Suzuki Kizashi has arrived
Home >
News >
Suzuki
11th May, 2010
Suzuki has lifted the benchmark for medium sized cars in
Australia with the release of its exciting new Kizashi sedan.
Nearly three years since the first Kizashi concept car was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the
production version represents an unparalleled combination of design, performance and driving
dynamics.
“Kizashi – which is Japanese for ‘something good is coming’ – represents an exciting new direction
for the company,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.
“Kizashi has been developed to be our flagship model in the Suzuki passenger car line-up. We have
a great reputation as the specialist in small, sporty cars, 4WD SUVs and now Kizashi takes us into the
mid-sized segment for the first time.”
Devers said entering the mid-sized segment was a natural progression for Suzuki.
“Kizashi is the car that expands our line-up in order to break into markets where larger cars are
demanded and to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of customers who want to stay with the Suzuki
brand.”
This exciting new offering is the latest in a string of world strategic models, including Swift,
Grand Vitara, SX4 and Alto, which has helped Suzuki develop a reputation for customer-focused innovation
in line with its “Way of Life!” brand philosophy.
Design
Work on the Suzuki Kizashi began in October 2004. Following the success of the Swift, engineers began
looking at Suzuki’s first foray into premium medium size cars with the Kizashi programme.
“As the first step towards a mid-size car, we needed to decide what kind of car Suzuki should
offer,” said the Kizashi Concept Chief Programme Engineer.
“From the beginning, it was vital we considered how best to embody the five key ‘Way of Life!’
elements – straightforward, value, sporty, spirit and excitement.”
“As a result, we defined the Kizashi development as ‘an emotionally appealing sedan for active
people’. We aimed for Kizashi to deliver excitement throughout the driving experience.”
“The most crucial issue was how to stimulate customers emotionally, and we saw design, performance
and eco-friendliness as key attributes.”
The Chief Engineer said in an effort to deliver those attributes, in the right combination, the team
developed the car with emphasis on four key areas:
- a combination of sportiness and elegance in its design
- a further evolution of the European-tuned handling delivered by Swift
- smoothness and quietness befitting a D-segment vehicle, and
- superior engine performance and fuel efficiency
The Chief Engineer said the production car had exceeded all expectations.
“Any doubts people outside Suzuki had about our ability to deliver a mid-sized car only inspired
us to work even harder.”
“As a result, the Kizashi truly shines in terms of the excitement it delivers. It transcends
absolute performance figures and takes the driver into a realm where design, performance and driving
dynamics come together seamlessly to start your senses.”
In the Suzuki Kizashi’s design, European-style design and Japanese craftsmanship are combined in
ways that communicate sportiness and elegance.
From the front, the Kizashi is distinguished by a wide stance and by a three-dimensionally curved
bonnet line that gives an 'athletic' visual presence and a strong impression of forward motion.
The headlamps complement the look of width, while the front grille communicates sportiness and
refinement via a three-dimensional mesh design with a smoked-look finish.
The Kizashi’s profile view combines a long wheelbase (2,700 mm) with one of the most modest overall
lengths in the mid-sized segment (4,650 mm). Taut shoulder lines run from nose to tail over contours
whose volume gives a sense of dynamism and refinement without any need for superfluous character
lines.
A bold, aggressive stance is complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on the XLS). And a sense
of dynamism and quality is conveyed by details that include chrome-plated bezels on the turn signal
lamps, piano black garnishes on the B-pillars and glossy black beltline mouldings.
From the rear, further expressions of sportiness and elegance can be seen in the rear combination
lamps, with a cylindrical theme that matches the look of the headlamps and gives an impression of
depth and softness.
Stainless-steel exhaust covers reflect inspiration from Suzuki’s motor cycle designs. The boot lid
is both slim and rigid thanks to an advanced joining technique known as laser brazing (a first among
Suzuki cars) and the brush-stroke-style ‘Kizashi’ emblem combines spirit and Japanese tradition.
