Suzuki GB is pleased to announce the UK introduction of the Kizashi Sport ‘D’ segment car with switchable 2/4WD as standard equipment. Kizashi – which in Japanese means ‘A sign of great things to come’ – represents an exciting new direction for the company and has been developed as the flagship model in the Global Suzuki passenger car line-up.
The Kizashi redefines the traditional performance saloon and moves the Suzuki brand upscale without abandoning Suzuki’s traditional emphasis on content and value. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is augmented by the vehicle’s overall mission to provide strong yet refined performance.
The Sport model features a host of external and internal modifications that include a muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille; body side sill extensions; lower body side mouldings with chrome accents; custom lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique sport steering wheel with contrasting stitching for its leather seats, gear shift surround and parking brake boot.
Kizashi is Suzuki’s first mid size saloon car and comfortably accommodates up to five people and their luggage needs, while retaining a sleek and stylish look. Exterior dimensions are length-width-height of 4,650mm x 1,820mm x 1,470mm making it one of the most compact ‘D’ segment saloon cars.
The spacious interior offers plenty of leg and shoulder room, even for rear seat passengers. Space is not the only factor in ensuring plenty of on-board comfort: the shape and position of the seats are designed to support a natural posture, a key factor in comfortable long-distance travel. Additionally, ideal seat heights and large door apertures make access easy for all on board.
For added practicality, the Kizashi features a through loading system to allow for longer items to be loaded from the boot. The rear seats divide 60:40 to accommodate seating for one or two rear passengers or none, making full use of the extra boot space available. A ‘ski bag’ style load through facility is also installed for carrying longer items.
Kizashi Sport is highly equipped as standard including seven airbags; four electric windows, MP3/WMA compatible CD tuner with eight speakers, Dual Zone automatic air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start and folding heated door mirrors. The sole option for Kizashi will be a touch screen satellite navigation system, available as a dealer fit.
In combined cycle driving, it has a combined fuel consumption of 34.0 mpg with CO2 emissions of 191g/km.
For the UK market, the responsive 178hp four cylinder engine is connected to a performance-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers the driving experience consumers demand. The transmission is fitted with an additional shift lever gate as well as switches behind the steering wheel. This helps fully optimise driver control as the system can be operated manually through the available programme of six speeds.
An exceptionally rigid steel body with a reinforced front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension constructed from aluminium allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, a sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Kizashi’s sophisticated braking system offers standard four-wheel disc brakes and includes suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and a leading brake supplier for Japan’s famed bullet trains.
• Kizashi – Suzuki’s ‘D’ Segment car – UK introduction in January 2012 – Priced at £21,995.
• Fitted as standard with switchable 2/4WD with CVT / 6 speed manual mode operated via steering wheel switches or gear shift lever.
• Available with Sport aerodynamic package as standard equipment.
• Overall length of 4,650mm – one of the most compact ‘D’ segment cars.
• 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine with output of 178PS at 6,000rpm.
• ESP and Seven airbags fitted as standard including Drivers Knee airbag.
• High standard specification including leather upholstery, electric front seats with drivers seat three position memory function, heated front seats, electric glass sunroof, cruise control, eight speaker Radio / CD system with Bluetooth and USB port.
• Combined fuel consumption of 34.0 mpg; CO2 emissions of 191g/km.
• Total Global sales to date of 23,000 units.
• Initial UK introduction volume of 500 cars for 2012.