HOT CAR! 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
Standard equipment includes front-wheel drive (FWD) and a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine developing 185 hp (138 kW) and 170 lb·ft (230 N·m) of torque. Available transmissions are a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT version reduces power to 180 hp (134 kW), and has a 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) time of about 8 seconds. The Kizashi offers 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels, Akebono sourced brakes, a choice of cloth or leather seating surfaces, and a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability. All wheel drive (AWD) (based on the i-AWD system featured in the Suzuki SX-4) is optional and includes a driver-activated FWD mode to save fuel. The engine lineup will supposedly include two petrol engines displacing 2.4L and 3.6L respectively, as well as a 2.0L turbodiesel unit for European markets. FWD is expected to be standard although an AWD option will be available for some models as well as a paddle-shift six-speed automatic. In December 2010, the Kizashi won two motoring awards in New Zealand: the Supreme Winner in the 2010 AA Motoring Excellence Awards and the New Zealand Herald Car of the Year Award. The car was praised for its astonishing attention to detail, refinement and comfort. In India, in collaboration with India’s largest passenger car manufacturer Maruti, Suzuki launched the car as the Maruti Kizashi on 2 February 2011. It was expected to be a CBU (Completely Built Unit), so heavy import duties may push its prices to a higher point than originally intended. The Maruti Kizashi is priced at around 1.6 to 1.75 million Indian rupees (46 INR = $1). This model has a J24B 2.4 petrol engine with 4 cylinder 16 valves DOHC. The 2400cc engine is capable of producing 185 hp of peak power at 6,500 rpm (manual transmission) and 180 hp at 6,000 rpm (CVT). It churns 170 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The Maruti Kizashi utilizes a direct ignition system for increased fuel efficiency with decreased emissions. With the help of this and other engine technologies, the car gives 9 kmpl in city and 12 kmpl at highway. The maximum fuel tank capacity of the car is 63 litre.