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Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi spied in Germany

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

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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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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New York 2008: Suzuki unveils Kizashi 3 concept, coming in 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:25:00 EST

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

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept

Suzuki has been teasing us over the last few months with its duo of highly stylized concepts, the Kizashi and Kizashi 2. While it was obvious that cues found on both those concepts are going to inspire the styling of future models, it wasn't clear how Suzuki would implement some of the more extreme features of this design language. Today in New York, Suzuki showed what elements were making the cut with the unveiling of the Kizashi 3 concept.

Sporting a toned-down version of the gaping maw found on the first two concepts, deeply drawn headlights and recessed fog lamps, the fascia has made the successful transition from design exercise to down-to-earth concept. While the profile and rear end is a little less dramatic than the view up front, the 21-inch wheels add a healthy amount of visual weight down below. Underneath the hood is a 300-hp, 3.6-liter V6 that drives all four wheels through Suzuki's intelligent AWD system.

Suzuki made it very clear that the Kizashi 3 is a close representation of the production model that will arrive in the U.S. by 2010. It's a serious step to shore up market share in a segment rife with competition, but if the Kizashi is executed as well as the concept, there could be another serious contender coming out of Japan.

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept - Live Reveal

Continue reading New York 2008: Suzuki unveils Kizashi 3 concept, coming in 2010 [w/VIDEO]

New York 2008: Suzuki unveils Kizashi 3 concept, coming in 2010 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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