Suzuki Kizashi News

A sporty wagon is likely to be first, tapping the style and shape of a Kizashi concept car first shown in Frankfurt three years ago, with a coupe also on the planning program.An all-wheel drive Kizashi is already in the works and approved for Australia and there could be a V6 engine to suit American buyers, although Suzuki is also believed to be examining the potential for a turbocharged four. There is also a petrol-electric hybrid close to a production sign-off, first for the USA in 2011 but also likely for Australia."We have an idea in mind for another body style for Kizashi," admits Masaaki Kato, Oceania marketing manager for Suzuki. "It is not something we can discuss yet, but we are working."Kato admits the global financial crisis has hit hard at the Kizashi program, cutting sales forecasts from 200,000-plus to around 80,000 cars in the first year and reducing the money available for future model developments. But Kato says the Kizashi family will definitely grow and there will be mechanical upgrades to a car which is crucial to the company's future."We will have more for Kizashi in a couple of years," he says, without providing any detail. But an on-sale date in 2012 means Suzuki has already completed the next stage of the program, as it takes around two years to go from a design sign-off to full-scale production, and that points to a station wagon as Kato admits the sales potential for a coupe is limited and would only give a short-term boost to Kizashi.Suzuki Australia is confident an all-wheel drive Kizashi - using similar components to its SX4 models - will do well in Australia but does not have a timetable. "When it's available we'll consider it. We're not ready and it hasn't been made available to us yet," says Tony Devers, general manager of Suzuki Australia. And the station wagon? "Not in the foreseeable future," he says.Suzuki's new partnership with Volkswagen Group, which has taken a minority stake in the Japanese company, is likely to open many doors on the technical front including access to a V6 engine. But no-one knows the detail yet on the tie-up or the potential for a V6."It's still early days. No-one really knows how it's going to work,"  says Devers. "A V6 was initially reviewed, but it's not available to us at the moment."It's a similar story for a diesel engine, even though Suzuki has big plans for the Kizashi in Europe. "They are studying but the diesel segment is quite small," says Devers.

The Japanese company's vital mid-sized sedan has not even hit the road yet, in Australia or the USA, but that has not stopped it from starring at the giant SEMA hot car show this week in Las Vegas. Suzuki delivered three pre-production prototypes to four tuning specialists in the USA and challenged them to create a set of look-at- me show cars to draw attention to the Kizashi.  There has been minimal go-faster work on the cars' four-cylinder engines, and the shape is still much the same as the final production car, but the Kizashi kids have already been a hit with Gen-X visitors to the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Assocation's annual showcase. The SEMA show is now so important that a number of significant Australian companies, including Autobarn and radiator specialist PWR, are involved in the massive event.  The three tuner cars produced for SEMA come from Road Race Motorsport, which created a 'Platinum Edition' Kizashi; Delta Tech Engineering, with the Delta Kizashi; Westside Auto Group, which did its Kizashi Soleil; and Import Tuner magazine, which worked on the engine and suspension. At least one of the cars is likely to come to Australia during 2010 for motor show work, although there will be no Melbourne show in 2010 and Sydney will not run until September.  "As the biggest show in the world for these companies to show off their wares, SEMA was the logical choice for Suzuki to unveil the first of what will no doubt be many modified versions of the exciting new Suzuki mid-sized premium sedan," says Tony Devers, general manager of Suzuki Australia. "Kizashi has been eagerly awaited around the world since the first concept was shown at Frankfurt in 2007, particularly by modified car builders.  It is an exciting car, and one we are confident will attract huge attention." Suzuki Australia is not talking yet about prices or final performance and economy figures for the regulation Kizashi, but the tuner companies are happy to detail their SEMA work. Road Race Motorsport did a special body kit, including a custom grille and vented bonnet, then went to work with lowered suspension and bigger breaks.  The engine also breathes a little better thanks to a custom intake and exhaust system.  Delta Tech Engineering went right back to the basics, starting with a bare bodyshell and concentrated on a lighting package with LED and HID focus. But, despite the company's lighting expertise, it also tweaked the engine, added a body kit, then sit its car rolling on Koni suspension.  The Soleil from Westside features a custom two-tone paintjob, tweaked front and rear guards with a fabricated grille, finished with R-Worx alloy wheels. Fewer details are available on the Import Tuner car because it will be featured in the magazine, but it claims significant engine tweaking and suspension modifications aimed at its youthful audience. Suzuki says it is more than happy with the four cars, and what they say about the Kizashi.  "We are rapt that such a cutting edge design group has seen the potential in creating a radical profile for Kizashi," says Devers.  "We are living the dream that 'Something good is coming', which is the translation of the word Kizashi from Japanese into English."

