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Suzuki concepts and reality


Suzuki unveiled the third and final Kizashi 3 sports sedan concept at the show today, which previews plans Suzuki has for entering the medium passenger car segment.

Built as the ultimate Suzuki, its 3.6-litre V6 engine features plated cylinders, a weight and space-saving technology that evolved from lessons learnt by Suzuki’s MotoGP and World Rally Championship teams.

The 220kW VVT engine is teamed with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive on 21-inch wheels.

Kizashi - a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste - is a sign of things to come from the brand.

“This concept represents a new direction for Suzuki in that it takes our expertise with smaller sporty vehicles and translates that into the midsized segment,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers

“We believe Kizashi will break the mould of typical midsized or family vehicles, when it goes into production next year.”

While a firm timetable is still to be announced, Devers said production of the new mid-sized sedan would begin in late 2009.

For now, Suzuki has added more style and value to the award-winning Swift and SX4 AWD with the release of limited edition versions at today’s show.

Inspired by Suzuki’s domination of the Junior World Rally Championship, a run of 800 Swift RE3s come with more than $3000 of extras including a sports bodykit, unique seven spoke alloy wheels, and unique RE3 floor mats and badges, priced at $16,990.

Suzuki has also waved its limited wand over 300 versions of the SX4 AWD Adventure. Based on Suzuki’s AWD hatch, the Adventure pack comes with roof racks, cargo tray, rear bumper protector, bonnet and headlamp protectors, Adventure decals and floor mats, and without a price increase.

Suzuki Australia also today confirmed the all-new sub-light Alto would join the line-up in 2009.

The fifth and smallest member of the line-up is also the most fuel efficient; the four seat Alto is aimed at urban drivers after eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style, comfort, practicality, or performance.

Powered by a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 50kW and 90Nm, the Euro IV-compliant engine delivers just 4.5l/100km through a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto, thanks partly to a low drag coefficient of just 0.30.

Standard safety equipment includes ESP, a crushable energy-dispersing structure and six airbags. Pricing and final specs will be announced closer to the launch in the second quarter of 2009.

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