The interior design gives a contemporary, upscale feel. The ‘sporty and elegant’ theme is reflected
in features that include a bold but elegant centre console, premium grade controls and seats, and
extensive touches of tactile and visual refinement.
The instrument panel expresses sportiness and D-segment elegance through a shape that combines
symmetry with a strong sense of movement emphasised by the satin-finish, inverted-L-shaped details
where the horizontal section meets the centre stack.
The steering wheel has a sporty three-spoke design, available in leather in the range-topping XLS
version and also in the CVT variation on XL version as well. It incorporates backlit switches for
functions such as audio and cruise control.
The main instrumentation takes the form of two cylindrically shaped meters with an information
display between them, which logs instant fuel usage, average fuel usage, distance to empty and
average speed. It also incorporates a low fuel caution and battery replacement warning for the remote
key fob.
Audio equipment with CD and MP3 playback functions is designed exclusively for the Kizashi, housed
in a soft-touch panel that realises a premium look and feel.
The entry level XL version features a seven speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, with a USB port for
iPod® connection.
The XLS version comes standard with a high-end audio system jointly developed by Suzuki and leading
audio manufacturer Rockford Fosgate®, delivering 425W of high-grade sound through 10 speakers for
maximum aural pleasure.
Dual zone climate control air conditioning is standard on all models, to ensure optimal comfort for
the driver and front passenger, while all-round comfort is further enhanced by rear air vents.
The Kizashi’s seats were designed with comfort for the ultimate Suzuki driving machine in mind.
They combine generous dimensions with support realised by a newly developed urethane material.
The XL model features 4-way manual adjustment, while the XLS driver’s seat comes standard with
10-way power adjustability and 4-way movement on the front passenger seat. The XLS driver’s seat also
features a position memory for up to three users.
Front and rear power windows, leather-wrapped inner door grips, knitted fabric on the A pillars and
headliner, and seatbelt shoulder anchorages found neatly incorporated into the trim, further
contribute to the high levels of comfort and refinement.
Although the Suzuki Kizashi is a sedan, it offers a level of utility that will more than satisfy
people downsizing from larger cars. Luggage-carrying convenience in the Kizashi begins with a boot
that has a generous capacity of 461 litres and a 60:40-split-folding rear seatback with ski-port.
Handily positioned spaces for smaller items include an illuminated glove box, a double-layer
compartment under the centre-console armrest, and an instrument-panel centre box ideal for an iPod®,
housing the USB port and power socket.
The Suzuki Kizashi offers exceptionally high levels of standard equipment. The entry level XL model
comes complete with:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Dual zone climate control air-conditioning with pollen filter
- Cruise control (for CVT version only)
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Footwell lights
- Keyless entry and start
- Seven speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 USB port for an iPod
The XLS version adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Front fog lamps
- 10-way power driver’s seat with memory
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automatic headlamps
- 10-speaker 425 watt AM/FM/CD Rockford Fosgate® audio system
- Sunroof
- Photochromatic rear vision mirror
- Leather upholstery
- Self-leveling High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
- Front and rear parking assist
The automatic headlamps incorporate a newly developed optical sensor that turns on the headlights
when the car is about to enter a tunnel but leaves them off when it passes under a relatively short
underway such as a bridge.
The auto headlamp system in the XLS works in tandem with the rain sensing wipers, ensuring
fuss-free motoring, optimum visibility and improved safety.
Powertrain
Power for the Kizashi comes from a 2.4 litre DOHC in-line four cylinder engine, designated J24B.
Based on the engine that made its debut in the award winning 2008 Grand Vitara, the engine has been
updated for Kizashi with refinements including a maximised intake valve lift and an improved exhaust
port shape.
Those improvements have helped realise excellent performance of 131 kW at 6,500 rpm and 230 Nm at
4,000 rpm with outstanding fuel efficiency of just 7.9 litres per 100 km.
