MEDIA-ACCLAIMED SUZUKI KIZASHI BEGINS SOPHOMORE YEAR WITH ALL-NEW SPORT VARIANT
09/24/2010
Suzuki
With the introduction of the 2010 Kizashi, followed by the debut of the 2011 Kizashi Sport, American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) boldly challenges the otherwise sleepy midsize sedan segment. The Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee"), the company's first all-wheel-drive sport sedan, delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes, premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in the high-volume midsize category.
The Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan 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 street performance. For 2011, Suzuki adds a Sport trim to the GTS and SLS models, with a host of external and internal modifications that include a more muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille; body side sill extensions; lower body side molding with chrome accents; a trunk mounted spoiler; custom lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels appropriate to a flagship vehicle and typical of more expensive sport sedans; a unique sport steering wheel and contrasting stitching on its leather seats (SLS only), shift boot and parking brake boot.
As with all retail 2011 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Kizashi and Kizashi Sport are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.
Confidence-Inspiring Performance
Built at Suzuki's new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2011 Kizashi is equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. Benefiting from an oversquare bore/stroke ratio and 10:1 compression, the new Suzuki powerplant delivers 185 horsepower (@ 6,500 rpm) and 170 lb-ft of torque (@ 4,000 rpm) with the manual transmission. When mated to the performance-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the otherwise identical powerplant delivers 180 HP (@ 6,000 rpm).
The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission for heightened performance in the low gears, while affording relaxed - and economical - cruising capability in the higher gears. Also available is a performance-tuned CVT that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency today's consumers demand without compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts. That character is enhanced with available paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. With the Kizashi, Suzuki distinguishes itself by delivering a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience, validated on Germany's Autobahn, Switzerland's Alpine hairpins, the cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nürburgring.
An exceptionally rigid steel unibody with a reinforced front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension constructed with embedded aluminum allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, a sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, the Kizashi offers a newly developed intelligent all-wheel-drive system (i-AWD) with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of driving enthusiasm and safety. 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.
All-Weather Capability
Kizashi's next-generation i-AWD system is a rare option in its class, as this performance feature is more often found among luxury offerings. Engineered to provide outstanding traction in inclement weather, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system delivers both enhanced traction in low-friction situations and enhanced cornering capabilities. Activated by the driver, the system sends power to the rear wheels immediately upon acceleration. Torque split - up to 50:50 front/rear - remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage, throttle and steering input.
Offered in combination with Kizashi's i-AWD is an advanced electronic stability control system, adding an additional layer of driver safety. In the event of vehicle oversteer (when the rear wheels lose traction while cornering), the synergetic vehicle dynamics control activates the AWD system to transfer driving force from the rear wheels to the front and helps inhibit rear wheel skid. At the same time, the system provides additional steering assist, making it easier for the driver to countersteer (i.e., to turn into the direction of the skid).
Safety Features
The 2011 Kizashi incorporates a long list of standard safety equipment including class-exclusive standard eight airbags; electronic stability program; an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution; and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, the 2011 Kizashi and Kizashi Sport already meet higher-speed front crash standards that will take effect in 2012, and rigorous side barrier and side-pole crash standards that will take effect in 2014. Better visibility is achieved with standard projector beam headlights, supplemental side-mounted signal lights, fold-down rear headrests, available rear sonar and the newly-introduced backup camera. Further enhancing driver confidence, the Kizashi also offers a reinforced rigid chassis for added stability and control.
Premium Feel
Suzuki has taken advantage of its expertise in the compact car segment to efficiently execute spacious interior proportions that afford comfort and practicality while minimizing wasted space. Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki provides a contemporary, upscale interior feel (including standard sport seats) in line with the vehicle's on-road performance characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi's sporty, elegant and informative instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle's available leather seating and premium quality materials rivaling those of upscale competitors. The Kizashi also offers extensive sound insulation to help suppress road, tire and wind noise.
Available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated front seats and a three-position memory program for the driver's seat. In addition, both cloth and leather seating benefit from Suzuki's attention to detail, including French seams, hard cover rears and high-density, low fatigue foam.
Other premium choices include ambient overhead and footwell lighting, felt flocked glove box and center console storage tray, soft-woven headliner and A-pillars and leather door pull-straps - all standard. For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashi's interior delivers by the megabyte. Beginning with standard SmartPassTM keyless push start system, the Kizashi also offers iPodÂ(R)1 connectivity and optional streaming audio via BluetoothÂ(R)2 (in Sport GTS and Sport SLS models only), as well as a USB port that can also keep your music player charged (available on all models).
Grades - and Upgrades
Enjoying a standard level of equipment fully appropriate to its near-luxury aspirations, Kizashi's base 'S' model exceeds any traditional definition of 'base' with standard push button start, sport front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control with passenger rear vents, electronic stability control, eight airbags and integrated chrome dual exhaust tips.
For those Kizashi customers wanting more in the way of comfort and composure, the Kizashi SE adds a standard CVT transmission; newly upgraded 235/45-18 tires mounted on alloy wheels; a 10-way power driver seat with three-position memory program; cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and parking brake lever.
For 2011, the Kizashi GTS and SLS become the Sport GTS and Sport SLS. With the name change come extensive external modifications, including a more muscular front fascia with chrome accents and lower grille; body side sill extensions; lower body side molding with chrome accents; a trunk mounted spoiler; custom lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride height that provides a combination of improved aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity for enhanced performance and sharper handling. On the interior, Kizashi Sport models get a distinctive sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip and contrasting stitching in the shifter boot and parking brake boot as well as on the leather seats when equipped with the sporty black leather interior.
Building on the Kizashi SE, the Sport GTS offers either a six-speed manual or CVT transmission with paddle shifters; unique Sport lightweight alloy wheels; one-touch open/close moonroof; fog lights; a 425 watt Rockford FosgateÂ(R)3 audio system pushed through an eight-channel, 10-speaker system, including a subwoofer and advanced digital sound processor and available integrated BluetoothÂ(R)5 hands-free calling with audio streaming.
Kizashi's top-tier model, the Sport SLS, adds leather appointments; three-stage heated front seats; a four-way power passenger seat; HomeLinkÂ(R)4 universal garage door opener; rain-sensing windshield wipers; rear parking sensors; exterior heated mirrors; an automatic day-night mirror; automatic on/off headlamps and available XM Satellite RadioÂ(R)5.
1 iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.
2 Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
3 Rockford Fosgate is a registered trademark of Rockford Fosgate.
4 HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls.
5 XM Satellite Radio is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
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