Suzuki Kizashi launched in NZ

The new Kizashi four-door sedan represents is the largest car to come from Suzuki, and the Japanese company says it sets higher standards for driving dynamics, performance and design.

New Zealand is one of the first markets to offer the front-wheel-drive Kizashi, which has been five years in the making.

The Kizashi is Suzuki’s first entry into the mid-size D-segment category which currently represents 11% of the local new car market.

At 4,650 mm, the 2.4-litre car’s overall length is more than the current BMW 3-Series sedan and slightly shorter than an Audi A4.

Two versions of the car are being offered in New Zealand, with the choice of GLX and flagship LTD grades.

The GLX version comes with six-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission. In LTD form, the Kizashi is a CVT automatic.

The Kizashi is powered by Suzuki’s four-cylinder, twin overhead camshaft engine. This multi-point fuel injected power unit made its debut in the 2008 Grand Vitara, and has been upgraded for Kizashi with a maximised intake valve lift and an improved exhaust port shape.

Producing 131 kW of power at 6500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, the motor achieves a reported fuel consumption figure of 7.9 litres/100 km.

Suzuki says the Kizashi has a top speed of 205kph and accelerates from a standstill to 100kph in 7.8 seconds for the manual version.

All Kizashi’s have as standard dual zone climate air conditioning with pollen filter, steering wheel mounted audio controls, footwell lights, keyless entry and start and seven speaker audio system. All CVT automatic transmission models also include cruise control.

LTD grade versions add the larger diameter wheels, front fog lamps, leather upholstery, electric operation for both front seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, eight speaker audio, sunroof, photochromatic rear vision mirror, self-levelling high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and front and rear parking assist.

“This is the most lavishly equipped Suzuki ever offered in New Zealand,” said Tom Peck, general manager of marketing for Suzuki New Zealand Ltd.

Special touches include chrome-plated bezels on the indicator lamps, piano black garnishes on the B-pillars, stainless steel exhaust covers and glossy black belt-line mouldings.

Safety technologies featured on the Kizashi include six airbags, including head protecting side curtain airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiting, anti-locking braking (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and ESP stability control with traction control.

Kizashi also incorporates high levels of safety for pedestrians, including a safety zone between the bonnet to deform and absorb impact if a pedestrian comes into contact.

Read more about the Suzuki Kizashi here.