Straightline - Suzuki Kizashi 3: 2008 New York Auto Show

Suzuki Kizashi 3: 2008 New York Auto Show

With the unveiling of the Kizashi 3 concept car, the Kizashi period at Suzuki is finally nearing an end. Sort of.

The whole thing started at Frankfurt with the unveiling of the Kizashi concept -- a not-at-all-unpleasant-looking red four-door hatchback. This was followed (predictably) by the largely pointless and fussy-looking four-door hatch Kizashi 2 concept at the Tokyo auto show. And now Suzuki has stripped the least realistic stuff from the basic style and revealed the nearer-to-production Kizashi 3 notchback sedan.

A further stripping of auto-show filigree such as the super-narrow side mirrors and the 21-inch wheels would reveal the range-topping sedan that the company will begin selling sometime in 2009 as a 2010 model. Based on the newest version of GM's Epsilon platform that, in slightly different form, sits under the Chevy Malibu, the sedan will be available with a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 (from the XL7 sport-ute and sourced from GM) and all-wheel drive. We expect the company to introduce a four-cylinder version and a front-drive version.

And while the grille is a bit over the top, the sedan is certainly one of the more compelling designs we've ever seen from Suzuki. --Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit

Read all about the Kizashi 3

Posted by Daniel Mar 20, 2008 9:50 am

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Categories: Suzuki | New York Auto Show

Comments

ateixeira - Mar 20, 2008 10:16 am (#1 Total: 6)

Recife, PE, Brazil

Looks good, and for once it looks as aggressive as the sketch was.

The headlights remind me of the WRX', but perhaps a little better integrated. The grille is EVO/GTI-ish.

The rear is more unique.

Overall it look good. I hope they don't water down a production model.

rsholland - Mar 20, 2008 10:34 am (#2 Total: 6)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

I think it's stunning. Not surprising really, as many recent Suzuki designs pretty impressive.

What is surprising, however, is that the rumored V8 is MIA.

sandcountry360 - Mar 20, 2008 11:50 am (#3 Total: 6)

Holy Cow! That's probably the best looking FWD Anything that I've ever seen! Maybe I'm just not that good with proportions, but I immediatley guessed it was RWD. Are the 300hp V6 (I'm guessing from the CTS?), the AWD, and the Epsilon architecture comfirmed? If so, maybe the Malibu SS returns after all...

jerrywimer - Mar 20, 2008 11:54 am (#4 Total: 6)

United States of America, loud'n'proud!

Would a V8 fit into the epsilon platform? Anyway, sharp car. The overall outline reminds me a lot of the new Malibu, which I suppose means that there will be somewhat low A / C pillars for the occupants to contend with, along with the high beltline (especially obvious when driving with the window down- try resting your arm on the door!).

And it's definitely sharp.

Now, can someone define 'notchback' for me? I thought that was basically a hatchback that looked like a sedan. If this thing is really like the new 'bu / Aura, that's a regular trunk, with a fixed glass.

mitcheel - Mar 21, 2008 1:25 pm (#5 Total: 6)

To me it is one of the most sexy looking cars. i could not find any videos for Kizashi 3 expect two at
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/newyork/2008/suzukikizashi3concept.html

http://carnoise.blogspot.com/2008/03/suzuki-kizashi-3-concept-at-2008-new.html

please share if u have any links to Kizashi 3 videos

zoomzoomn - Mar 24, 2008 6:40 am (#6 Total: 6)

Except for that overly blunt front end profile (thank you european pedestrian crash standards!), this thing rocks! Sadly, Suzuki has less recognition than even Hyundai and Kia. They aren't bad cars. Just frequently overlooked due to a jungle full of really good competitors and a weak dealer body (read: limited numbers = limited support!).