Autoblog

Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge

John Neff — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST

2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Kizashi will change the way you look at Suzuki. To put it bluntly, the Kizashi is the strongest evidence yet that Suzuki's automotive division is no longer operating on autopilot in the States. And what's more, the brand is showing serious confidence. Consider the vehicles against which the automaker wants you to cross shop its Kizashi: the Acura TSX and Audi A4.

Suzuki has launched a promotion called the Kizashi Test Drive Challenge that will pay $100 to anyone who test drives a Kizashi and still decides to buy the more expensive TSX or A4. After spending some quality time with the model, we don't envy those potential Acura and Audi customers who are unprepared for how difficult their decision is going to be.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS

Continue reading Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge

Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura, Audi, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's best to aim high, right? While most of the automotive world (ourselves included) are busy comparing the rather wonderful Suzuki Kizashi with logical competitors like the Volkswagen Jetta - not to mention larger cars like the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion - it seems the Japanese automaker itself has its sights set a bit higher... all the way up to the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, point of fact.

Called the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" incentive program, Suzuki is offering sport sedan buyers $100 if they test drive the Kizashi first and still end up purchasing either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or four-cylinder 2010 Acura TSX within 10 days of the test drive. The program ends runs through January 31, 2010. Says Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations:

With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we're excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We're definitely putting Kizashi's premium without the premium moniker to the test.

Like we said, aim high. Read the full set of terms and conditions in the complete press release pasted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Custom Suzuki Kizashi models impress, upset

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Suzuki

Delta Tech Engineering Suzuki Kizashi - Click above image for high-res gallery

We totally dig the new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. It's a bold step forward for Suzuki and (hopefully) a harbinger of great things to come, which also happens to be what "Kizashi" means. However, the looks are a little, well... not outstanding. Not that it's particularly bad-looking (it ain't), but what if it were a little more... special? SEMA to the rescue!

We've got a trio of modded Kizashis for you to peruse down in the gallery, but how about some background info up front? First up is Delta Tech Engineering's car which might be our favorite. Delta Tech specializes in lighting and every light on the car is either LED or HID. Even though big mouth-look grilles are on the way out fashion-wise, we like the snout on this guy. We also like the fact that it has a cold air intake, custom exhaust and Koni coilovers.

While we just said that the Delta Tech Engineering might be our favorite Kizashi, the Road Race Motorsports Platinum Edition Kizashi pushes all the right buttons with an even more aggressive body kit. It also features a custom air intake, engine management system and data logger. You also get 13-inch slotted rotors up front (though "only" 10-inches out back). Custom springs, sway bars and chassis stiffeners round the package out.

[UPDATE: We wrongly identified Westside's Kizashi as Import Tuner's car. A total mistake on our (my) part. Sorry 'bout that.]

Lastly, we've got Westside's custom Kizashi - a car we just can't wrap our heads around. From the Frankenstein's Monster neck-bolts as exhaust tips to the bizarre two-tone paint job to the Jianghuai GIGANTIC grill, we're totally, 100% not in love. And that's that.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Suzuki Kizashi Customs

SEMA 2009: Custom Suzuki Kizashi models impress, upset originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki dresses up a Kizashi for Halloween

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Audi, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Concept- Click above for high-res image gallery

The boys and girls at Suzuki got into the Halloween spirit and dressed up a new Kizashi to celebrate the day. So what kind of costume would you put on a new sedan that aspires to redefine the company and show that this small carmaker can play with the big boys?

Much like a kid who slaps a giant "S" on his chest to transform into a superhero, this Kizashi put on a super-sedan's duds and thrust its chest out proudly. Looking for all the world like an Audi RS4 knockoff, this particular Kizashi was actually being readied for show duty at SEMA next week, where it'll join some of its siblings and preview some aero tweaks and chrome highlights that might eventually make it onto a production trim package for the Kizashi.

Although the differences were fairly minor, they worked together pretty well, giving the car a more aggressive and upscale look. Close examination of the photos will show a new lower front fascia with a jutting lip, chrome surrounds and blacked out honeycomb grille inserts. The sides get a similar redo with sill extensions and a chrome highlight strip. Meanwhile the tail gets a simple decklid spoiler with integrated cyclops. The final touch that makes this RS4 emulator work is the switch to Audi-like split-spoke alloy wheels. We'd say this tarted up Kizashi definitely looked more treat than trick.

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi Sport Concept

Suzuki dresses up a Kizashi for Halloween originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Suzuki showing Kizashi-strong lineup

John Neff — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Truck, Subaru, Off-Road

Suzuki lineup for 2009 SEMA Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas starts next week, and lots of automakers will be in attendance with versions of their production vehicles that take tuning to a whole new level. Suzuki has a new vehicle to show off, the Kizashi mid-size sedan, and will be loading its lineup with four examples that show what you can do with your new Suze after driving it home from the dealer.

