Suzuki Kizashi XL & XLS: First Look

Jay Williams - 11/May/2010

Australia - Suzuki has released pricing and specification details of its new mid-size XL & XLS Kizashi sedan.

It has been nearly three years since we first saw the Kizashi concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, the production version expands Suzuki's line-up, adding to the mix of small, sporty cars, 4WD SUVs. The Kizashi takes the company into the mid-sized segment for the first time.

Powering the Kizashi is a 2.4-litre DOHC in-line four cylinder engine that produces 131kW of power at 6500rpm and 230Nm of torque at 4000rpm while using 7.9-litres per 100 km.

The balance of power and fuel efficiency are achieved by maximized intake-valve lift, a variable intake system and a plastic intake manifold that suppresses temperature increases in the intake air for maximum cylinder-charging efficiency.

The Kizashi comes standard with a  six-speed manual, with the new CVT automatic transmission being an optional extra, available on both XL and XLS variants.

The CVT transmission has several control modes:

Normal mode, in which the engine speed is kept at the optimal level for the throttle opening and vehicle speed to promote fuel efficiency;
Starting mode, in which the CVT maintains a low gear ratio for strong off-the-line acceleration;
Acceleration mode, in which the CVT uses hundreds of shift maps to deliver a linear acceleration feel; and
Downhill mode, in which the CVT provides engine braking.

Although the torque converter provides a converter range in which the engine torque is increased to start up the vehicle, the lock up clutch is engaged at approximately 10 km/h to reduce both power loss and fuel consumption.

Suspension is comprised of a McPherson strut setup up front, while the rear suspension features a multi-link arrangement with an upper arm, lower arm, control rod and trailing arm.

Superb braking performance is supplied by Akebono brakes, the company that provides the braking system for the famous Bullet train.

The high levels of safety inherent in every Kizashi begin with a light, energy-absorbing body in which structures that absorb and disperse impact energy are combined with a deformation-resisting cabin in line with Suzuki’s proprietary Total Effective Control Technology concept.

That strong body shell is complemented by an array of active and passive safety technologies, including:

3-point seatbelt with pretensioners and force limiting
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
ESP® stability control with traction control
Six airbags, including head protecting side curtain airbags

The entry level Kizashi XL model comes complete with:

17-inch alloy wheels
Dual zone climate control air-conditioning with pollen filter
Cruise control (for CVT version only)
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Footwell lights
Keyless entry and start
Seven speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 USB port for an iPod

The XLS version adds:

18-inch alloy wheels
Front fog lamps
10-way power driver’s seat with memory
4-way power passenger seat
Rain-sensing wipers
Automatic headlamps
10-speaker 425 watt AM/FM/CD Rockford Fosgate® audio system
Sunroof
Photochromatic rear vision mirror
Leather upholstery
Self-leveling High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
Front and rear parking assist

The Kizashi is on sale now.

Pricing is as follows:
2010 Suzuki Kizashi XL - manual -  $27,990
2010 Suzuki Kizashi XL - CVT - $30,490
2010 Suzuki Kizashi XLS - manual - $34,990
2010 Suzuki Kizashi XLS - CVT - $36,990

Related Links:
- Suzuki SX4 (2010)
- Suzuki Alto (2009)
- Suzuki Grand Vitara (2009)
- Suzuki Splash (2008)
- Suzuki SX4 (Road Test)
- Suzuki Grand Vitara Diesel DDiS (2008)
- Suzuki Makai Concept (2007)
- Suzuki Kizashi, SX4 WRC (2007)