Suzuki Kizashi midsize sedan revealed

Suzuki, best known for small cars and motorcycles, have introduced the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, the company’s first midsize sedan, with available all-wheel-drive and sporting intentions. Claimed to be benchmarked against “some of the leading cars in the world,” the all-new 2010 Kizashi is set to compete in the tough midsize segment as the company’s flagship vehicle.

The Kizashi sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows a vaguely-similar design theme, although it seems to have gained bulbous weight in its transformation into a production vehicle.

Built at Suzuki’s latest Japanese factory, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine offering “a more potent standard engine than many competitive best-sellers.” The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual or an optional CVT automatic.

The Suzuki Kizashi was tested on Germany’s Autobahn, Switzerland’s Alpine twisties, cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nürburgring.

The Kizashi offers four-wheel independent suspension and a newly-developed all-wheel-drive system, as well as 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips and standard four-wheel-disc brakes.

Suzuki claims the Kizashi has an upscale interior feel, with standard sport seats, high-density foam, premium-quality materials, cloth or available premium leather, three-stage heated seats and a three-position seat memory program. Although it seems too much time wasn’t spent on the actual visual details.

Features include standard keyless push-start system, iPod connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth. Rockford Fosgate provides an optional 425W stereo.

The all-new Kizashi includes a list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, stability control, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Also included as optional equipment on the Kizashi is Suzuki’s new “synergetic vehicle dynamic control,” likely with the optional i-AWD system system. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system can be activated when the driver selects the “AWD” switch on the instrument panel, with power to the rear wheels sent immediately upon acceleration. Torque split remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage and throttle input.

More details and specs will be released later. Expect the Suzuki Kizashi to debut in the UAE and GCC early next year.