The four Kizashis were produced by Road Race Motorsports, Delta Tech Engineering, Westside Auto Group and Import Tuner magazine. Here's a brief rundown of what each tuner will bring to the table in terms of Kizashi tuning. The Road Race Motorsports Platinum Edition Kizashi (above) is definitely tuned for performance with upgrades to the suspension, braking, intake and exhaust. A number of custom body pieces were also bolted on to make this Kizashi better look the part. The Delta Tech Engineering Kizashi (below, left) is also performance oriented, but with a larger focus on weight reduction and handling. Westside Auto Group, meanwhile, created the Kizashi Soleil (below, middle), which is more than show than go with a custom body kit, custom two-tone paint and large 7-spoke wheels. Suzuki didn't provide images of the Import Tuner Kizashi and only hinted at what modifications it may contain, so we'll have to wait for SEMA to check out that one.

Finally, in addition to these four Kizashis, Suzuki will also have a custom Equator pickup by ICON Vehicle Dynamics (above right) that features some engine mods for the truck's 4.0-liter V6, a beefier suspension that provides more lift and bigger wheel/tire package.

You can check them all out in the gallery below and follow the jump for Suzuki's press release that contains all the specifics they're willing to talk about right now.

Gallery: Suzuki lineup for 2009 SEMA Show

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Suzuki showing Kizashi-strong lineup

SEMA Preview: Suzuki showing Kizashi-strong lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi drives brand out of basement, into fast lane

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Suzuki, First Drive

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

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?

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi drives brand out of basement, into fast lane

First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi drives brand out of basement, into fast lane originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010 - Click above to begin

Before we begin, let us say that when it comes to cars, Time Magazine can get it right. Like the time they hired Dan Neil to write The 50 Worst Cars of All Time. That was really good. However, now Time has the "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010," and boy is it really awful. In fact, it's so awful that we're dying to hear what Dan Neil thinks of it. Time's list isn't just regular bad, it's take all your credibility on a given subject and light it on fire bad. Akin to letting Glenn Beck run the civil rights desk. OK, but in car terms how bad? The Volkswagen Golf is one of Time's most exciting vehicles of 2010 - and that's not even the really terrible part. We're making you follow the jump for the really bad stuff.

Gallery: Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010

Continue reading Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cars & Coffee: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi gets shown off

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:19:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Another week, another "debut" of sorts at Irvine's Cars & Coffee show. Last week we brought you pics of the Ford Ka and the Dunkel Brothers' luxury 4X4 RV, but this week it was Suzuki's turn to show off something new. Folks from the nearby Suzuki facility brought over an perfectly adequate SX4 and the car we were hoping to see in person, the all-new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. The lighting was pretty harsh, but hopefully you can see what we saw while there: namely, one handsome sedan.

It could easily wear a VW badge on that grille, but the car we heard it compared to more often was the Saturn Aura, itself a smart-looking four-door. While the Kizashi doesn't seem as big as the Saturn, it's being pitched as an alternative to the even larger Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, VW Passat and Ford Fusion. The fit and finish looked good on this pre-production car, and the Suzuki's interior looked pretty well turned-out. Glancing inside, we might have mistaken it for a 2010 Mazda3. Nice materials and textures, with simple, straightforward controls and gauges.

Although Suzuki has targeted the Accord and Camry with this new segment-stretcher, the Kizashi seems closer in size to the Civic and Corolla in the flesh. It's perhaps a bit bigger than those benchmarks, but at least in this color and in this setting it didn't seem like the large midsize vehicle the class leaders are. At any rate, the Suzuki Kizashi is a good-looking sedan that should drive pretty well if reports are to be believed. It ought to be a bargain, too, with prices starting in the low-to-mid 20s. Hopefully, it won't be a case of too little too late if Suzuki can't draw more customers into its dealerships.

Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi at Cars & Coffee

Cars & Coffee: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi gets shown off originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Respect Your Elders: Suzuki's Kizashi concepts spotted stacked and awaiting crusher?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Japan, Suzuki

Old concepts don't die, they just get thrown in a heap and stacked atop one another in some dank lot out back. Actually, we don't know where the lot is located, but we do know it appears to be holding the Suzuki Kizashi, Kizashi 2, and Kizashi 3 - important concepts that the Japanese automaker unveiled over the past two years.

We hope these aren't the final show car versions. If so, we would have thought that the car that led to the production Kizashi - a big deal for Suzuki - would have been accorded a better spot in the afterlife, like maybe a place in a museum. Or, hell, at least an auction house listing. But that's the great circle of life for you. Tip your 40 to the Kizashis that once were...

