- Kizashi Apex and Kizashi EcoCharge anchor opposite ends of the spectrum at Suzuki.
- Suzuki's sportbike heritage was the inspiration for the Kizashi Apex turbocharged sport sedan.
- Kizashi EcoCharge is a hybrid sedan that provides 25 percent better fuel economy, along with a power boost during acceleration.
NEW YORK — Suzuki displayed two concept versions of its midsize Kizashi sedan at the 2011 New York Auto Show, anchoring opposite ends of the consumer spectrum.
The Kizashi Apex is a turbocharged sport sedan concept said to be inspired by Suzuki's sportbike heritage.
A Garrett turbocharger and an air-to-liquid intercooler help bump output on the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to 275-200 horsepower, helped by a freer-flowing dual exhaust system.
Suzuki superbikes provided the inspiration for the exterior graphics on the Kizashi Apex, which sports LED foglamps, Euro-spec HID headlamps, lightweight alloy wheels and Yokohama S.Drive 245/35R19 tires. The cabin is trimmed in black leather with blue Alcantara accents on the steering wheel and sport buckets seats.
Kizashi EcoCharge is a hybrid sedan concept that provides 25 percent better fuel economy, along with a power boost during acceleration.
The Kizashi EcoCharge starts with Suzuki's 144-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and mates it with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 15kW belt-drive electric motor/generator that provides a boost in power during acceleration, but also helps nudge highway fuel economy by 25 percent. Fuel-squeezing technologies include an automatic stop-start system, regenerative braking and low-rolling-resistance tires.
The EcoCharge is painted luminescent white satin with blue undercoat, and features LED foglamps, aluminum wheels and "green" seats.
Inside Line says: Stretching Kizashi's performance envelope in different directions. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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wikiwiki says:
04:04 PM, 04/21/2011
I think Suzuki has a great opportunity to replace Mitsubishi as an equal to Subaru in the oddball, off-the-beaten-path Japanese car department. They just need more name brand recognition and more marketing dollars. And more dealer locations too I guess.
compressor says:
04:03 PM, 04/21/2011
wikiwiki - I am with you on the Kizashi wagon. A nice sloping Audi A4-esque roofline would be nice.
Come on Suzuki, I need to replace my horrible turbo-lag laden, loud as shnit wrx wagon.
wikiwiki says:
04:03 PM, 04/21/2011
I really like these cars. Good job!! If I had to choose a new car today it would be between the Kizashi and the 2012 Impreza wagon. And it would not be an easy choice. Kisashi wagon/hatch???
fsu_seminole1 says:
04:00 PM, 04/21/2011
Very nice, Suzuki! I agree we need more competitors for Subaru/Mitsu. Definitely will raise the bar.
smallfield says:
03:53 PM, 04/21/2011
Nice. We need more 275-300hp compact sedans. I'd like someone to compete with Subaru and Mitu.