2013 Suzuki Kizashi: Midsize Capacity/Full-Size Enjoyment

BREA, Calif., Sept. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the largest automotive consumer segment, manufacturers of midsize sedans have historically gone to great lengths to match consumer needs with an appropriate feature and benefit. None, however, have traveled the path taken by Suzuki and its Kizashi sport sedan, where European chassis dynamics have been joined by Japanese engineering, Japanese assembly and an affordable price point. The end result, available as an entry-level, midlevel 'SE', Sport GTS and upscale Sport SLS, has been 'wowing' both automotive media and automotive enthusiasts since its 2010 introduction.

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In 2013 Suzuki's Kizashi enjoys revised packaging for enhanced value, along with an available new embedded navigation and infotainment system.  The voice-activated system incorporates Bluetooth streaming audio¹, USB ports for a variety of portable music players, and the convenience of a rear vision camera².

Functionally, the 2013 Kizashi continues to offer consumers a choice of front-wheel drive or Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD).  Based on road conditions and steering wheel input, Kizashi's i-AWD system senses the turn and optimizes the torque distribution to the rear wheels for smooth, controlled cornering.  It provides, in the words of online authority Edmunds.com, "an engaging driving experience highlighted by a well-balanced chassis and an abundance of grip…"

As with all 2013 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Kizashi and Kizashi Sport are backed by America's #1 Warranty³: a 100,000 mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible limited warranty.

International Design

At its debut Suzuki's Kizashi redefined the traditional performance sedan, moving the Suzuki brand upscale without abandoning Suzuki's traditional emphasis on content and value. With its wide track the Kizashi enjoys an athletic stance, while its organic sheet metal literally slips through the air. And for the benefit of an urban-centric audience, the Kizashi's generous greenhouse, precise platform and composed ride supply a safe and secure environment for any cross-town or cross-country journey.

Driver-oriented Environment

In the tradition of great sport sedans, the interior of the Suzuki Kizashi optimizes driver placement. That positioning begins with a seating position neither too high nor too low, driver-centric instrumentation and standard sport buckets for both lateral support and long-term comfort. The end result of intelligent design and upscale appointment is a cockpit, as described by MSN Autos, "richer than the class norm and worthy of an entry-level luxury car."

If your lifestyle includes activities beyond driving, the Kizashi's flexible interior (including a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with center pass-through) provides stowage for sports gear up to and including a mountain or road bike. And the Kizashi's available touchscreen voice-activated navigation system allows getting out of town and to your destination easy

Balanced Approach to an Out-of-Balance World

The 2013 Suzuki Kizashi retains its MacPherson strut suspension up front and a multi-link, fully independent suspension in back. In combination with a rigid body structure featuring extensive use of ultra-high-strength steel, accurate steering and available all-wheel drive, Kizashis are equipped for comfortable and composed handling on any surface, and in any part of these United States. More than its mechanical menu, however, is the way its componentry has been woven into a cohesive architecture, where the needs and wants of driver and passengers work in harmony with the roadway, traffic and weather.

Powertrain

As most manufacturers of midsize sedans now eschew the V6 engine, Suzuki was among the first to embrace the optimal balance provided by a well-engineered four-cylinder powertrain. The Kizashi's 2.4 liter DOHC four, when connected to its 6-speed manual transmission, delivers 185 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque (@ 4,000 rpm). Opt for the available CVT (standard on Kizashis with all-wheel drive) and the identical four-cylinder delivers 180 horsepower.

Beyond the platform's comfort and composure is the security provided by the Kizashi's Intelligent Vehicle Stability Program (i-VSP)⁴ on those Kizashis equipped with all-wheel drive.

Safety

The 2013 Kizashi's active safety features include an Electronic Stability Program^®5 (ESP) and four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The Kizashi's passive safety features include a reinforced body structure – creating a compartmentalized passenger cell – combined with front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb the energy of an impact. Eight airbags standard, including dual front advanced airbags, and work in combination with quad side-impact airbags, front and rear; side curtain airbags, front and rear; Vehicle Security System with engine immobilizer; and rear child-seat tether anchors and rear child-seat ISOFIX anchors.

Roll Your Own

Every Suzuki Kizashi provides an upscale combination of credible design and flawless execution. Suzuki clients can easily equip their Kizashis to their specific needs, wants and desires. All Kizashis come with a comprehensive level of standard equipment which includes dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter and rear-seat vents, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, and 60/40 split-folding locking rear seats with rear armrest/center pass-through.

Opt for the Front-Wheel Drive SE trim and the performance-tuned CVT becomes standard. Inside, SE drivers enjoy a 10-way power driver's seat adjustment with 3-position memory, cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Outside, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55-R17 all-season tires add both visual grace and dynamic precision to the Kizashi platform.

As its descriptive would suggest, the Kizashi Sport GTS ups the performance ante with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Kizashis equipped with the CVT, while all GTS Kizashis benefit from sport suspension, 18-inch light alloy wheels and sport body package (including front sport fascia, body side extensions and rear spoiler). The front-wheel drive GTS is now equipped with a leather-appointed interior; heated seats and power passenger seat; a Rockford Fosgate^®6 425-watt audio system with subwoofer; and power glass sunroof with tilt and one-touch control. This upgraded edition is the GTS-L. The all-wheel drive Sport GTS and Sport SLS models are now equipped with standard voice activated navigation system, while the Sport SLS AWD enjoys additional features including, leather-appointed interior with dual heated and power seats, automatic headlamp control and rain sensing wipers, rear sonar parking assist, HomeLink^®7 wireless control with automatic day/night rear-view mirror.

Technical Specifications – 2013 Suzuki Kizashi

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Overall Length: 183.1 inches

Overall Width: 71.7 inches

Engine: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine

Horsepower: 185hp @ 6,500 rpm (MT); 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm (CVT)

Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission, Manual: 6-speed manual transmission

Transmission, Automatic: Continuously Variable

Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution

¹Requires compatible smartphone app and active data service.  Drivers and/or passengers could be subject to data service overage charges should the drivers and/or passengers exceed the limits of the data service plan.

²Rear vision camera is a convenience feature and is not a substitute for looking to the rear and using rear-view mirrors.  Drivers should ensure the area is clear when driving in reverse.

³See suzukiauto.com or your local Dealer for more information on warranty highlights or the New Vehicle Warranty Information booklet for full warranty disclosure.

⁴Intelligent Vehicle Stability Program (i-VSP), which should remain on when driving except when freeing the vehicle from mud or snow, cannot be relied upon to prevent accidents, due to abrupt steering, carelessness or dangerous driving techniques.  Always drive safely.

⁵Electronic Stability Program^® (ESP) is a registered trademark of Daimler AG, which should remain on when driving except when freeing the vehicle from the mud or snow, cannot be relied upon to prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness or dangerous driving techniques.

⁶Rockford Fosgate^® is a registered trademark of Rockford Corporation.

⁷HomeLink^® is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 201 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corporation