The bold, break-through Kizashi has been shrunken and softened from the aggressive concept car that won fans at motor shows across the globe. The production version of the Kizashi is a 130mm narrower and sits on a 150mm shorter wheelbase than the original show car and the shape has also been softened to appeal to ultra-conservative customers in the US, its biggest target audience. The only production payback is an 80mm increase in height, to improve headroom, although this change has also taken some of the edge of out the Kizashi design. Official Suzuki pictures show a car which has changed a lot from the teaser cars, which began as a sporty hatchback and became a all-wheel- drive crossover before the close-to-production version last year. The reasoning is simple: Suzuki's first mid-size car must face up against the volume sellers like the heavyweight Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Mazda6 in the sub-$30,000 class and so size is critical. Particularly in the US. The Kizashi and Camry share the same width and height but the Suzuki is 165mm shorter overall and it has a 75mm shorter wheelbase than the popular Toyota. Suzuki Australia general manager, Tony Devers, says the car does look smaller visually but it still has a large cabin. ``It actually looks good in the metal and a lot more aggressive in the flesh than the photos,'' he says. The car's full specifications are being saved for the Frankfurt Motor Show but Suzuki has said it will come with an all-alloy 2.4-litre four cylinder in both front and all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder is shared with the Grand Vitara and will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters. A V6 all-wheel drive and turbo-diesel are also expected. Apart from the four and V6 Suzuki is also developing a hybrid version. Visually, Suzuki says the car is a combination of both Japanese and European design. The front retains the concept's deep grille but is softer and the slim- line eyebrow headlights have given way to larger headlights and conventional foglights. However, the short boot, short overhangs and sweeping roofline remain faithful to the concept. The Kizashi will hit local Suzuki showrooms in the second quarter of next year. Much of the car's development work was done in Europe with final testing at the famous Nurburgring in Germany. The Kizashi has a rigid light-weight steel body while both the front and multi-link rear suspension make extensive use of light-weight aluminium to ensure nimble handling. Inside the cabin follows Suzuki's current family theme with white and red gauges and the use of alloy-look highlights. Equipment includes a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system, push- button start, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety equipment runs to eight airbags, electronic stability control and dynamic control, anti-skid brakes, projector beam headlamps and tyre pressure monitoring. The Kizashi will be built at a new plant in Sagara, Japan.  

Suzuki Australia has confirmed its mid-size Kizashi sedan will arrive in the second quarter of next year, pitched right into the stagnant mid-size segment. However, Suzuki Australia general manager, Tony Devers, has high hopes for the mid-sizer, which will be pitched directly at the Mazda6 and Honda Euro. "It's a driver's car and we've benchmarked the Mazda6 and Honda Accord Euro," he says. A Kizashi pre-production car is due to arrive within weeks to start the local homologation process. Devers says when production models become available he also plans to clinic the car among focus groups to see how it goes in front of potential Australian buyers. "This is the biggest passenger car that we've made," he says. "There's a lot riding on it." The Kizashi will be launched with an entry 2.4-litre front wheel drive version should be around $30,000 with a larger capacity V6 of more than 3.0-litre arriving later. The V6 may also get all-wheel drive. Ahead of the Kizashi is the new facelifted SX4, which will arrive early next year. "We've dropped the ball on the SX4," Devers says. So far this year Suzuki has sold just 1337 SX4s, down almost 50 per cent over the same period last year. Devers says the changeover to the new car is to blame. "We lost about three months of production," he says. "We definitely dropped the ball with that car." The facelifted SX4 gets a more powerful 2.0-litre engine but also a 20 per cent fuel economy lift and more equipment. Devers wants to relaunch the car with more enthusiasm in the marketplace but admits that it goes up against some tough small car competition, like the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. Suzuki plans to push the car's individual styling as well as its all-wheel drive capacity. "AWD represents about 70 per cent of SX4 sales," Devers says. "Well definitely push that more among potential buyers." The Grand Vitara and Swift remain Suzuki's big cash-cows. Grand Vitara sales are up 12 per cent this year thanks to the addition of the 2.4-litre three-door and the Swift is weathering the overall downturn well, with sales down 14 per cent year to date. Further out a new-generation Swift and Swift Sport are due in 2011 and Suzuki wants to launch a bigger off-roader above the Grand Vitara around 2012. Devers says Suzuki's retention rate is lifting as the brand reputation grows thanks to the success of the newer entrants like the Swift. Four years ago Suzuki had a buyer retention rate of just 22 per cent. This has grown to around 60 per cent today.

