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SUZUKI ENTERS NEW SEGMENT WITH KIZASHI CONCEPT

Highlights

• The Kizashi concept, introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, illustrates Suzuki’s progress toward developing a new D-segment entry. The D-segment is divided into two categories: family-oriented cars characterized by cabin roominess and compact “entry luxury,” offering performance, prestige and quality. The new value that Suzuki will provide is unique to the segment in that it combines affordability and emotional appeal.

• Kizashi is a Japanese word meaning “prelude” or “foretaste,” symbolizing a change within Suzuki. Kizashi represents Suzuki’s passion for challenges, its future direction and the competitive strength that is unique to the company.

• The design theme for the Kizashi is “a dynamic athlete in motion.” In creating the Kizashi, Suzuki made a particular effort to express the car’s prowess as a highway standout with large wheels and wide treads, expressing a capacity for high performance. A bonnet shape suggests abundant engine power, and an aerodynamic stance enables the car to cut through the air while firmly gripping the road.

• Suzuki has made a name for itself in the compact car and sport utility vehicle segments. To respond to ever-changing customer demands and expectations, an automaker of Suzuki’s caliber must offer a wide range of products in order to accommodate customers’ diverse lifestyles. As a result, Suzuki plans entries in segments from A to D in the next few years. With a new flagship sedan, Suzuki will further illustrate its high level of engineering and technological competence – bolstering its brand image globally.

• Suzuki’s “Way of Life!” brand promise translates into this new sedan based on five principles: “straightforwardness,” “value,” “sportiness,” “spirit” and “excitement.” Suzuki offers fun-to-drive, fun-to-own products that are sensible and worthwhile, while delivering character and emotional appeal.

• The first phase of Suzuki’s world strategy focuses on “sportiness” and is embodied by the highly successful Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4.

• The Splash will embody the second phase of Suzuki’s world strategy, focused on “family,” a core Suzuki value, and also makes its world debut at the 2007 Frankfurt show. The next model in this family-centered, user-friendly phase is the next-generation Alto, which combines environmental compatibility with agility.

• The third phase of Suzuki’s world strategy focuses on “status” as a sign of the maturity of the brand, and it is embodied by Kizashi’s entry in the D-segment.

• The Kizashi concept illustrates a high degree of “status” by featuring an appealing blend of cabin roominess, graceful styling, dynamism, character and a passionate spirit matched to Suzuki’s user-centered functionality and performance engineering excellence.

• To respond to the global demand for environmental compatibility in the D-segment, Suzuki offers a hybrid car that achieves environmental compatibility without sacrificing an emotionally appealing engine feel. Intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) will further heighten the car’s refined dynamics. For an even better combination of environmental compatibility and dynamic performance, the i-AWD development targets include the lowest CO2 emissions of any D-segment AWD passenger car.

Technical Specifications:
Overall length (mm): 4,650
Overall width (mm): 1,950
Overall height (mm): 1,400
Wheelbase (mm): 2,850
Engine: Newly developed 2.0L 4-valve turbo diesel
Transmission: Sequential six-speed
Drive System: Advanced i-AWD
Tires: 255/30R21
Wheels: 21-inch, nine-spoke, aluminum-alloy

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