automaker/auto journo aisle.

The Kizashi drives better than basically everything in its class.
But what would cause Suzuki to be so blunt? A number of factors, as it turns out. For one thing, "subprime" is so 2008. Meaning that relying on folks with poor credit to snap up your cars because they're so cheap just ain't good business these days. Nor is outsourcing big, potentially huge moneymakers like seven-passenger SUVs to General Motors. There's nothing inherently wrong with the XL7 other than the fact that it's based on the Theta platform, just like the (defunct) Pontiac Torrent and Saturn Vue. Smartly, Suzuki has indefinitely suspended XL7 production. More importantly, rather than not making bad cars, Suzuki might just be in the middle of a product renaissance.

Those familiar with the plucky little SX4 are well aware that it's a great driving, high content, practical hatch that's incredibly inexpensive (name another car featuring all-wheel drive and navigation for under $18,000). But you may not know the SX4 is half-Fiat, penned by none other than Giugiaro and half-designed by the Italian giant. So what Suzuki needs to really pull off a rebirth (or at least the early stages of a rebirth) is a fully 100% Suzuki-designed car that's not just "good enough," but "better than." And according to Suzuki, the all new 2010 Kizashi is indeed such a vehicle. But is it?

Tough to tell from the outside. While worlds better looking than all other U.S.-bound Suzuki vehicles (save the five-door SX4), the Kizashi is too derivative. Viewed head on, the hood looks lifted from a Chrysler PT Cruiser, the face is pure goatee-Volkswagen and the headlights appear to be Chrysler Sebring-y. None of the elements are particularly bad looking, but they aren't boat-floating either. Still, from certain angles, the Kizashi's grille is pretty assertive – just don't stare too hard for too long.



The side view is (again) middle-of-the-road and simply not novel, with the C-pillars coming from the Chevy Malibu and the long nose, short deck looking quite Mitsubishi Lancer-ish, if not outright Sebring. But it's not bad. The little trunk lid (don't be fooled, the trunk itself is big) is all Bangled up and again, neither bad nor good. The best part of the whole package is, without question, the well integrated twin chrome pipes. But don't look too close, as they're actually just exhaust surrounds (i.e. not actually connected to anything save the rear bumper). Size-wise, the Kizashi is shorter than the competition Suzuki thinks it'll being going up against – it's closer in length to a Jetta than a Passat. However, and we can only blame clever packaging here, the interior has enough room for four big adults, with a surprising amount of rear seat legroom. Go figure.

Inside, the Kizashi is pretty impressive – for a Suzuki. Meaning that yes, we've seen better, but we've seen much worse, too (again, see Sebring). For one thing, compared to the SX4, the Kizashi's cabin is modern and almost sophisticated. We can't say anything good about the tacky plastic plastered all over the dash, but the door inserts are soft and feel good against your skin. The steering wheel is compact, thick and firm – a great combo if you're into spirited driving. The center stack is elegant yet functional, almost like a cross between a Volvo and a Honda. The cloth seats in our test car were pretty enveloping, especially for a midsize family sedan – the three memory position driver's seat more so than the passenger's. And while the music Suzuki provided on our press trip was pretty damn awful, the 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo kicks and thumps with the best of 'em – no distortion to be had.



We elected to check out the six-speed manual Kizashi, but before we move on, your other transmission choice is a CVT with paddle shifters, providing six fake gears. You can get the CVT in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but the 6MT only comes with FWD. Before you start bunching your panties, let's talk weight. The FWD 6MT Kizashi weighs in at a light 3,241 pounds. Add one hundred pounds for the CVT, and another one hundred pounds for the CVT with AWD. Not only that, but the clutch is Honda-light/easy to use. The shifter's okay, though a bit long to throw and a tad too sloppy. Still, it's world's more enjoyable than the CVT, thank you very much. We should note that the CVT with its endless gearing gets better mileage than the 6MT. 31 mpg highway vs. 29 mpg for the 6MT. City driving will net you around 23 mpg with the CVT, 20 mpg with the manual.

Under the hood is a 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four that stumps up 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque – though if you opt for the CVT transmission you only get 180 hp – yet another reason to row your own. Belying the power rating is the motor's readiness to rev. Redline is indicated at 6,500 RPM and fuel cutoff happens at about 6,750, but getting up into those lofty revs takes no time whatsoever. The motor just roars when you clobber the pedal. Compared to other four-cylinder engines in its class, the Kizashi's motor is straight-up stout. In a Nissan Altima you get 175 hp (though 180 lb-ft of torque). A Toyota Camry gives you 169 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, though you can get a version of its 2.5-liter inline-four with 179 hp and 171 lb-ft of twist. Base Honda Accord? 177 horses and 161 torques. And just for giggles, Sebring? 177 hp and 166 lb-ft. Now, of course, all of those (larger) cars are available with a more powerful V6, and right now, the Kizashi isn't. And to that we say good.



