REPORT: Suzuki Kizashi hybrid sedan tipped for 2011 sales
2010 Suzuki Kizashi – Click above for high-res image gallery
Suzuki has big plans for its new Kizashi midsize sedan. Not only is the Kizaski going up against the best selling automobiles in America (the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, that is), it's also reportedly tipped to carry the Japanese automaker's environmentally-friendly ambitions to new heights here in the States.
According to Japan's Nikkei newspaper (via Bloomberg), Suzuki's new midsizer is slated to offer an optional hybrid powertrain for 2011. A gas-electric motivator has been mooted for Kizashi for some time, but this is the first time a firm timetable has been established for the vehicle. If there's any truth to the rumor, this will make the Kizashi Suzuki's first hybrid automobile.
There aren't any details on the expected powertrain, but rumor has it the technology will come from longtime American partner General Motors. That means the Kizashi will either come equipped with GM's BAS mild hybrid system or the much more sophisticated and fuel efficient (and therefore expensive) 2-Mode setup.
For it's part, Bloomberg rather ambiguously informs that Suzuki "spokesman Hideki Taguchi declined to deny the report."
Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
[Source: Bloomberg]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jimbo 4:33PM (8/17/2009)
I'm not sure the Kizashi is really going up against the Camry and Accord when it is a half-size smaller. More realistic competition will be the Jetta.
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dimas 4:41PM (8/17/2009)
Is it just me or does this car really look cheap the outside? I try very hard to like it, but every time I look at it, I am always reminded of Corolla and Jetta.
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akboss302 4:53PM (8/17/2009)
Corolla and Jetta are two rock-solid cars, so I'm not sure what you mean by 'cheap'. I don't think its breaking any new ground but its not ugly either.
MOD and ANGRY 4:52PM (8/17/2009)
I had high hopes for this car. I can't believe it so blatantly rips off so many design cues from so many other cars... The concept looked way better. But like Marge Simpson says "Aim low... Aim so low that no one will care if you miss..."
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James 8:28PM (8/17/2009)
Every car design nowadays are pretty much rip-offs of another, so no surprise there...
Other than the Kizashi's front bears a strong resemblance to VW, it sure looks way better than the intended competitor...the HIDEOUS Subaru Legacy.
tjm1962 4:56PM (8/17/2009)
Suzuki had such an opportunity to bring a beuatiful sexy sedan with it's concept car, but this end result looks NOTHING like the prototype. WHAT A WASTE OF METAL...looks like every other car on the market!
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hyundaifans.com 11:04PM (8/17/2009)
+1. I cant believe the final product is so far removed from that sexy concept! Also 2011??? WTF!!
futurama 4:59PM (8/17/2009)
Quite a let down in terms of design... just dying to find out how it will drive with its own claim of being a 'sport sedan' and its all wheel drive capability.
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Richard S. 5:36PM (8/17/2009)
It does look more of a VW Jetta competitor than a Camcord fighter.
If it is going against the Jetta, it would be nice to have a turbo-diesel option.
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Art 6:27PM (8/17/2009)
people would buy this car if they even knew that Suzuki was still in business, methinks
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P.V. 8:15PM (8/18/2009)
The exterior, dimensions, and expected powertrains are so underwhelming versus the concept that, for it to be billed as a Camry/Accord-fighter, I'm no longer interested.
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