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept - Live Reveal

[Source: 7Tune | Image: New Model Magazine X]

Respect Your Elders: Suzuki's Kizashi concepts spotted stacked and awaiting crusher? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. market Suzuki Swift reportedly still on track for 2011, next Grand Vitara coming in 2013

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Suzuki

Suzuki Swift Sport - Click above for high-res gallery

Generally regarded as one of the top motorcycle brands all around the world and a major producer of Kei cars in Japan, Suzuki has never quite lived up to its promise as a sporty alternative to more mainstream offerings in America's small car and SUV arenas. Still, we're pulling for the brand to make an impact in our neck of the woods, and according to a report on Automotive News, that could possibly (finally) come in 2011 with the introduction of the Swift.

We've been hearing from Suzuki for years that the Swift would in fact make it to U.S. shores in due time, and we're hopeful that the next-gen model is as competent and fun to drive as we hear the current model is from our European friends. One new vehicle does not a successful brand make, however, so Suzuki is also said to be working on the next installment of its Grand Vitara line for 2013.

Additionally, a new crossover is reportedly on the drawing board to replace the XL7 that was killed back in May when Suzuki halted production at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The new CUV would show up in 2011 or '12 and be based on a stretched version of the platform underpinning the recently-unveiled Kizashi midsize sedan, which is expected to hit showrooms for the 2010 model year.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift Sport

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

U.S. market Suzuki Swift reportedly still on track for 2011, next Grand Vitara coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki Kizashi hybrid sedan tipped for 2011 sales

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, GM, Suzuki, Rumormill

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]

REPORT: Suzuki Kizashi hybrid sedan tipped for 2011 sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Suzuki Kizashi sized up against the competition

John Neff — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for official high-res image gallery

The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is being billed as the Japanese automaker's first entry into the U.S. market's mid-size sedan segment. Truth be told, Suzuki never calls the Kizashi a mid-size sedan in its official material, but rather uses the term "sport sedan". It's hard to tell based on pictures of the car (check out the full gallery of official high-res images below), but what exactly is the Kizashi going up against? The Camry and Accord or the Jetta and Corolla? After you've taken a look at the new gallery of images to get an idea for the Kizashi's class, follow the jump to see how it really sizes up against the competition.

Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Continue reading 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sized up against the competition

2010 Suzuki Kizashi sized up against the competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Suzuki, Luxury

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

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. Learn all about where Suzuki is going and what to expect from the Kizashi after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Continue reading Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!

Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki Kizashi shows up a day before official unveiling

John Neff — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Suzuki

Production Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki has a big media event planned tomorrow to unveil its new mid-size sedan, which we're all still calling Kizashi though no moniker has been made official. We'll be at that event tomorrow, but apparently the Kizashi has already begun mingling. Assuming these shots aren't from the future, Suzuki held another event at some point, somewhere that featured the new Kizashi as the guest of honor.

As you'll recall, the production Kizashi's design is based largely on a trio of Kizashi concepts that made the auto show circuit rounds last year. The latest was the Kizashi 3 unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show. The production model is mightily toned down compared to the testosterone-infused concept, but still handsome, especially the sporty model in brown. We'll leave any more judgments aside until we meet the production Kizashi in person tomorrow, but you can view some more early images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Production Suzuki Kizashi revealed early

[Source: Road Race Motorsports, Motive Mag via Next Autos]

Suzuki Kizashi shows up a day before official unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki won't debut Kizashi in New York, still on schedule for December launch

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Suzuki

Suzuki Kizashi spy shots -Click above for a high-res gallery

An email recently went out from Suzuki to jurors who vote for the North American Car and Truck of the Year informing them that their upcoming midsize sedan would be on sale in the United States before the end of the year. We contacted Suzuki for more information and received confirmation that development of the car is on track and production will not be delayed.

Unfortunately, we'll need to wait a bit longer before seeing the Kizashi sedan in person. Despite previous reports pointing to an April debut at the New York Auto Show, that's not going to happen. Suzuki did confirm, though, that the car will make an appearance on the auto show circuit before hitting U.S. dealers in December, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi in Germany

[Source: Suzuki]

Suzuki won't debut Kizashi in New York, still on schedule for December launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reports of Suzuki Kizashi's demise highly exaggerated, coming to NY

