News Release
Third Kizashi Concept Car Hints at Suzuki's Move to Larger Models
27 March 2008
The unveiling of a stylish concept car at the recent New York international motor show underscores a move by Suzuki to widen its range of car models.
In two years Suzuki plans to release a full-scale entry into the mid-size vehicle market with the arrival of a unique looking global sports sedan.
The Japanese car maker has already shown two interpretations of the Kizashi design and the third version that made its debut in New York moves closer to a production reality.
Suzuki has indicated the Kizashi production model will go into other world markets, including Japan, Europe, India and Australasia.
In New Zealand the model will not only be the largest Suzuki ever sold here but a new flagship for the marque’s expanding range.
Widely regarded as the rising mini-car and sub-compact vehicle specialist, Suzuki expects its worldwide sales to rise 7 percent to 2.55 million units in 2008.
Arrival of the mid-size model that will fall into the “D” market segment will enable current Suzuki owners to upgrade to larger vehicles.
Suzuki hopes its know-how in making lighter, fuel-efficient vehicles will help it jostle its way into the market.
The spectacular styling of Concept Kizashi 3 is destined to make the arrival of a production version much anticipated.
“Kizashi means ‘prelude’ in Japanese, and that’s exactly what this design represents for Suzuki from both a business and a product standpoint,” said Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations.
“Concept Kizashi 3 illustrates our prowess with customers in 192 countries and regions. Suzuki is truly a global brand and the coming model carries on our mission to build the image of our automotive products in North America and eventually match our bikes’ reputation,” he said.
Kizashi will strengthen the brand’s product line of small cars, commercial vehicles and SUVs with a sporting, more accommodating sedan.
The future product model is to be built at Suzuki’s brand new Japanese Sagara plant currently under production. First deliveries to North America are expected by 2010.
The original Kizashi was a luxury five-door sedan with a 2-litre turbo diesel engine, 6-speed sequential transmissions, all wheel drive and big 21-inch diameter wheels.
Kizashi 2 was more of a four-door “crossover” vehicle with a higher ground clearance than the first car. It was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine.
This same aluminium, double overhead camshaft, 24-valve engine producing 300 horsepower powers Kizashi 3, a car that hints at a larger sedan offering for the Japanese brand.
Kizashi 3 is the final addition to the Kizashi concept series. It has four-wheel-drive with an advanced transmission system, a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters and 255/30 series tyres fitted to 21-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels.
The car sits on a wheelbase of 2,800mm, is 4,650mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,450mm high.
It was developed by Suzuki’s advanced design group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong honed physique.
A long bonnet, yawing grille, oversize wheels and a low-slung roof line enhance an upmarket image. Suzuki says the production model will be “an affordable alternative” to the near-luxury market.
The long wheelbase, aggressive wheels and tyres and abbreviated overhangs communicate a performance-oriented image.
In many ways Kizashi is a four-wheeled car equivalent to Suzuki’s world-renowned GSX-R sports motorcycles.
Two decades after their introduction, the iconic GSX-R series continues to dominate the sports motorcycle segment.
The sleek, well-proportioned Kizashi 3 inherits a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA and is likely to provide a further boost to the marque’s rising fortunes.
Independent critics rated the car the most significant vehicle at the New York show.
Yoshinobu Abe, general manager of the overseas marketing department for Suzuki Motor Corporation, said the brand was now moving forward with the third phase of its world strategy.
Each of the Concept Kizashi cars strikes a balance between driver comfort and sportiness, with roomy cabins and bonnet and body styles reflecting abundant engine power and wind-cheating aerodynamics.
Abe said Kizashi 3 symbolizes both Suzuki’s future design direction and stated intent to enter the D-segment category.
