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Suzuki’s focus will be on the Kizashi sedan, featured in a TV spot called “Wicked Weather”. The clip shows the all-wheel drive version as it’s being chased by a pack of evil, almost-zombie-like snowmen. While it sounds like an idea uttered in at an Amsterdam café, the CGI is convincing and the Japanese sedan seems to cope well with the snowy roads. Hit the jump to see the video.
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But the Japanese automaker isn't about to throw in the towel, not just yet. Marking one of its largest advertising campaigns in years, Suzuki has launched an ambition set of edgy ads pitting the Kizashi against similar sized models in the luxury segment such as the Mercedes-Benz C350, Audi A4 and the Volvo S40.
In Germany, the five-seater, four-door saloon will be a challenger to models like the Volkswagen Passat, Opel Insignia, Citroen C5, Seat Exeo (previous Audi A4) and the Toyota Avensis.
Offered exclusively on the Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels, Suzuki's definition of 'Sport' (talk about a word losing its meaning...) translates to custom light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride plus a honeycomb lower grille, chrome accents on the front bumper and doors, discreet side skirts and a boot lid spoiler.
The company said that it will offer the Kizashi with all-wheel drive as standard while power will be provided by the same 2.4-liter gasoline engine used on the N.A.-spec model.
The four-cylinder unit churns out 185 HP when linked to a six-speed manual gearbox and 178HP when mated to a CVT.
The Japanese maker is also planning to expand the Kizashi's range in the very near future with a more powerful V6 petrol engine as well as a hybrid version, though it is not clear if these variants will make it to Europe.
We don't know yet if it's technically feasible (and economically viable), but Suzuki's recent tie up with Volkswagen could see the Kizashi sedan being offered with a much-needed in Europe, diesel engine sourced from the German Group.
Together with the Kizashi, Suzuki will also display in Geneva the Swift Plug-in Hybrid that was first introduced at last fall's Tokyo Motor Show as well as new variants of the three-and five-door Grand Vitara with a redesigned rear hatch that does away with the spare tire box.
We knew that the last of the Kizashi concept studies that made its debut at this year’s New York Auto Show was too good to be true and that Suzuki would definitely tone down the mid-size sedan’s appearance when it enters production in 2009, but looking at these latest official sketches that were registered by the Japanese automaker at the European trademark office makes us wonder what the hell happened to the original concept. If these design drawings are of any indication to as where Suzuki is heading with the production Kizashi that will compete against the Mazda6 and Honda Accord, we’ll be talking about a humongous blunder from the behalf of the Japanese firm as the NY Show concept really caught our attention with its sleek design and powerful stance. -Continued
Via: Autoblog.it , Source: es.Autoblog
We’d like to hold on to our thoughts about the production version of the luscious Suzuki Kizashi Concept sedan that was spotted here by our Autoiend pals somewhere in Southern California as the heavy camouflage leaves a lot to the imagination. However, we must say that our first impression is that the production Kizashi seems to have lost the sporty analogies of the initial concept that was unveiled at the New York Show earlier this year. We cross our fingers that Suzuki will prove us wrong when the Kizashi makes its market debut in the North American market in 2010. Until then, click here to see photos of the concept or follow the jump for more spy shots. -Continued
Via: Autofiends