That's right, good. Why? First off, the Kizashi can hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Not breathtaking by any means, but fast enough. Second, we were able to flog the Kizashi not only on some fairly twisting roads around Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but on VIR – Virginia International Raceway. Talk about a brand reinvention. First of all, you could step into the springs Suzuki has perched under the front of the Kizashi. They are seriously massive – maybe eight inches in diameter. Then there's the KYB dampers at all four corners and the Akebono (the same folks who make stoppers for Japan's bullet trains) disc brakes fitted at each wheel. The front end enjoys a MacPherson setup while the rear features a fancy-considering-the-price 5-point multi-link setup. And while the Kizashi's chassis is fairly stiff, the body is even stiffer. As in rock hard (they let us bang on a body-in-white). This same formula – rigid body on top of a softer, more compliant suspension – is used by none other than the Rossion Q1. But why mention a mid-size family sedan in the same breath as a half-mental supercar? Unless...

No, the Kizashi isn't a supercar. Not even kinda. But the Kizashi is remarkably sporting, dare we say shockingly so. Because frankly, we were expecting some sort of already also-ran Camry competitor. Instead, Suzuki gifts the automotive world with an inexpensive five-seater than can embarrass cars costing 150% as much, if not more. The sticker for the Kizashi we tested came in right around $21,500 with 18-inch wheels and 235/45 tires. Check all the boxes and you're talking $26,750 for AWD, CVT, leather, navigation, etc. But back to the Kizashi showing up other, pricier cars.



The Kizashi drives better than basically everything in its class. Camry, Accord, Altima, Jetta, Malibu, Mazda6, Legacy – you name it. How? Well, unlike all of those cars that were engineered in focus groups, the Kizashi was tested on both Germany's Nürburgring and California's own Willow Springs. Overkill? Absolutely, but the Kizashi isn't like those other cars. In fact, Suzuki brought a selection of the competition down to VIR to let us drive them through a few obstacle courses back-to-back. The Altima felt like a dinosaur wearing cement shoes. We were worried the Mazda6 might scrape its door handles, while the Volkswagen CC – a car we really dig – seemed to weigh three tons. Even the Subaru Legacy felt full of lard by comparison – and it isn't. But let's not stop there.

There will absolutely be a V6 Kizashi, as well as a hybrid.

Suzuki thinks that people buying products like used a certified pre-owned Audi A4, Acura TSX, BMW 3 Series or Lexus IS might very well be interested in the Kizashi. From a perceived prestige standpoint, no way/no how. However, if performance is what a buyer's after, then absolutely. Case in point, on a 60 MPH emergency lane change maneuver, the Acura TSX leaned over to the left, seemed to stay there and squealed its tires all the way to the end of the paddock. The Kizashi? It was able to change direction almost effortlessly, transitioning from left to right with no body roll, no wobble, no fuss. The steering was crisp, quick and full of useful feedback. With the exception of the admittedly tricky Turn Seven, VIR's undulating twists and turns never upset the Kizashi. And the absolute best part might be the boat anchor-like brakes. Very impressive, and again, totally unexpected.

Much of the Kizashi's prowess comes down to its weight, or lack there of. When we got to the hot laps portion of the day, Suzuki was kind enough to stick us in a V6 Kizashi mule, with the 3.6-liter V6 from the XL7, just so we could see what a little more speed is like. As you might expect, the mule is much quicker off the line. Depending on how well you came out of Oak Tree turn, the 2.4-liter Kizashi was traveling at just over 100 MPH at the end of the straightaway. The V6 was moving about ten MPH faster. However, handling suffered. The suddenly nose-heavy car was simply not as eager to turn in, less able to dance. We tried the AWD CVT car on the track, too. While better than the V6 mule in terms of overall athleticism, our money's still on the six-speed, FWD Kizashi. And yes, there will absolutely be a V6 Kizashi down the road, as well as a hybrid.



Suzuki has done the seemingly impossible, almost willing themselves out of automotive irrelevance by producing a wonderful, desirable, actual driver's car. The Kizashi is the real deal and you can consider us thoroughly impressed. However – and this is a big however – what's next? It's not enough to just produce one great car then sit back on your laurels. You must be willing to follow through, to continue pushing against the edge of the envelope, to keep reinventing and improving your brand.

