These are spyshots of Suzuki’s new Mondeo rival, the Kizashi. Snapped hot-weather testing in the USA, the Kizashi is the company’s first foray into the declining D-segment. But with smart looks inherited from a trio of outrageous Kizashi concept cars, plus prices that should offer excellent value for money, the new Suzuki should be a credible rival to various Fords, VWs and Vauxhalls.
We’ve scooped the saloon, but there will also be estate and hatch variants.
Suzuki Kizashi, eh? So what does that mean?
No jokes about the khazi please. Apparently Kizashi means ‘prelude’ or ‘foretaste’, but that was the tag for the concepts – what happens to the name when the production cars arrive? A source at Suzuki UK claims the name will remain unchanged.
The looks of the three concepts cars have changed though. Flared arches, 22-inch rims and chrome trim have disappeared. But the U-shaped honeycombed grille remains and beneath that disguise the lower bumper, fog lights and headlights are clearly visible.
In profile the Kizashi looks remarkably Vauxhall Insignia-esque, while the rear features smart jewel-like headlamps.
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And the engines?
While the production car may not keep the concepts’ flush exhausts, it still features the big twin pipes. But that doesn’t mean the show cars’ big 300bhp 3.6-litre V6, though that should be available – our under-the-bonnet shot shows a remarkably small engine.
Four-pot power is coming to the Kizashi. Diesel power will be available too, probably bought in from GM or PSA; it’ll be crucial if the car is to succeed in Europe.
When can I buy a Suzuki Kizashi?
Early in 2010 if you live in the UK, though expect other markets to receive the first cars in late 2009. Suzuki UK says the Kizashi will be ‘very competitively priced’ as they hope to sell around 6000 cars annually, to lift their yearly volume from 34,000 in 2007 to 50k in 2010. The rest of the extra sales should come from the Splash, Swift and the new Alto, all of which are part of Suzuki’s plan to lift global sales from 2.4 to 3m.
Thrilled at the thought of the new Suzuki Kizashi or already asleep? Click ‘Add your comment’ below and have your say