Suzuki Launches 4x4 Variants of New Swift and Kizashi in Germany

Suzuki is broadening its European lineup with the launch of all-wheel drive variants of its newly introduced 2011 Swift supermini and Kizashi sedan. Starting with the Swift, the 4x4 model is offered exclusively with a 94-horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The company said it returns a fuel economy of 6.7 lt/100km urban, 4.9 lt/100km highway and 5.5 lt/100km combined, with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

The five-door Swift 4x4 is priced in Germany at €14,490 [US$21,000] with standard features including air conditioning and an MP3-capable CD radio with steering wheel controls and a USB port.

The Kizashi 4x4 sedan features Suzuki's so-called intelligent all-wheel drive system (i-AWD), which allows the driver to manually switch the car from front- to all-wheel drive with the push of a button, with power coming from a 178HP-strong 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

According to the Japanese automaker, the Kizashi 4x4 averages 11.3 lt/100km in the city, 6.6 lt/100km on highway and 8.3 lt/100km on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 191 g/km.

Prices in Germany start from €29,900 [US$41,000]. The standard equipment package features a two-zone automatic climate control, Xenon headlights, ten-way power adjustable and heated driver's seat with memory function, and more.

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VIDEO: Suzuki Pits Kizashi Against Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Volvo S40 in New Ads

Even though Suzuki had high hopes for the new Kizashi, sales of the sedan model haven't exactly blown the socks out of anyone this year. In fact, in the U.S., Suzuki has only managed to deliver a mere 5,269 units of the four-door saloon through November. Do the math and that comes to under 500 cars a month.

But the Japanese automaker isn't about to throw in the towel, not just yet. Marking one of its largest advertising campaigns in years, Suzuki has launched an ambition set of edgy ads pitting the Kizashi against similar sized models in the luxury segment such as the Mercedes-Benz C350, Audi A4 and the Volvo S40.

In each case, the Kizashi is shown in a side-by-side test with one of the aforementioned models plus an outsider, and by that we mean a motorized sofa, a man covered in a bubble-wrap suit and a stretch limousine. Well, you can't blame Suzuki for not having a sense of humor. Scroll down to watch all three ads in the videos below.

Source: Suzuki & Autonews

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Report: Suzuki's US Sales Nosediving into Oblivion

Remember yesterday when we said Suzuki got smacked by an average 68% sales drop compared to last August (and -52% from the beginning of the year) in the US? Well, we decided to take a deeper look at the company's sales figures and discovered some interesting facts.

All in all, Suzuki sold a mere 1,878 cars and SUVs in August, down from 5,751 units the same month a year ago. The Japanese automaker says it has around 300 dealers in the U.S. If you do the math, that comes to a little over 6 vehicles sold per dealer in August... Here are some more details on the company's sales broken down model by model:

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Suzuki's "best"-selling models, the Grand Vitara and Equator, took a 73% sales dive. Not far off that, the SX4's sales fell by 75% while the XL7 and and Forenza/Reno took 99% and 100% drops (granted, the Forenza/Reno was discontinued and only moved a laughable 12 units in 2010).

The all-new and much promising Kizashi, which hasn't officially dropped in sales because it wasn't available last August, has barely managed to bring in 478 buyers in August. For all the other scary Suzuki sales figures, scroll on down.

Looking at these depressing stats, it's no wonder they're holding off on debuting the Swift here.

By Phil Alex

Suzuki Kizashi 3

The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki’s Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. As with Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2, the front end of the Concept Kizashi 3 expresses strength and style, with sharply fashioned headlights that emphasize the sensation of forward motion. The Kizashi 3 concept features a muscular, planted stance, a short front overhang and 21 inch wheels that are very likely to disappear by the time the new sedan hits the road along with the dual exhaust outlets.

The Kizashi 3 Concept is powered by a 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 engine with plated cylinders that produces 300 hp. The plated cylinders save both weight and space, and has directly evolved from Suzuki’s motorcycle business and WRC development teams.. It features all wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission that offers drivers the option of using paddle shifters or letting the computer control the shifts.
Kizashi, which means prelude in Japanese, it’s supposed to be the closest to production, Suzuki it’s planning to introduce the sedan production to the U.S. market by 2010, The vehicle’s overall mission to provide strong, refined urban performance.

Suzuki Kizashi Concept 3

The third Kizashi concept was an AWD vehicle that included a 3,564 cc (3.564 L; 217.5 cu in) V6 engine rated 300 hp, 6-speed automatic transmission, and 21-inch aluminium wheels with 255/30ZR21 tires. Concept Kizashi 3 was unveiled at the 2008 New York auto show.
Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi


Suzuki Kizashi



Suzuki Kizashi





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Suzuki Wallpaper

Suzuki Kizashi Sport Pictures

Suzuki Kizashi Sport Pictures

Suzuki Kizashi Sport wallpaper


Suzuki Kizashi Sport images


Suzuki Kizashi Sport photo


2011 Kizashi Sport picture



Revealing the Kizashi Sport a day ahead of its official press day, Suzuki claims the “near-luxury content” and a “Euro-tuned platform” as reasons to go head on with the likes of Audi A4 and Acura TSX.

The Sport pack adds on a more muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille, side sill extensions, lower body side molding (again with chrome), a slim bootlid spoiler, lightweight 18-inch alloys and a 10 mm lower ride height. Audiophiles will be delighted by the standard 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo.

The Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 185 bhp and 230 Nm. In the States, AWD is an option but it’s paired solely to a CVT. Front driven Kizashis can be had with a six-speed manual.