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American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) takes a bold step forward with its fall introduction of the 2010 Kizashi. Known primarily as a maker of small vehicles and high-performance motorcycles, December will mark the showroom debut of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”), the company’s first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Benchmarked against some of the leading cars in the world, the all-new 2010 Kizashi becomes an instant car-of-the-year contender in its own right. With the launch of the Kizashi, Suzuki delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Scheduled to arrive in Suzuki’s North American showrooms before the end of the year, the Kizashi will serve as the company’s flagship vehicle, further expanding and strengthening its award-winning product line of high-quality small cars, trucks and SUVs.

“In developing and naming our newest automotive introduction, the Japanese word ‘Kizashi,’ which tells that something great is coming, seemed appropriate,” said Kevin Saito, president, American Suzuki. “Now that the production model Kizashi has arrived, we expect the name and the product itself to clearly demonstrate the bold statement this company knew it would be making with the debut of this vehicle – while simultaneously suggesting what will emerge in the Suzuki lineup as we look ahead to the future.”

The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows the type of design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles. The production 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 a strong, refined urban performance.

Confidence-Inspiring Performance

Built at Suzuki’s brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. Benefiting from an oversquare bore/stroke ratio and 10:1 compression, this newest Suzuki powerplant delivers 185 HP (@ 6,500 rpm) and 170 lb-ft of torque (@ 4,000 rpm) with the manual transmission. When mated to the performance-tuned CVT, the 2.4 liter DOHC inline four delivers 180 HP (@ 6,000 rpm). In either configuration it is a more powerful engine than those engines which are standard in many conventional midsize sedans. The twin cam four employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight, compact installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Drop-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four’s durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

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. Customers may also opt for an available performance-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (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 either transmission choice, the Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for America’s growing number of fuel-conscious consumers.

In order to distinguish itself in a saturated segment, Suzuki breaks away from the traditional values normally associated with mainstream sedans and builds on Suzuki’s now well-established belief – via Swift and SX4 – to deliver a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. That driving experience was validated on Germany’s Autobahn, Switzerland’s Alpine corners, the cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nurburgring.

An exceptionally rigid steel unibody – with reinforced front suspension and 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 all-wheel-drive system 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 NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications.

All-Weather Capability

Kizashi’s next generation i-AWD system is a rare option in its class, as this safety and performance enhancing feature is more typically found among luxury sport sedan offerings. Engineered to provide outstanding traction in inclement weather, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system also delivers enhanced cornering capabilities. Activated when the driver selects the “AWD” switch on the instrument panel, power to the rear wheels starts immediately upon acceleration. Torque split 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 control to preclude the need for electronic intrusion that inhibits the driving experience. In the event of vehicle oversteer (a tendency of the rear wheels to lose traction) 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.

The Kizashi also offers extensive corrosion protection, including under-body resin panels, zinc plated steel sheets and hot wax embedded in the suspension mounting points. The sport sedan’s all-weather-friendly features continue with three-stage heated seats, heated mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a rear seat pass-thru for skis (the seats are also split-fold for those with even larger loads).

The end result is a security blanket provided by both heightened traction and enhanced sensory inputs. Driver and passengers are both better informed of road conditions and – ultimately – made more secure.

Safety Features

The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, the 2010 Kizashi already meets some of the crash standards put in place for the year 2014, including rigorous side pole crash, rear offset collision, and European pedestrian protection standards. Better visibility is achieved in the Kizashi with standard projector beam headlights, supplemental side mounted signal lights, fold-down rear headrests and available rear sonar and backup camera. 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 larger interior proportions that afford comfort and practicality without the wasted space. Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel – such as standard sport seats – in line with the vehicle’s on-road performance characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi’s sporty and elegant instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle’s available leather seating and premium quality materials rivaling upscale competitors. The Kizashi also offers extensive sound insulation to help suppress road, tire and wind noise.

The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program for the driver’s seat. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki’s attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and high-density, low fatigue foam. Other premium feel details 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 keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod®(1) connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth®(2). For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate®(3) provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power pushed through an 8-channel, 10-speaker system, including a subwoofer and advanced digital sound processor.

Grades – and Upgrades

Enjoying a standard level of equipment fully appropriate to its near-luxury aspirations, Kizashi’s base level ‘S’ exceeds any traditional definition of ‘base’ with standard push button start, sport front seats, steering wheel audio controls, automatic dual-zone climate control with passenger rear vents, stability control, 8 airbags and integrated-chromed dual exhaust tips.

For those Kizashi customers wanting more in the way of comfort and composure, the SE adds a standard CVT transmission, 215/55-17 tires mounted on alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver seat with 3-position memory, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and parking brake lever.

Opt for the GTS and you have your choice of 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions with paddle shifters, 235/45-18 tires on alloy wheels, one-touch moonroof, fog lights, a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate® audio system and integrated Bluetooth® hands-free calling and audio streaming. Kizashi’s top-tier spec, the SLS, adds leather appointments to the interior, three-stage heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, Home Link®(4) universal garage door opener, windshield wiper rain sensor and rear parking sensors. In addition, those focusing on where they’ve been will enjoy exterior heated mirrors and an automatic day-night mirror, while those focusing on where they’re going benefit from automatic on/off headlamps.

Kizashi will offer exceptional value versus traditional mainstream, midsize sedans. Its core models will be very well-equipped, offering everything from dual climate control to push-button start, a USB port, 17-inch alloy wheels and eight airbags, yet will still cost between $22,000 to $24,000 – even with available all-wheel drive. Along with Kizashi’s exceptional ride, handling and NVH control, this makes a premium sedan available to the public at a non-premium price. For those who wish to spend even less, a well-equipped base model with many of the same features will start below $20,000.

(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.

Technical Specifications – 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Overall Length: 183.1 inches
Overall Width: 71.7 inches
Engine: 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine
Horsepower: 185 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission, Manual: Six-speed manual transmission
Transmission, Automatic: Continuously Variable
Brakes: Front vented disc brakes and rear solid disc
brakes with Four-wheel disc brakes
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 21/31 manual FWD with 16-inch wheels
20/29 manual FWD with 17/18-inch wheels
23/31 CVT FWD with 16-inch wheels
23/30 CVT FWD with 17/18-inch wheels
23/30 CVT AWD with 16-inch wheels
22/29 CVT AWD with 17/18-inch wheels