2010 Suzuki Kizashi Earns Highest Safety Ratings in NHTSA NCAP Crash Tests

BREA, Calif., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announced that the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee"), the company's first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment, earned the highest possible ratings in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The Kizashi was awarded a five-star rating in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for all seating positions.

The NCAP rates vehicles to determine crashworthiness and rollover safety. The safety ratings are gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests conducted at NHTSA's test facilities, with five stars indicating the highest safety rating and one star the lowest. Star ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safercar.gov program (www.safercar.gov).

The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, the 2010 Kizashi already meets some of the crash standards put in place for the year 2014, including rigorous side pole crash, side barrier crash, and European pedestrian protection standards. Better illumination is achieved in the Kizashi with standard projector beam headlights and supplemental side-mounted signal lights.

Enhancing driver confidence, and contributing to the Kizashi's Active Safety (i.e. a heightened accident avoidance capability), the Kizashi also offers a reinforced rigid chassis for added stability – via sport-tuned suspension – and control; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution; Electronic Stability Program (FWD) or Intelligent Vehicle Stability Program (AWD); and excellent visibility via unobstructed sight lines, fold-down rear headrests and available rear sonar and backup camera.

The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, which arrived in dealer showrooms last December, delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag. The Kizashi is available in four trim levels, from the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S, priced between $18,999 for FWD and $21,749 for AWD, to the luxuriously appointed SLS model ranging from $24,399 for FWD M/T to $26,749 for AWD Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Prices do not include the $735 destination and handling charge.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 350 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2008, SMC sold more than 2 million new cars and trucks and more than 3.5 million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 196 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com.

Media Contacts

Jeff Holland, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext. 2464, [email protected]

David Boldt, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext. 2464, [email protected]

SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corporation