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Following on from the dramatic 2007 concept car of the same name, Suzuki's Kizashi (meaning 'something great is coming') saloon has been revealed in its US-spec production-ready format ahead of the order book opening in North America later this year.
The stylish four-door model retains some of the concept's appearance and it's an attractive shape. Inside, the design is more restrained, but it looks on a par with the likes of the Mazda6 and Honda Accord it is targeted at.
For the US, the sole engine at launch will be a four-cylinder petrol unit of 2.4-litre capacity mated to either a manual gearbox or a CVT (continuously variable transmission) with paddle gear shifters. Drive is to the front wheels, with four-wheel drive an option.
Suzuki has admitted that a V6 petrol engine will come on stream in the future, as will a petrol-hybrid powertrain option. If the car is to be sold in Europe it would need smaller petrol engines and a few turbodiesel units to be successful.
Although the Kizashi looks ready for sale in this part of the world, Suzuki is being a little coy about its introduction, a spokesperson making this statement: "At the moment, the U.S. market is our first priority for the Kizashi. For Europe we are not yet in the position to make any further announcements regarding Kizashi. In Europe we see a big demand for small cars now and in the coming years. Respecting this we will focus on our small car range such as Alto, Swift and Splash, which in our opinion are the right cars at the right time."
Shane O' Donoghue - 31 Jul 2009
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