The combination of power and fuel efficiency are promoted by measures including maximised
intake-valve lift, a variable intake system and a plastic intake manifold that suppresses temperature
increases in the intake air for maximum cylinder-charging efficiency.
Intake manifold tuning valve system varies effective length of intake pipe by opening and closing
an intake manifold tuning valve in order to improve air volumetric efficiency.
When the intake manifold tuning valve is totally closed, the effective intake pipe length is longer.
Engine torque in high rpm ranges drops, while it is improved in middle ranges. This is the typical
condition for normal driving.
At high engine speeds, the intake manifold tuning valve is fully open, effectively shortening the
length of the intake pipe length. This condition improves engine torque at high rpm ranges for
acceleration and overtaking.
The engine also reflects a focus on suppressing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). These
technologies include extensive use of insulating materials and seals in the underfloor, dash, pillars
and wheel wells, balance shafts, acoustically tuned manifold passages and dual high-capacity silencers
in the exhaust system.
The standard transmission in the Suzuki Kizashi is a six-speed manual designed by Univance and
manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Featuring synchronisers on all forward and reverse gears, it ensures a smooth, positive action with
a short 'throw' to enhance the sporty characteristics of the car. A new CVT is the optional automatic
transmission, available on both XL and XLS versions of Kizashi.
The CVT controls are similar to a conventional automatic, with an accelerator and brake pedal and a
P-R-N-D-style shift pattern.
However, while a traditional automatic transmission has a set number of gear ratios – four in the
superseded SX4 - the CVT can constantly change the relationship of engine to car speed, resulting in
an infinite number of speeds.
By controlling the width of two pulleys on input and output sides, CVT enables the engine to
maintain its most effective revs for a range of vehicle speeds.
CVT offers a more comfortable ride, as there is no dramatic rev fluctuation that often occurs with
conventional automatic gear shifting. In addition, CVT minimises the chances of a temporary speed
loss in shift up or unintended kick-down when going uphill.
Acceleration is smooth, because the engine revs are ideally adjusted in accordance with the
pressure on the accelerator pedal.
Because the engine revs are constantly adjusted at an ideally low rate, in cabin noise is kept at
minimum levels, making the ride more comfortable and quieter.
The new CVT is perfectly matched to the specific speeds of the Kizashi engine, be it for torque
(take-off), horsepower (overtaking) or fuel efficiency.
Because there are no gears to tie a given road speed directly to a given engine speed, the CVT can
vary engine speed as required to ensure optimum power and fuel efficiency.
This allows the CVT to provide quicker acceleration than a conventional automatic while also
delivering superior fuel economy.
Suzuki will offer CVT on all versions of the new Kizashi. Both XL and XLS models will feature a
traditional stick shift lever, allowing customers to shift ratios manually. Owners of the XLS version
will have rally inspired steering wheel mounted paddles as well.
“The inclusion of manual shifting allows enthusiast drivers to fully explore the Kizashi’s
considerable performance potential. It’s designed to allow the driver to access higher revs and a
lower gear ratio through an entertaining section of road,” said Devers.
Manual mode is engaged on the XL and XLS by shifting the gear lever across, and then selecting the
six pre-set ratios with a shift of the lever forward (downshifts) or backward (upshifts).
Rally inspired steering wheel mounted paddle shifts are standard on the XLS version.
Enthusiast drivers can automatically engage temporary manual mode by shifting either the left hand
paddle (downshifts) or right hand paddle (upshifts), with the selected gear prominent in the centre
stack information display.
The temporary manual mode reverts to conventional CVT if a low driving speed is maintained, or the
accelerator is pressed and held for more than a few seconds.
Similar to its entry level 'sibling', shifting the traditional gear lever across engages full-time
manual mode in the XLS model.
