Suzuki Kizashi saloon coming soon

Early 2012 promises to be a busy time with new launches in the UK and now Suzuki is joining in with the introduction of the Kizashi, a D-segment saloon. The Kizashi - which is Japanese for "a sign of great things to come" has an overall length of 4,650mm making it reasonably compact but still able to carry five people.

Priced at £21,995, there is plenty of bang for your buck with standard kit aplenty. This includes switchable 2WD/4WD, a six-speed CVT transmission with a manual mode via wheel switched or the gear shifter, traction control, anti-lock braking, four-wheel disc brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, multi-link rear suspension, seven airbags including one for the driver's knee, a Sport aerodynamic package, 2.4 litre 176bhp petrol engine, leather upholstery, electric front seats with heating, electric glass sunroof, cruise control, eight-speaker radio/CD system, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port.

The brakes are made by the same people who make the brakes for Japan's super-fast bullet trains so they shouldn't have too much trouble bringing this car to a safe standstill. Fuel consumption is at 34mpg and CO2 emissions are at 191g/km.

Design improvements from the last one include a chunkier front fascia with chrome accents, a lower grille, body side sill extensions, lower body side mouldings also with chrome, 18-inch alloy wheels and a sports steering wheel.

In keeping with the often-treacherous UK driving conditions, the Kizashi for the British market has Suzuki's latest intelligent AWD system - known as i-AWD. This is designed to provide more traction in bad weather, sticks to a 2WD with minimal torque to the rear wheels when conditions are good, and engaging AWD mode for more torque when required.

The Kizashi is expected in showrooms across the UK next month, along with the new 136bhp Suzuki Swift Sport.

www.suzuki4.co.uk 








By Georgia Lewis

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