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.

An array of futuristic hybrid concept cars, mainly from Japan, will join exotic supercars and new and updated models at the Darling Harbour show from October 9-19.And there will be increased interest for children at this year's show with two family days featuring TV characters.Organisers this week announced two new carmakers to the Australian scene, Cadillac and Isuzu, will unveil models at the show.Cadillac will display its US award-winning 3.6-litre V6 CTS sedan ahead of its Australian showroom debut later this year.Isuzu, meanwhile, will show its new D-Max range of one-tonne utes, in a return to the Australian car market. It is effectively the latest version of the Holden Rodeo which, designed by Isuzu, has sold here for the past 28 years.But now Isuzu is selling the car under its own name. Holden has since released its Rodeo replacement, the Colorado.Organisers say they will be among more than 40 concept vehicles and all-new or updated models on show. Futuristic fuel-efficient machines on display include the Mazda Taiki concept car, the Nissan Mixim electric car, Toyota's Hybrid X, the Lexus LF-Xh and the latest Suzuki Kizashi 3 machine.Toyota will also be displaying its Camry hybrid, which will become the first locally made hybrid car when it goes on sale next year.VW will have two of its BlueMotion economic range on show, a Passat and a Polo.Nissan will show off its next generation GT-R supercar while Holden will have its Coupe 60 concept. Volvo's take on the future is on a different path. It will show the newXC60 SUV, the latest in advanced safety technology — a car that avoids crashes by using distance-monitoring sensors. The City Safety technology seeks to prevent front-end collisions at speeds below 30km/h.Safety will also be the theme on the RTA stand, where NSW cricket team players will make guest appearances to meet showgoers.But the stars of every motor show are usually the ultimate exotic supercars. This year organisers have brought them together in the new Supercar Central area to showcase the latest in dream machines. Starring this year will be the $2 million Koenigsegg CCX, capable of just under 400km/h. Going from standing still to 100km/h takes just 3.2 seconds.The super Swede will be joined by the $1.5 million Pagani Zonda Roadster, a new Elfin to be unveiled on opening day, a Lotus Elise S, Bolwell Nagari, Gemballa Avalanche GTR 800 Evo, Morgan Aero 8, Chamonix 550 Spyder and the retro Bufori La Joya.Children's favourite TV character Roary The Racing Car will attempt to steal the limelight from the real cars, with two family days on each Saturday. Roary and his sidekicks, plus other TV characters, including Bob The Builder, will greet children and their families.“Family day is extremely busy and in previous years we've found there's just not enough time to accommodate the huge number of children and families on one Saturday,” event organiser Robby Clark says.“By adding an extra day dedicated to families and children, we can provide an even more enjoyable day for all visitors.”Outside, 4WD fans will again be able to assess the value of the latest machines on the Waeco 4WD Action Track. Showgoers canbe chauffeured up and down the track, which includes serious rocks, hills and a see-saw.Shannons has 25 rare and classic cars to display ahead of the last day auction. Last year the headline act was a Falcon GT-HO. This year a Ford from the same era, but of different heritage, will be the most valuable classic on show: a fully-restored American 1969 Boss 429 Mustang, complete with a 7.0-litre V8 engine (top speed above 320km/h), and likely to sell for between $320,000 and $350,000.A '69 Falcon XW GT HO Phase I is expected to sell for up to $200,000, while Holden fans will admire a black, four-door 1977 Torana A9X and an original 1950 ute.And a yellow and black NSW Z number plate is tipped to fetch up to $25,000.SHOW STARSTen cars not to miss at the show* Mazda Taiki* Suzuki Kizashi 3* Toyota Hybrid X* Nissan Mixim* Lexus LF-Xh* Nissan GT-R* Koenigsegg CCX* Cadillac CTS* Holden Coupe 60* Peugeot 308 CCAustralian International Motor ShowWhere: Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition CentreWhen: Thursday, October 9-Sunday, October 19Opening hours: opening day 5pm-10pm, other weekdays 10am-10pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm, Sunday October 12 9am-9pm and Sunday October 19 9am-7pmTickets: adult $18, under 16 $11.50, under 5 free, senior $14, family of two adults and up to three children under 16 $44Don't miss the official motor show program free in The Daily Telegraph on October 10. 

