Literally minutes after the all-new Toyota Camry rolled onto its Philippine debut, Suzuki unveiled its contender for the midsize sedan wars: the new Kizashi. The strikingly-named car (or strangely, depending on your Japanese) is named after the Japanese term meaning “a sign of good things to come.” Suzuki says that it aims to provide driver satisfaction through key characteristics: (1) exterior sportiness combined with interior elegance; (2) European-tuned handling; (3) smoothness and quietness; and (4) superior engine performance and fuel efficiency.
The Kizashi is indeed a good sign for Suzuki, evidence that their carmaking skills are sufficiently advanced for them to offer their biggest car yet. The Kizashi measures 4650mm long x 1820mm wide–big for a Suzuki, but compact for a Japanese executive car.
Developed as a global automobile to compete with the likes of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and indeed, the Audi A4, the Kizashi is distinctly European in its approach. Rather than going for outright size, the Kizashi is offering premium features within a relatively compact footprint. Suzuki touts a grueling test program for the Kizashi, to enable it to handle challenging driving conditions. Hot weather trials were done in Death Valley, U.S.A.; brakes were put to the test in the Swiss Alps; and handling was tuned on country roads in the U.K. and on the infamous German Nurburgring (no lap times have been quoted).
For the Kizashi’s exterior design, Suzuki wanted to combine European styling cues with the best of Japanese craftsmanship. Large headlamps, a tall center section and 17-inch alloys help to lend the Kizashi a sportier look. The cabin contains high-quality materials and expected conveniences such as dual-zone climate control, rear aircon vents, trip computer, and high-grade audio system. Ambient footwell lighting, transponder key system with push-button engine start, and front-door courtesy lighting help enhance the Kizashi’s luxury credentials. Interior room splits the difference between a Camry and a Corolla. A black dashboard contrasts with beige door trim and seats.
Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter dohc four-cylinder with 180hp and 230Nm. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission. CVT eliminates shift shock while providing quick ratio changes. The transmission can operate in manual mode for better driver control. 0-100 km/h time is quoted at 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 205 km/h.
The chassis uses MacPherson struts at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS take care of the stopping duties. Tires are 215/55-17s. For the time being, Kizashi is front-wheel drive only, although all-wheel drive is available in other markets.
As can be expected from a Suzuki, the Kizashi offers value for money, starting off at P1,288,000.
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