A Genesis Sedan Alternative...

[GenesisBlog]

I am really looking hard at this car. Although reliability is not historically as good as Hyundai, this baby could break down every mile and I'd rather have the look of this than the Genesis.... which I love...

Introducing the Suzuki Kizashi

LINK TO HIGH RESOLUTION SUZUKI KIZASHI WALLPAPER http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/highRes.aspx?carID=15151

$21,000-$28,000 Direct injection four Cylinder and 300hp V6 with paddle shift. Slightly smaller than Camry, so significantly smaller than Genesis. Hybrid model to come.

Article One: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-suzuki-kizashi.htm

Article Two: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/concept_central/suzuki_concept_kizashi_2_auto_shows

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/concept_central/suzuki_concept_kizashi_2_auto_shows+view-photos.html

Concept Kizashi 3 Specifications
Powertrain layout: Front engine, four-wheel drive with Advanced i-AWD system
Seating capacity (persons): Five
Tires: 255/30ZR21 9.5J
Wheels: 21-inch, nine-spoke, aluminum
Engine: 3,564cm3 V6, DOHC, 24-valve
Transmission: Six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters)
Maximum power: 300 hp
Overall length: 4,650mm/183.1 in.
Overall width: 1,900mm/74.8 in.
Overall height: 1,450mm/57.1 in.
Wheelbase: 2,800mm/110.2 in.
Minimum ground clearance: 120mm
Body color: Kizashi Silver

 

[GenesisBlog]

Several of the things I prefer over Genesis

1. Price
2. Direct injection
3. Front grill
4. Rear looks more upscale, finer details and sleeker. The rear looks like the new Maserati or a beefed CLS550.
5. Shorter rear deck lid
6. Headlights
7. FLARED FENDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8. Wide and squat. Wide and squat. Wide and squat. Wide and squat.
9. Available AWD

Video Clip/ Article http://carnoise.blogspot.com/2008/03/suzuki-kizashi-3-concept-at-2008-new.html Be sure to really watch the 2nd video clip on the page! It shows this car the best and shows the Wagon model.

Several Things I don't

1. Smaller
2. Reliability and resale record of Suzuki
3. Will be using a GM power plant
4. No V8

For under $25,000 I could live with a smaller motor and add wheels and tint only. This car looks extremely upscale. I absolutly love the fat cat look. While I'd love a V8 Tech Genesis, saving $15,000 sounds real nice.

Article quote "....Overall, the Kizashi 3 looks like the car the Hyundai Genesis Sedan should have been. "

Overall for me? I think I just creamed a little in my pants... Laugh or not, this is one stunning alternative. I hope the fit and finish is up to snuff of Hyundai's. We just witnessed Honda and Toyota getting the living sh*t kicked out of them by these two manufacturers, point blank.

Hyundai & Suzuki just took the gloves off.

 

[GenesisBlog]

If there is any question of Suzuki's prowess to build sport machines, may I mention the word Hayabusa?

Ride up on the tail of a $30,000 Ducati astride a 'Busa and watch the rider shrivel like 4 year old boy in an ice cold swimming pool.

High Res White Wagon Pix

 

[GenFan]

There is no doubt that this is an awesome looking car. But, isn't it still just in concept or prototype?

The original drawings and concept car of the Genesis are much more progressive and dynamic than the production model. I wonder how much the Suzuki will change.

I still prefer the Genesis.

 

[Par Avion]

Genesis is a luxury sedan, the Suzuki is not. Depends on your preference.

 

[GenFan]

I'd drive that white wagon in a heartbeat! That thing is cool!

 

[GenesisBlog]

There is no doubt that this is an awesome looking car. But, isn't it still just in concept or prototype?

The original drawings and concept car of the Genesis are much more progressive and dynamic than the production model. I wonder how much the Suzuki will change.

I still prefer the Genesis.

No longer a "concept." In the video clips the manager states it's pretty much what they are producing. The Genesis doesn't look even close... in my opinion

 

[GenesisBlog]

Genesis is a luxury sedan, the Suzuki is not. Depends on your preference.