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Suzuki

Click above for a high-res gallery of the (apparently D.O.A.) Suzuki Kizashi

Reports of the premature death of the Suzuki Kizashi are apparently... premature. After a story surfaced yesterday detailing Suzuki's cancellation of its mid-sized sedan program, the scribes at Automotive News went to the source to get the details. Suzuki spokesman Jeff Holland told AN, "The production version will debut at this year's New York auto show in April." So there. When the Kizashi concept was revealed at last year's New York show, it garnered a fair amount of praise thanks to the sedan's swooping lines and road-hugging proportions. The Kizashi has been spied doing laps around the Nurburgring and for a mainstream mid-size sedan that can't be a bad thing.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi in Germany

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Reports of Suzuki Kizashi's demise highly exaggerated, coming to NY originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi spied in Germany

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Suzuki

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Suzuki Kizashi

When the Suzuki Kizashi 3 concept bowed in New York, we were smitten by the sedan's aggressive lines and low-slung stance. But after seeing some rudimentary patent drawings of the production model, we were seriously concerned that everything we loved about Suzuki's new sedan would be lost in translation. Finally, some glimmer of hope has arrived.

KGP caught a Kizashi mule in Germany before it set off on its mandatory 'Ring run, and with a modicum of camo and some artfully placed tape, the prototype laid most of our concerns to rest.

Although the exaggerated shape and massive fender flares of the concept has been eschewed for something a bit more sedate, the majority of the lines remain, along with the sculpted headlamps and broad rear shoulders. Unfortunately, things begin to go slightly awry in the rear, where the chunky C-pillar and 1-series look-alike lights join an upkicked trunk and a bulbous bumper. But overall, our gripes are minor, and with power rumored to be provided by either a 300 hp, 3.6-liter DOHC V6 driving all four wheels or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting power down to the front rollers, we think this might be the first in a string of new models from Suzuki that could finally bring it up to par with its cross-town competitors in Japan.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi in Germany

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept - Live Reveal

Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi spied in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro patent drawings reveal production Suzuki Kizashi

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Suzuki

Click above to view the Suzuki Kizashi drawings in high-res

The European patent office has revealed a few outline drawings of the upcoming Suzuki Kizashi mid-sizer that the Japanese automaker, more often associated with high-performance motorcycles, hopes will compete head-on with the best in the world. The Kizashi could be a make-it or break-it type vehicle for Suzuki, which sells huge numbers of very small cars in Japan but has only a small foothold in the United States. These drawings seem to indicate that the Kizashi will keep some of its styling cues intact, though it also looks as if it could be mistaken for a Chevy Malibu from some angles.

When Suzuki releases the Kizashi to the general public, which some speculate could be as early as the Paris Motor Show next month, it will be equipped with both four-cylinder and V6 engine options with up to 300 horsepower and all-wheel-drive. Specs like that ought to strike some fear into the established players if Suzuki is able to keep the price down. Stay tuned.

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi patent drawings

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Euro patent drawings reveal production Suzuki Kizashi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi prowls the strip mall

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Suzuki

Suzuki has teased us with three separate Kizashi concept cars and finally told us that a production vehicle based on the last concept would be coming to America in 2010. Work is apparently underway on the new Camcord competitor, and proof of Suzuki's efforts have appeared in a Southern California parking lot. Although the entire car is covered in camo, a few subtle details, including the grille and profile, appear to keep with the original concept, which garnered a substantial amount of acclaim when it was originally unveiled.

As pointed out by Autofiends, the Kizashi sedan looks a bit smaller than the vehicles it will be competing against, particularly when you consider that the Honda Accord has grown so large that it's now classified as a full-size car, akin to the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne. We welcome the idea of a smaller and sportier option, especially one equipped with an offshoot of GM's 3.6-liter V6, which is expected to join Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive when the production Kizashi debuts next year.

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept - Live Reveal

[Source: Autofiends]

Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi prowls the strip mall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Suzuki to unveil V8-powered Kizashi 3 at NY show

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Suzuki

Click image for hi-res gallery of the Suzuki Kizashi

Hyundai is quickly proving with its Genesis luxury sedan that a lower-end Asian automaker can play in the V8-powered big leagues, and if the reports are to be believed, Suzuki wants in. The Japanese carmaker's Kizashi concepts, unveiled in Frankfurt and Tokyo last year, proved popular enough for Suzuki to move ahead with production plans and target a late 2009 roll-out. But before it settles on what form the production version will take, Suzuki is reportedly preparing a third iteration to show at the New York Auto Show in March, and this one will be powered by a V8 driving all four wheels, compared to its turbodiesel and V6 predecessors. Whether there's any truth to the reports will become evident as we weave through Manhattan traffic towards the Javits Center, so stay tuned.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf via Motor Authority]

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi Concept

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 2 Concept

Rumormill: Suzuki to unveil V8-powered Kizashi 3 at NY show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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