To maximise driving pleasure and economy at all times, the CVT has several control modes:
- A normal mode, in which the engine speed is kept at the optimal level for the throttle opening and
vehicle speed to promote fuel efficiency;
- A starting mode, in which the CVT maintains a low gear ratio for strong off-the-line acceleration;
- An acceleration mode, in which the CVT uses hundreds of shift maps to deliver a linear
acceleration feel; and
- A downhill mode, in which the CVT provides engine braking.
Although the torque converter provides a converter range in which the engine torque is increased to
start up the vehicle, the lock up clutch is engaged at approximately 10 km/h to reduce both power loss
and fuel consumption.
Based on this background, torque converter axial dimension has been significantly reduced, by
around 20 per cent compared with a conventional automatic transmission torque converter.
Driving dynamics
An exceptionally rigid steel unibody forms the basis for the great handling and a smooth ride in
the Suzuki Kizashi. Keys to the body’s high rigidity include straight under floor members,
comprehensively reinforced joints and reinforced pillars, engine and suspension mounts.
The front suspension is of a McPherson strut type, featuring a cradle type suspension frame which
contributes to a lower centre of vehicle gravity and improved vehicle dynamics.
Suspension mounting to the body is of a floating type using a bush to improve comfort and quietness,
while a stabiliser joint is installed on the strut assembly to further improve vehicle stability.
Strut support is of an input-separating type to absorb the load and attenuation force of coil
spring and bump stopper separately, in order to reduce noise and vibration, further improving comfort
levels.
The front steering knuckle is made of die-cast aluminium to reduce weight around the bottom of the
spring.
Rear suspension consists of a multi-link arrangement including an upper arm, lower arm, and control
rod and trailing arm.
The multi-link type contributes to a lower centre of vehicle gravity and lower floor panel position,
improving vehicle dynamics and comfort. The suspension frame is mounted to the body using a bush to
improve comfort and quietness.
|
|
|
Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
..... more
|
|
|
Superb braking performance is supplied by Akebono brakes, the company that provides the braking system
for the famous Bullet train.
The Chief Engineer explained Suzuki Kizashi’s high levels of performance and handling reflect the
benefits of testing and tuning conducted in diverse conditions around the world.
“We tested Kizashi over thousands of kilometres including cold weather trials in Minnesota and
hot-weather trials in Death Valley.”
“We honed the car’s handling on challenging country roads in the United Kingdom and on autobahns
and the famous Nordschleife at the Nürburgring in Germany.”
“We wanted to make this a true driver’s car and I’m proud of the efforts put in by the ride and
handling team that delivered the finest product we’ve produced to date,” said the Chief Engineer.
Safety
The high levels of safety inherent in every Suzuki Kizashi begin with a light, energy-absorbing body
in which structures that absorb and disperse impact energy are combined with a deformation-resisting
cabin in line with Suzuki’s proprietary Total Effective Control Technology concept.
That strong body shell is complemented by an array of active and passive safety technologies,
including:
- 3-point seatbelt with pretensioners and force limiting
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
- ESP® stability control with traction control
- Six airbags, including head protecting side curtain airbags
The Suzuki Kizashi also incorporates high levels of safety for pedestrians, including a safety zone
between the bonnet and engine, allowing the bonnet to deform and absorb impact if a pedestrian comes
into contact.
This works in combination with the low front bumper design, deformable garnishes and windscreen
wipers to maximise pedestrian safety in case of an accident.
“When the first Kizashi concept was unveiled at Frankfurt in 2007 we knew we had something very
special on our hands.”
“Now the production car is on sale, the time for waiting for something good to come is over. With
the arrival of Kizashi, something good is here,” said Tony Devers.
Prices (MLP)
Kizashi XL Manual $27,990*
Kizashi XL Automatic $30,490*
Kizashi XLS Manual $34,990*
Kizashi XLS Automatic $36,990*
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP), as shown above, exclude dealer delivery fees and the
various statutory charges. These add-on costs (commonly referred to as on-road costs) varying between
dealers and between states/territories.
| 
