Platinum Edition at 2009 L.A. Auto Show
While visiting the L.A. Auto Show last week the floor space under the Suzuki banner wasn’t exactly an area we had set as a high priority to hit, we figured we had already seen the rehashed and rebadged GM and Nissan models before, but as we crossed the aisle between Volkswagen and Acura it was hard not to hesitate to take a second look at the front end perched on the lead corner of the Japanese auto-makers carpet. The Kizashi. The Suzuki Kizashi Platinum Edition to be exact.
Kizashi Platinum Edition
The Road Race Motorsport’s Platinum Edition Kizashi appeared at the SEMA show last month but somehow we overlooked the custom build. Road Race fitted one of their sports body kits featuring Carbontrix custom bumpers and diffuser, a custom designed grill, and vented hood scoop, they also complimented the look with a subtle graphics package that included a blacked out roof.
Road Race worked their chassis stiffeners into the build, Progress Technology springs and sway bars were also installed to help with the handling. Road Race also installed their custom Integrated Sports Exhaust system, custom intake system, and an Engine management system.
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
The Kizashi is fully Suzuki, exclusively engineered by the Japanese auto manufacturer, the platform, powertrain, and driveline. “Kizashi’s performance and platform reflect Suzuki’s exuberant brand spirit,” and that spirit has renewed their approach to the North American market. As North American Car of the Year contender, The Kizashi has become the halo vehicle of the Suzuki lineup.
The goal with this car is to offer the quality and driving experience of premium sport sedans, but at a price expectation of an average, even ordinary, midsize sedan.
“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.”
Power to the Wheels
The new Kizashi comes equipped with an aluminum 2.4L DOHC inline-four block delivering 185hp and 170lb-ft of torque. Suzuki aim for durability with addition of aluminum pistons and forged connecting rods and crankshaft.
Paddleshift will come offered as an extra with either transmission, a six-speed manual gearbox comes standard, and a performance tuned CVT automatic transmission will be offered, you will lose 5hp with the CVT option though.
Another aid in handling comes via the i-AWD that offers improved traction in inclement weather, while also improving control through corners. The i-AWD system is an advanced stability control system where power distribution remains independent, making decisions and delivering power based on throttle position, steering wheel position, wheel speed, and even wheel slippage.
Bottom Line
Suzuki are serious when the claim this car will rival the best in its’ class. The are so confident this car will deliver all they have promised they are set to put their money where their mouth is with a new campaign aimed at potential Audi A4 and Acura TSX customers. If you test drive the Kizashi and still decide to purchase one of the other significantly more expensive cars, Suzuki will pay you $100.
Featuring options such as projection beam headlights, rockford fosgate sound system, push-button start, USB port, 8 airbags, 17” alloys, the Kizashi comes well equipped at $22,000, though it’s worth noting, this sedan hits the market with a majority of those options standard under $20,000 for the FWD base model. With a price tag under $24,000 for the AWD model, a Kizashi will still come in well below the $31,450 starting price of the Audi A4 or the $29,310 base price of the Acura TSX.
Whether the Kizashi will be a true competitor when stacked against these two impressive vehicles remains to be seen, but on first impressions I’d at least take them up on their challenge, and with a body kits option similar to that Platinum Edition from the show I’m sure other would too.
PRESS RELEASE
SUZUKI ANNOUNCES “KIZASHI TEST DRIVE CHALLENGE”
*Suzuki puts money where its mouth is with all-new sport sedan.
* Kizashi competitive comparison offer available through January 31, 2010.
BREA, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2009) – On the heels of the 2010 Kizashi’s (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”) arrival in U.S. dealer showrooms this December, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced a nationwide promotion offering prospective sport sedan buyers a $100 for adding the all-new Kizashi to their consideration lists. The “Kizashi Test Drive Challenge” incentive program, which kicked off Dec. 2, 2009, and runs through January 31, 2010, is expected to build consumer interest and drive early sales for Suzuki’s all-new sport sedan.
To become eligible, consumers considering an Audi A4 or Acura TSX must first test drive a 2010 Kizashi from a Suzuki retailer and complete the “Kizashi Test Drive Challenge” registration form. Buyers who still decided to purchase either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or 2010 Acura TSX (four-cylinder model) within 10 days of their comparison test drive of the all-new Kizashi will receive a $100 check or stored value debit card*.
“The Kizashi was designed and engineered to offer a premium driving experience consistent with the near-luxury sport sedan segment,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we’re excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We’re definitely putting Kizashi’s premium without the premium moniker to the test.”
For more details about the “Kizashi Test Drive Challenge,” or to locate the nearest Suzuki dealer, please visit www.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki also will display an informational kiosk at its 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show exhibit (S-202), Dec. 4-13, 2009.
*Award payment type depends on individual State Sweepstakes rules
