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The Kizashi, pronounced `Kee-Zah-Shee' mid-sizer was unveiled yesterday and will become the company's flagship model.
Suzuki is a carmaker known for its vehicles in the light, small and off-roader segments. It is the first time the Japanese brand has attempted a mid-size sedan to go into battle against the Toyota Camry and Mazda6.
Compared to the Camry, the Kizashi is 165mm shorter overall and sits on its 2700mm wheelbase is 75mm shorter but the Suzuki is the same height and width.
The production Kizashi is a more toned down version of the original concept Kizashi series introduced over the past two years with a design that melds European style with Japanese craftsmanship.
The front is aggressive and the short boot, minimal overhangs and sweeping roofline copy the concept car. The car will be built at Suzuki's new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, and arrives in Australian showrooms next year.
Initially it will come with an all-alloy 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine shared with the Grand Vitara and will be available in both front and all-wheel drive mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters.
The four-cylinder gets a balancer shaft to improve engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. A V6 all-wheel drive version is also expected.
Apart from the four and V6 Suzuki is also developing a hybrid version that will be added to the lineup in the future. Suzuki says the Kizashi has been built with drivers in mind.
Much of the development work was done in Europe and validated at the famous Nurburgring in Germany.
The car has an exceptionally rigid steel body while both the front suspension and multi-link rear make extensive use of light-weight aluminium to ensure nimble handling and stability.
The Kizashi's four-wheel disc braking system is supplied by Akebono, a world-leader in NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications.
Inside the cabin follows Suzuki's current family theme of alloy highlights and deep-set controls. High-end models will get full leather supplemented by three-stage heated front seats and a three-position memory program.
Equipment includes a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system, push-button start, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety equipment runs to eight airbags, electronic stability control and dynamic control, anti-skid brakes, projector beam headlamps and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
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