The Kizashi is a great first effort at distancing Suzuki from its recent subprime past. And going by nothing but the excitement on display from their marketing, engineering and PR staff over the two-day launch, Suzuki does seem on the cusp of something big. Maybe the most telling fact is this: Kizashi means, "A great thing coming." We'd say a great thing is already here, and we really hope Suzuki can keep it coming.

[Source: Autoblog]

2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!

We've gone to some unusual places for new product unveilings, but today's reveal of a new mid-sized sedan from Suzuki may be one of the most ironic. For some reason, the small automaker of mostly small cars chose a World War II memorial in suburban Detroit for the global reveal of its most aggressive attack yet on the heart of the U.S. car market.

Suzuki has always been a bit of an outlier in this market, although the company has been a strong player in the Japanese mini-car scene. Its most successful entry to date here in the U.S. has been the compact SX4. Now, it's trying to encroach on Camry/Accord/Fusion territory.

Suzuki quoted for us a Global Insight study that projected a 45% recovery in the U.S. auto market over the next two years. They expect much of that to be in the smaller car segments in which the company competes. Even through the worst of this market, Suzuki has been one of only two Japanese automakers to be profitable. In fact, it's been profitable for 57 consecutive years. The Japanese Domestic Market Wagon R has been the number one selling car in Japan for the last four years.

The company now hopes to build on the success of the SX4 in the U.S. and become more of an "aspirational brand". They want younger buyers who "travel light and live fully" and a promotional video they showed to illustrate this made it sound like Suzuki wants to transform itself into Subaru. So far it seems to be working with residual values after 36 months rising from 34 to 48 percent between 2005 and 2009.



American Suzuki also has a new leadership team that starts with Kevin Saito, the new president of the company. Saito previously led Suzuki's efforts in India where the company now has a 55% market share and is more profitable than ever.

The next big step for Suzuki is the Kizashi sedan, which brings the brand into a segment that few people would have associated with Suzuki cars until now. In part the company wants to bring its car image up to par with its motorcycles. That means a much more sporting image. The Kizashi has been completely engineered and designed in-house at Suzuki to that end. The name apparently means "something great is coming", and that's what the company is hoping for.



Gene Brown, VP of marketing and PR, told the group that the world doesn't need another "soul-less transportation appliance", but does need something with the handling and craftsmanship of a European sports sedan and the value of a Suzuki. A video shown during the presentation said that luxury performance cars are no longer just for old rich guys, alluding to the average age of Lexus buyers (55 years old).

Steve Younan, director of product planning, actually gave us the run-down on the Kizashi. Among the cars Suzuki targeted were the Acura TSX, Volkswagen Passat and Alfa Romeo 159 – certainly a higher benchmark than Suzuki cars have previously aimed for. That meant good steering, responsive handling and entertaining performance while retaining good ride quality. The result was a multi-link rear suspension, high performance dampers, 18-inch wheels and high-end Akebono brakes. We've seen plenty of spy shots over the past year of the Kizashi at the Nurburgring, so hopefully the on-the-road reality will live up to the specs.



Underhood, the sole engine is a 2.4-liter high-output four-cylinder with variable valve timing. Power can be sent through either a manual six-speed or CVT transmission, the latter of which comes standard with paddle shifters. The Kizashi has stability control and eight air bags standard, and also meets the 2014 side impact "pole test". We're told that the stability control has been optimized to provide good performance without being too intrusive, and an all-wheel-drive system that's integrated with the stability control will be optional on the sedan. Suzuki is also working on a hybrid version of the Kizashi that will be unveiled after the gas-powered model goes on sale, and a V6 is also in the cards.

The Kizashi has a 107-inch wheelbase, 183-inch overall length and 72-inch width, making it smaller than class archetypes like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Final power and mileage numbers won't be released until closer to its on-sale date this Fall, but expect somewhere in the 180-200 hp range and 30 mpg on the highway.



Inside the Kizashi gets standard sport seats and a decidedly upscale interior. The design is clean, appears well executed and should feel right at home to buyers of some premium brands. In spite of all this, Suzuki is planning to price the Kizashi in the same range as more mainstream models like the Camry and Mazda6. That means it should run from the high teens to mid-$20k range.

Will the Kizashi be a breakout hit for Suzuki here in the U.S.? That's hard to say, as the mid-size sedan segment is teeming with more established and evolved models, none of which are laurel resters and all of which aspire to give buyers a "premium" feel for pedestrian dollars. Hopefully Suzuki is baking elements into the Kizashi that will set it apart, otherwise this Japanese brand will remain on the outskirts of this market's most contested car segment.

