Kizashi offers ultimate driving experience in its classJEDDAH – Suzuki, traditionally revered as a strong player in the Japanese mini-car automobile industry, has made a giant leap forward when it unveiled Kizashi - its entry into the mid-size car segment. In an era where other renowned car manufacturers are shifting from their much-touted big family sedan to smaller, compact cars as global economic downturn took its toll, Suzuki's recent move is a manifestation of the Japanese automaker's profitability and track record in the industry. Suzuki Kizashi's drive into Camry-Accord-Mazda 6-Galant-Altima and the like territory (with an engine size of 2400cc-2.700cc) proves that it is a new breed of car that would really “stimulate” car enthusiasts. Suzuki Kizashi will be introduced in Saudi Arabia this coming August, Maher Al Nabawi, deputy general manager of Suzuki Saudia, told the Saudi Gazette. He said that Suzuki keeps on improving year-on-year, quarter-by-quarter. In the Kingdom, Suzuki Saudia controls 5 percent of the market in its category, selling an average of 2,500 units a year or over 200 units a month, he added. The unassuming deputy general manager of Suzuki Saudia emphasized that “there is a very good demand” for Suzuki cars in the Kingdom due to their “durability, uncompromising quality standard and superior technical specifications.” He noted that Suzuki has been elevated to number 4 among top five Japanese carmakers, following Toyota, Nissan and Isuzu. With the much-awaited launch of Kizashi in the Kingdom, Al Nabawi said Suzuki Saudia will strive for the number three slot “within three years.” Suzuki Kizashi delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes with premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this class. As a clear departure from traditional sedan values, Kizashi reflects Sazuki's unique approach to delivering truly enjoyable handling. It is an embodiment of radical transformation of Suzuki's acclaimed technologies that have earned the respect of many in the industry. Kizashi is an outstanding new sport-sedan in the “upper medium” market, in which motorists are looking for something to put the thrill back into driving. It is the answer to such craving, for Kizashi offers an optimal blend of sportiness, eco-friendliness, comfort and cutting-edge safety performance. Kizashi, which means “ a sign of great things to come” in Japanese, is a manifestation of the ultimate excitement throughout the driving experience. The first-of-its-kind for Suzuki, Kizashi features bold and sporty styling inside and out, and delivers a fantastic value compared to other sedans in the class. As a flagship model in the Suzuki passenger car lineup, Kizashi creates excitement that truly represents Suzuki's “Way of Life” slogan. Kizashi's all-wheel drive system delivers far superior performance that inspires greater driver confidence by enabling smoother starting, acceleration and control in any kind of terrain and otherwise challenging road surfaces. Built at Suzuki Motor Corporation's brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine offering a more potent standard engine than many competitive best-sellers. The engine employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Its dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine delivers 185 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with the manual transmission, and 180 hp at 6,000 rpm in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission. Kizashi's engine features refinements that maximize intake valve lift and limit noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). It can sprint from zero-to-60 in just 8.3 seconds with the AWD and CVT drivetrain. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, Kizashi offers a newly developed advanced all-wheel-drive system with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of driving enthusiasm. For enhanced safety, Kizashi's sophisticated braking system includes suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications. It is also equipped with advanced electronic stability control w/traction control, daytime running lights, driver/front passenger airbags, front/rear side impact airbags, front/rear curtain airbags, latch system, child safety rear door locks and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Inside, Kizashi offers leather or deluxe densely woven fabric seats, as well as a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability. Eight airbags, ABS and stability control is standard across the lineup. With Kizashi, great things to come would certainly relegate boredom to a thing of the past and welcome a new way of stimulating life. Suzuki is expected to pull more surprises in the future as a result of agreement reached with Volkswagen AG, the biggest European car manufacturer. VW and Suzuki have reached a common understanding to establish a comprehensive partnership under a framework agreement signed by representatives of both companies on Dec. 9. To support a smooth development of this relationship, Volkswagen will purchase 19.9 percent of Suzuki's issued shares. Suzuki intends to invest up to one half of the amount received from Volkswagen into shares of Volkswagen. Under the accord, both companies will form a long-term strategic partnership which will support their successful strategies in these challenging times. __