The clearest sign of things to come can be seen in the Kizashi 3 concept at the Sydney motor show next month, the last such show car before production begins towards the end of next year.

Kizashi 3 previews Suzuki's plans to enter the hotly contested medium passenger car segment with a sports sedan.The concept is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring plated cylinders - a weight and space-saving technology that evolved from lessons learnt by Suzuki's MotoGP and World Rally Championship motorsport teams.The engine is teamed with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and Advanced i-AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system.Suzuki says Kizashi - a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste - is a clear 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 mid-sized or family vehicles when it goes into production next year."Suzuki grew sales to over 2.3 million motor vehicles world-wide last year and says a new medium segment car is essential to achieve further sales growth.In Australia, Suzuki sold more than 21,000 vehicles to become the fastest-growing brand in the country.While a firm timetable is still to be announced, Suzuki says production of the exciting new mid-sized sedan will begin in late 2009."Our engineers are also considering the possibilities of hybrid-powered and state-of-the-art clean diesel versions of the car," said Devers.The Concept Kizashi series was developed by Suzuki's Advanced Design Group to reflect, it says, "the strong, honed physique of a dynamic athlete in motion.""The bulging bonnet, wide-track abbreviated overhangs and aggressive wheel and tyre combinations convey an underlying strength and performance orientated image," said Devers.The Kizashi 3 joins a fast-growing line-up of advanced design concepts and new production models scheduled to debut at this year's show.

The Japanese carmaker has announced it will display the latest in its acclaimed Kizashi series of concept cars at the Sydney event.Kizashi 3 previews Suzuki's plans to enter the hotly contested medium passenger car segment with a sports sedan.The concept is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring plated cylinders - a weight and space-saving technology that evolved from lessons learnt by Suzuki's MotoGP and World Rally Championship motorsport teams.The engine is teamed with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and Advanced i-AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system.Suzuki says Kizashi — a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste — is a clear 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 mid-sized or family vehicles when it goes into production next year."Suzuki grew sales to over 2.3 million motor vehicles world-wide last year and says a new medium segment car is essential to achieve further sales growth.In Australia, Suzuki sold more than 21,000 vehicles to become the fastest-growing brand in the country.While a firm timetable is still to be announced, Suzuki says production of the exciting new mid-sized sedan will begin in late 2009."Our engineers are also considering the possibilities of hybrid-powered and state-of-the-art clean diesel versions of the car," said Devers.The Concept Kizashi series was developed by Suzuki's Advanced Design Group to reflect, it says, "the strong, honed physique of a dynamic athlete in motion.""The bulging bonnet, wide-track abbreviated overhangs and aggressive wheel and tyre combinations convey an underlying strength and performance orientated image," said Devers.The Kizashi 3 joins a fast-growing line-up of advanced design concepts and new production models scheduled to debut at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour on October 9.Details of other new models, opening dates, times and ticket prices are available at www.australianmotorshow.com 

The Kizashi teaser has been shown as a sporty hatchback and a four-wheel-drive crossover, following the unveiling of the Kizashi 2 at the Tokyo Motor Show.