A European version of the Suzuki Kizashi saloon is currently being showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. Suzuki says however that this model is for the Swiss market only and there are no plans to sell it in the UK.

The Japanese manufacturer intends to compete actively with the Ford Mondeo and to launch the Kizashi on a market-by-market basis. For now, the Kizashi is only available with a 2.4-liter petrol engine. According to a Suzuki source, marketing this powerplant in the UK would present a challenge. The source added that an engine producing CO2 emissions of around 180g/km would be difficult to sell. Suzuki said that when the market conditions are right, it would bring the car to the UK but for now, it would have to compete only in the small car sector. Currently, the Kizashi is available in Japan. Very soon, sales in the US, Australia and Switzerland would start. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Tags:2010 geneva motor show, 2010 kizashi, 2010 suzuki kizashi, car news, Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki
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A lot is hanging on how the Kizashi mid-sized sedan from American Suzuki Motor Corp. will be received in the US. Recently, Suzuki has released its pricing details. A model with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission is priced from $19,734, including shipping.

A $1,500 premium is attached to an automatic continuously variable transmission. The base all-wheel-drive model, which comes only with a CVT, is priced at $22,484. For the base mode, standard features include eight airbags; push-button keyless start; dual-zone climate control; power windows, doors and locks; and a nine-speaker CD system with steering wheel controls. The car comes only with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Currently being tested is a V-6 engine. Meanwhile, a gasoline-electric hybrid version is expected to arrive around 2011. In an interview at the recently held Tokyo Motor Show, Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki’s chief director of overseas sales, said that the Kizashi is “not necessarily our last chance.” However, he admitted that poor sales for the sedan would compel Suzuki to re-evaluate its position in the US. Suzuki’s current marketing budget is the carmaker’s largest ever. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Kizashi, Suzuki’s new sports saloon available in two- and four-wheel drive, goes on sale later this year. Based on the Concept Kizashi of 2007, the car will initially feature a 2.4-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. The unit is linked to a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shift.

A hybrid version will soon join its lineup. Suzuki tested the Kizashi at the rural roads of England and at Germany’s Nurburgring racetrack, proving that it is both sporty and comfortable. The suspension is multi-link at the rear, constructed of aluminum, and the car has 18-in. alloys at each corner. Compared to the concept car, the production Kizashi is far less radical. The front end is similar to that of the Volkswagen Jetta while the rear is curved and unadventurous. Overall length is 4650mm and width is 1820mm. The car has standard sports seats and a smart swooping dashboard. Safety equipment includes eight standard airbags, ESP, anti-lock brakes, projector beam headlamps and a tire pressure monitoring system. Coinciding with the sale of the Kizashi this year are a crossover and an estate. Photo gallery after the jump!
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Tags:2010 kizashi, 2010 suzuki kizashi, car news, suzuki kizashi, suzuki news, suzukikizashi
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