BREA, California — Suzuki Motor, one of Japan's smallest carmakers, hopes to keep its American dream alive just a little longer, but the decision on whether to stay in or pull out of the U.S. market could well hinge on the public's acceptance of the all-new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi midsize sedan.
The Kizashi, which has been shown in several concept incarnations at U.S. auto shows over the past two years, will do battle in perhaps the most highly competitive segment in the States, one that is dominated by the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Although it is aiming at those two long-time successes, the Kizashi is quite a bit smaller — about the size of the Acura TSX and Volkswagen Jetta.
Suzuki is touting the new Kizashi, which is due to reach dealerships this winter, as a "North American Car of the Year contender." But the production model is greatly subdued, compared with the rather radical Kizashi concepts, and appears to break little new visual ground in the segment.
The company's new flagship sedan will have one mark of distinction: optional all-wheel drive. Suzuki labels the Kizashi as a "sport sedan," but initially it will be offered with a DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission. Eventually, the company says it will add a hybrid variant to the mix, but there is no word on an optional V6 to pit against Honda, Toyota and such domestic U.S. rivals as the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu.
Among the standard features are four-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability program and push-button start. Options will include 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.
Inside Line says: Suzuki really pulled in the reins on the production Kizashi. Let's see how buyers respond. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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