Remember the Suzuki Forenza? If not, don't feel bad because we had a tough time picturing it, too. It was Suzuki's last midsize sedan that was serviceable as basic and affordable transportation, but about as exciting as a manila folder from a styling and driving standpoint.
With Suzuki's next midsize entry, named the Kizashi, the Japanese company will try to shed the dull image and continue the sporty and higher quality product renaissance began by the SX4.
Drawing design inspiration from the concept series of the same name shown over the past two years, Suzuki has decided to attack the hotly contested market from a performance angle. Instead of exchanging shots with established sterile offerings like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, Suzuki is targeting more spirited drivers that aspire for cars like the Acura TSX, Audi A4 or BMW 3-series, but might not quite possess the means.
The Kizashi is new from the ground-up with close attention paid to the platform's rigidity. Suspension mounting points are reinforced with embedded aluminum, which the KYB shocks are bolted to.
At launch, the only engine option will be a 2.4-liter, 185-hp, I4 mated to a standard six-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission with available paddle shifters (CVT cars are rated at 180-hp). Suzuki has also announced a hybrid powertrain developed in partnership with General Motors to arrive in 2011. Though not confirmed, a V6 is expected to join the lineup in a couple of years as well.
Brakes are sourced from Akebono, and AWD versions will be offered. However, AWD will only be available on cars outfitted with the CVT.
New levels of refinement are apparent throughout the cabin with major surfaces being covered with soft-touch materials and supportive seats. Additional standard features include eight airbags, a keyless push-button starter and dual-zone automatic climate controls. A premium 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system is available.
We spent a day driving the Kizashi on smooth highways and challenging back rounds in North Carolina. Immediately we noticed how well isolated the cabin was as we kept the engine's revs above 4,000 rpms in our manual-equipped test car darting around twisty roadways. Conversations with our co-driver could still be had without raising our voice, while the engine wailed away. However, with the most aggressive 18-inch wheel and Dunlop tire combination installed on our car, some tire noise was apparent.
Most impressive was the stability afforded by the chassis. Aggressive driving is rewarded, with the car only understeering when really pushed, which is surprising for a FWD car. Through quick transitions and fast sweeping corners, the suspension kept the car planted and quickly helps build driver confidence. Damping is sufficient and smoothed out shocks from road patches and ruts.
We also had a chance to hot lap Virginia International Raceway where the car's handling ability again shined. Steering weight felt good and response is almost immediate. In tight corners, the rear of the car rotates around nicely, which again left us impressed. Brake performance is also strong with a firm pedal feel. At the end of the day, we walked away thinking that the Kizashi is the best handling and most composed FWD sedan we've driven.
If there was something to improve on, we would like some more power under the hood. Of course, that can be solved by the V6 or a possible turbocharged I4 that Suzuki representatives were soliciting opinions about at the drive event.
One thing Suzuki doesn't want to leave in its past is its reputation for providing great value. Base S versions are expected to start below $20,000 not including destination costs. All things considered, we see that as a bargain that should alter some perceptions of Suzuki.
2010 Suzuki Kizashi
On Sale: December
Base Price: $20,485 (est)
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter, 185-hp, 170 lb-ft, I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3,300 lb (est)
0-60 MPH: 7.5 sec (mfr)
Fuel Economy (EPA combined): 25 mpg
With Suzuki's next midsize entry, named the Kizashi, the Japanese company will try to shed the dull image and continue the sporty and higher quality product renaissance began by the SX4.
Drawing design inspiration from the concept series of the same name shown over the past two years, Suzuki has decided to attack the hotly contested market from a performance angle. Instead of exchanging shots with established sterile offerings like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, Suzuki is targeting more spirited drivers that aspire for cars like the Acura TSX, Audi A4 or BMW 3-series, but might not quite possess the means.
The Kizashi is new from the ground-up with close attention paid to the platform's rigidity. Suspension mounting points are reinforced with embedded aluminum, which the KYB shocks are bolted to.
At launch, the only engine option will be a 2.4-liter, 185-hp, I4 mated to a standard six-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission with available paddle shifters (CVT cars are rated at 180-hp). Suzuki has also announced a hybrid powertrain developed in partnership with General Motors to arrive in 2011. Though not confirmed, a V6 is expected to join the lineup in a couple of years as well.
Brakes are sourced from Akebono, and AWD versions will be offered. However, AWD will only be available on cars outfitted with the CVT.
New levels of refinement are apparent throughout the cabin with major surfaces being covered with soft-touch materials and supportive seats. Additional standard features include eight airbags, a keyless push-button starter and dual-zone automatic climate controls. A premium 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system is available.
We spent a day driving the Kizashi on smooth highways and challenging back rounds in North Carolina. Immediately we noticed how well isolated the cabin was as we kept the engine's revs above 4,000 rpms in our manual-equipped test car darting around twisty roadways. Conversations with our co-driver could still be had without raising our voice, while the engine wailed away. However, with the most aggressive 18-inch wheel and Dunlop tire combination installed on our car, some tire noise was apparent.
Most impressive was the stability afforded by the chassis. Aggressive driving is rewarded, with the car only understeering when really pushed, which is surprising for a FWD car. Through quick transitions and fast sweeping corners, the suspension kept the car planted and quickly helps build driver confidence. Damping is sufficient and smoothed out shocks from road patches and ruts.
We also had a chance to hot lap Virginia International Raceway where the car's handling ability again shined. Steering weight felt good and response is almost immediate. In tight corners, the rear of the car rotates around nicely, which again left us impressed. Brake performance is also strong with a firm pedal feel. At the end of the day, we walked away thinking that the Kizashi is the best handling and most composed FWD sedan we've driven.
If there was something to improve on, we would like some more power under the hood. Of course, that can be solved by the V6 or a possible turbocharged I4 that Suzuki representatives were soliciting opinions about at the drive event.
One thing Suzuki doesn't want to leave in its past is its reputation for providing great value. Base S versions are expected to start below $20,000 not including destination costs. All things considered, we see that as a bargain that should alter some perceptions of Suzuki.
2010 Suzuki Kizashi
On Sale: December
Base Price: $20,485 (est)
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter, 185-hp, 170 lb-ft, I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3,300 lb (est)
0-60 MPH: 7.5 sec (mfr)
Fuel Economy (EPA combined): 25 mpg
0 comments:
แสดงความคิดเห็น