PRESS RELEASE

SUZUKI REVEALS NEW 2010 KIZASHI SEDAN

• Kizashi concept series culminates with world introduction of all-new Suzuki sport sedan.
• Chic Kizashi production model to deliver Japanese quality and European flair.
• North American Car of the Year contender to serve as halo vehicle for maturing Suzuki lineup.
• Kizashi's exhilarating performance and driving experience reflect Suzuki's exuberant brand spirit, backed by the confidence of America's #1 Warranty.

BREA, Calif. (July 30, 2009) - American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) takes a bold step forward today. Known primarily as a maker of small vehicles and high-performance motorcycles, today marks the global debut of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee"), the company's first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Benchmarked against some of the leading cars in the world, the all-new 2010 Kizashi becomes an instant car-of-the-year contender in its own right. With the launch of the Kizashi, Suzuki delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes with premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms this winter, the Kizashi will serve as the company's flagship vehicle, further expanding and strengthening its current product line of high-quality small cars, trucks and SUVs.

"In developing and naming our newest automotive introduction, the Japanese word 'Kizashi,' which tells that something great is coming, seemed appropriate for the vehicle," said Kevin Saito, president, American Suzuki. "Now that the production model Kizashi has arrived, we expect the name and the product itself to clearly demonstrate the bold statement this company knew it would be making with the debut of this vehicle - while also simultaneously suggesting what will emerge in the Suzuki lineup as we look ahead to the future."

The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows a similar design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles. The production Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is tempered by the vehicle's overall mission to provide a strong, refined urban performance.
Powertrain

Built at Suzuki's brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine offering a more potent standard engine than many competitive best-sellers. The engine employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four's durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, along with relaxed - and economical - cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may opt for an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency today's consumers demand, while not compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts. That character is enhanced with paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. With either transmission choice, the Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for fuel-conscious consumers.

In addition to this excellent new powertrain, and to even further enhance the Kizashi's strong efficiency story, Suzuki is developing an even more fuel efficient hybrid version that will be added to the lineup in the future.

Braking and Handling

In order to successfully enter a field already saturated with countless nondescript transportation appliances, Suzuki breaks away from traditional values normally associated with the mainstream, standing firm on Suzuki's belief in delivering a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. That driving experience was validated on Germany's Autobahn, Switzerland's Alpine twisties, cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nürburgring.

An exceptionally rigid steel unibody - with reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension constructed with embedded aluminum - allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, the Kizashi offers a newly developed advanced all-wheel-drive system with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of heartfelt driving enthusiasm and safety. Kizashi's sophisticated braking system offers standard four-wheel disc brakes and includes suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications.
Design

Kizashi's thoughtfully crafted exterior design is best described as the seamless melding of European style and Japanese craftsmanship. Tailored for the driving enthusiast, Kizashi's bold and aggressive stance is complemented by available 18-inch alloy wheels; contemporary styling - with its lean proportion and minimal front overhang - injects the sophistication appropriate to a performance-oriented sport sedan. As with the Concept Kizashi series, the front end of the production Kizashi expresses both strength and style, while the vehicle's impeccably engineered body reflects Kizashi's underlying strength and distinctive combination of capability and refinement.

At Kizashi's rear, the architecture accentuates the 'sport' aspect of Suzuki's sport sedan. The visual dynamic is enhanced with the addition of an integrated dual sport exhaust, communicating - both visually and aurally - the Kizashi's performance-imbued spirit.
Interior

Suzuki has taken advantage of its expertise in the compact car segment to efficiently execute larger - yet still tidy - proportions that afford comfort and practicality without the wasted space. Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel - such as standard sport seats - in line with the vehicle's on-road performance characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi's sporty and elegant instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle's available leather seating, featuring high-density foam and premium quality materials rivaling upscale competitors.

The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki's attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and low fatigue foam.

For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashi's interior delivers by the megabyte. Beginning with standard keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod®1 connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth®2. For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate®3 provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power.

Traction and Safety

The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)4, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Also included as equipment on the Kizashi is Suzuki's developed synergetic vehicle dynamic control. This system assists drivers control and a fun-to-drive experience with minimal intrusiveness.

Kizashi is offered with Suzuki's next generation i-AWD system, a rare option in its class, as this safety and performance enhancing feature is more typically found among luxury sport sedan offerings. Engineered to provide outstanding traction in inclement weather, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system also delivers enhanced cornering capabilities. Activated when the driver selects the "AWD" switch on the instrument panel, power to the rear wheels starts immediately upon acceleration. Torque split remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage and throttle input.