New Car: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

After teasing us with three extreme-proportioned concepts, each called “Kizashi,” Suzuki has finally shown us the production version of the mid-size sedan it plans to launch this December as a 2010 model. Now, after having been formally introduced, we have learned more about it, including that it will carry the Kizashi name into production. That’s cool, we think, and refreshing: not only is Kizashi not some sort of alphanumeric—hooray!—but it is also brazenly ethnic. Kizashi means “something great is coming” in Japanese.

Since we didn’t get to drive it at the introduction, we don’t know yet just how “great” the Kizashi might be on the road, but we can say it is quite easy on the eyes. Certainly, it is way watered down from the fantasy-inspired concepts, but the handsome fascias and pleasing proportions remain intact. In front are predatory headlamps and a VW-esque top-to-bottom grille with a gorgeous black-chrome wicker look to its upper weave. Indeed, Suzuki claims that it benchmarked the VW Passat, the Alfa 159, and the Acura TSX because they have “character,” “agility,” “personality,” “flair,” and a few “rough edges.” You can definitely tell the designers studied the Alfa a lot.
The only body style that will be introduced worldwide—at first, anyway—is the four-door sedan. Dimensions stand at 183.1 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, and 58.3 inches high, and the Kizashi rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. (For reference, the Ford Fusion is 190.6 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, 56.9 inches tall, and has a 107.4-inch wheelbase.) Wheels range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter. Suzuki declined to comment on whether a wagon would be developed (the first Kizashi concept featured a gangster-chopped wagon body), other than to say it is under consideration.

Thanks to: Car and Driver