Suzuki has entered Australia’s mid-size sedan battleground with the launch of its all-new flagship model, the Kizashi (which in Japanese means ‘something good is coming’).
Priced from $27,990 to $36,990, the Kizashi takes aim at rivals such as the Honda Accord, Mazda6, Subaru Impreza and Hyundai’s upcoming ix45.
The Kizashi is a sophisticated, well equipped mid-sizer - the company reckoning Audi and BMW models were benchmarked during its development - and the suspension was honed in testing around Germany’s Nurburgring race track.
Power comes from a 2.4-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder engine – a derivative of the engine fitted to the Grand Vitara SUV. Maximum power is 131kW at 6500 rpm and peak torque of 230Nm is delivered at 4000rpm.
Fuel economy is as low as 7.9l/100kms.
Drive is to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) auto with steering wheel paddles on the range-topping XLS model.
It’s a looker and the production version shows significant styling cues from the highly praised Kizashi concept car which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show three years ago. With a wheelbase of 2,700mm and a compact overall length of 4,650mm, Suzuki’s stylists have delivered a dynamic appearance that is a genuine mid-size sedan.
The front looks very athletic with a three-dimensionally curved bonnet line, wide headlights and large mesh design front grille with a smoked-look finish. To meet global requirements for pedestrian protection, a deformable safety zone between the bonnet and the engine has been incorporated.
From the side, the athletic look continues with full-length shoulder lines, piano black trim for the B-pillars and black beltline moldings. Chrome-plated bezels for the turning lights add an elegant touch.
Same at the rear where the slim boot line and modern taillights combine to give a broad, muscular look.
Entry-level XL models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels while XLS gains 18-inchers.
Front suspension is a McPherson strut design with a cradle type suspension frame to lower the center of gravity for enhanced ride/handling, while the rear runs a multi-link system. XLS models are 10mm lower than XL versions.
The four-wheel disc brakes with ABS anti-lock are sourced from Akebono – the same company which supplies braking systems for Japan’s bullet trains.
Inside is a well equipped and luxuriously appointed interior with nice seats (leather in XLS), high-standard instrumentation and modern back-lighting for the controls. The sporty three-spoke steering wheel (leather trimmed in XLS) is a Suzuki hallmark.
XL runs a seven speaker audio system with a USB port, while XLS gains a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate system. Dual-zone climate control air conditioning is standard.
The rear seat split folds 60/40 and also features a ‘ski port’ to carry long items even with four people aboard. With the rear seat in place, luggage capacity is a useful 461 litres.
As well as the leather interior and upgraded audio, XLS models gain extra features such as front fog lights, 10-way power adjustment for the drivers’ seat (4-way for the front passenger), rain-sensing wipers, automatic High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, a sunroof and front/rear parking assist.
In addition to the ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), other safety features include ESP stability control with traction control and six airbags, including head protecting side curtain airbags.
“Kizashi has been developed to be our flagship model in the Suzuki passenger car lineup,” explained Suzuki Australia’s General Manager, Tony Devers. “Kizashi is the car that expands our lineup in order to break into markets where larger cars are demanded and to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of customers who want to stay with the Suzuki brand”.
