Spy shots of the upcoming Suzuki Kizashi are becoming rather common as the mid-size sedan gets ready to launch later this year, but what we've yet to see – what we've needed to see – is a shot of what's inside. Thanks to Autoblog reader Curtis Lewis, we finally have our first glimpse of the Kizashi's interior, and we've got to say, it's looking good.
While the design is hardly revolutionary, the materials appear to take a solid step above and beyond Suzuki's current offerings, with some tasteful wood and aluminum trim. The center stack is rather straightforward, but everything appears more fluid and refined compared to what we've seen in the past. The steering wheel is reasonably sized (not to big and not to small), complete with redundant controls for the stereo and possibly Bluetooth integration, and the seats have a fair amount of bolstering to compliment the leather surfaces.
The exterior hasn't changed much since the last batch of spy shots, and although it isn't nearly as swoopy and aggressive as the Kizashi 3 concept that we saw at the New York Auto Show, we're still encouraged by the sculpted haunches, angular trunk, stretched taillights and integrated exhaust tips. Too bad the front fascia looks like a Neon when coated in camo. Expect the Kizashi to debut in production form this December with a choice of a 2.5-liter inline four driving the front wheels or 3.6-liter V6 sending approximately 300 hp through all four.
I have it on good authority that the 3.6L will not be released, at least in the first model year. Seeing as how things can change very quickly, I'll only hold that to be 90% accurate, but pretty sure. Man, a mid-size sedan with AWD and that 3.6L would be awesome...
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Suzuki Gold-level certified technician
dealership lead Suzuki technician
ASE Master Technician
Suzuki is taking a huge risk taking on the might of the Toyota Camry's popularity. I like the Kizashi as it's a fresh design but I feel that Suzuki will have to install AWD to make it better than the Camry & make people want it.
If Suzuki can make the Kizashi with good engine/trans options they will sell.
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Risky
Current Ride:
'Herka' 2008 Suzuki JT MY09 Grand Vitara 3dr Auto 4sp 4x4 2.4iL Metallic Quasar Grey.
Even ford has an awd car now the fusion, its even availible with the twin turbo ecoboost so suzuki needs to step it uo b/c nobody wants a fwd car anymore.
How many US made sedans are actually sold outside the US? Not very many! The rest of the world hates their quality & design. Lol we had the Taurus out here in the mid-90's & it lasted 2yrs as it was a really woeful piece of crap.
Japanese & the Germans have got it right. I'll stick with them.
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Risky
Current Ride:
'Herka' 2008 Suzuki JT MY09 Grand Vitara 3dr Auto 4sp 4x4 2.4iL Metallic Quasar Grey.
Here is a link to some pictures that a SX4 Club member took: Kizashi Spy Photos
I like the way it looks and if it comes out with a 3.0+L V6 then it will be a contender. All the midsized cars from all the brands are woefully underpowered with a 4 cylinder under the hood. If it comes out with a V6 and AWD then only the Ford Fusion Sport will true competition.
I have driven the new Taurus SHO and Fusion Sport AWD. The SHO is full size car, but still fast and super responsive to steering. The Fusion is quick and just as responsive because it is the same AWD system. I would take the Fusion Sport AWD because it will not take that much to get the 267HP to 315HP N/A and it weighs a lot less than the SHO.
Pics for Proof
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I have a Techno Blue SX4 and now a Turbo!
Nobody wants a fwd car any more ?
Opinions with out facts.
Awd, burns more fuel, wear out tires faster, yes we all want that, of course.
Not to mention insurance rates are higher, maintenance and service costs are increased and because unskilled drivers will think that their car is safer, ultimately there will be more highway fatalities from excessive speed,,,,hey ! don't spoil the party,,What'a you wanna live fore ever, live a little, all the banks got a bailout,,where's mine ?
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2010 Suzuki Kizashi caught in Colorado
. Seeing as how things can change very quickly, I'll only hold that to be 90% accurate, but pretty sure. Man, a mid-size sedan with AWD and that 3.6L would be awesome...
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