Suzuki Kizashi 2010 is the company's entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. The company's flagship vehicle is scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms before the end of the year.
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The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows the type of 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 without abandoning Suzuki's traditional emphasis on content and value. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is augmented by the vehicle's overall mission to provide a strong, refined urban performance.
Built at Suzuki's brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. Benefiting from an oversquare bore/stroke ratio and 10:1 compression, this newest Suzuki powerplant delivers 185 HP with the manual transmission. When mated to the performance-tuned CVT, the 2.4 litre DOHC inline four delivers 180 HP.
The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, while affording relaxed and economical cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may also opt for an available performance-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency without compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts.
An exceptionally rigid steel unibody allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, a sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, the Kizashi offers a newly developed all-wheel-drive system with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of 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.
Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel 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 and premium quality materials rivalling upscale competitors. The Kizashi also offers extensive sound insulation to help suppress road, tire and wind noise.
The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program for the driver's seat. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki's attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and high-density, low fatigue foam. Other premium feel details include ambient overhead and footwell lighting, felt flocked glove-box and centre console storage tray, soft-woven headliner and a-pillars and leather door pull-straps, all standard. ■