Yesterday, Suzuki unveiled the latest iteration of the Kizashi, a direct competitor to the legendary Volkswagen Jetta. But as you would expect at an auto show, there is a twist.
It is the Kizashi SPORT.
And when you think of a sporty Suzuki automobile you kind of shrug and say "meh," however, you would be wrong because you have to recall this is the same company that builds the outrageous motorcycle, the Hayabusa.
You know, the bike that does 200 plus MPH all day long, have a peek below.
According to 001, who has driven the Kizashi extensively, this Suzuki is one of the best driving sedans for $25,000.
It is no joke.
What do you say, Spies? Thumbs up, thumbs down?
Discuss...
**Make sure to take a look through the gallery and let us know what you like/dislike at the 2010 New York Auto Show.
Suzuki's press release follows:
NEW YORK (March 30, 2010) — American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) arrives in Manhattan — a city known for and populated by its many imports — for the global introduction of its 2011 Kizashi Sport at this year's New York International Auto Show. Offered exclusively on Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels, Suzuki's new 'Sport' variant of its sleek and sophisticated sport sedan is scheduled to go on sale in the United States this August. Pricing for the all-new 2011 Kizashi Sport will be announced closer to the vehicle's arrival in dealer showrooms.
"We've been thrilled with an enthusiastic reaction to the 2010 Kizashi, and we look forward to offering sport sedan buyers the newest iteration of our stylish sport sedan later this year," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "The Kizashi Sport provides us with an opportunity to build on the sport sedan's short-term accomplishments and further engage driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable alternative to luxury performance vehicles."
Based on the recently introduced 2010 Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee"), already acclaimed for its near-luxury content and Euro-tuned platform, the 2011 Kizashi Sport moves the excitement meter upward with a host of external mods. These include a more muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille, body side sill extensions, lower body side molding with chrome accents, a trunk mounted spoiler, custom light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride height for a combination of better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity for enhanced grip and sharper handling.
Inside, the new Kizashi gets a distinctive designed sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip and contrasting stitching on the leather seats, shifter boot and emergency brake boot (when equipped with black leather interior). Interior upgrades speak to the Kizashi's sporting intent, with form-fitting sport seats and driver-centric cockpit.
2010 Kizashi
The 2010 Kizashi is available in four trim levels, ranging from the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S priced between $18,999 for FWD and $21,899 for AWD, to the luxuriously appointed SLS model ranging from $24,499 for FWD M/T to $26,899 for AWD Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Prices do not include the $735 destination and handling charge.
2010 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery
2010 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery
2011 Ford Mustang Photo Gallery
Geneva Motor Show Photo Gallery