That's partially true. This is supposed to be a close gap between Camry and Luxury. The high model will most likely be equal to the base Genesis but loaded with more stuff.

My point was it look nicer and is a whole lot less expensive. Everyone is watching pennies these days. I sure am.

 

[GenesisBlog]

Warranty: For long term owners this is important.

I lease, so I don't care. The Hyundai warranty is a lot longer.

Hyundai
5/60,000
10 years/ 100,000 miles

Suzuki
Basic 3/36
Powertrain 7 years, 100,000 miles

Direct Manufacturer Page Link for Kizashi
http://www.suzukiauto.com/about_suzuki/concepts/view_concept.php?m=concept_kizashi_3

 

[Par Avion]

I think you'll be disappointed when the production car is revealed. Take a look at these spy shots. The car has been toned down for the midsize sedan market. It's not wide or squat like the concept and doesn't appear to be as aggressive. And again, this is NOT a luxury sedan so it doesn't compete with the Gen anyway.

I think the 09 Mazda6 would be more up your alley if you are seriously considering the Kizashi.

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[GenesisBlog]

I think you'll be disappointed when the production car is revealed. Take a look at these spy shots. The car has been toned down for the midsize sedan market. It's not wide or squat like the concept.....

Wrong: Quote from Suzuki at 2008 Auto Show "....Suzuki says the concept is 90-95% of what the real product will look like ...

There is virtually no way you can tell what it looks like under that cover. In fact if you look at the bulge under the hood portion and the rear tail light (when it isn't red from the brakes being on,) you can tell it is probably exactly like the concept 3.

The company has already stated in video # 2 if you watch it, that the car is pretty much what you see, what you get, except the skimpy mirrors and possibly making the larger wheels an option.

We're probably seeing the base 4 cylinder version these spy shots. I also upon examining it, see exactly what the show photos are.

You should have seen the new M3 under its black vinyl cover, and should have seen the current 3 series BMW a few years ago. They were also hideous from spy shots.

And we can ALL remember the Genesis sedan spy shots. It looked just as boring and just as crappy. Look what they gave us. A stunning automobile. Manufacturers drape these vehicles in this wrap for a reason.

I completely disagree with Par Avion. Go and throw one of you're wife's curtains over you're car and see what it looks like. You'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Simonwpb]

Exterior views of a proto at an auto show are often dazzling...

I would have to see the production interior and performance handling to form an honest opinion. If the ride or interior finish do not match the outside looks, then all bets are off.

 

[Par Avion]

 

[njohnson]

No matter what the auto company says you have to wait to see the final production variation. In most cases there will be differences as a lot of the items on that car shown above are too expensive to reproduce.

Even between those three samples above (assuming they are the same vehicle) there are lots of variations.

 

[GenesisBlog]

..
..Gotta check out this great Video/ Info source

Kizashi 3 Site

 

[Sal Collaziano]

It IS a very nice car.. Suzuki would get more respect with the Kizashi... I'll keep my eye on it..

In any event, I'm moving this into the Lounge area - as I really don't see it belonging in the Genesis forum...

 

[GenesisBlog]

This one is Photoshop CS3 w/ Black Grill, No Badge

 

[GenFan]

GenesisBlog,

I can see that you're passionate about this car. I'm afraid that you're going to be very disappointed when you see the production model. So far, everything about this car is labeled, "Concept".

I will gladly eat my words if it rolls off the assembly line looking like this, but I'm very confident this thing is going to be toned down tremendously.

 

[Michael_S]

GenesisBlog,

I have to agree with the others. Many automakers display unbelievably gorgeous concept cars, and then bring real duds into production. I think the Suzuki concept you point out is stunning.

But it shares a platform with the GM midsize sedans the Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, and Chevy Malibu. Of the three I think only the Malibu looks better than plain average, and even the Malibu is nowhere close to this concept.

I hope you're right, but I'm betting you're wrong.

 

[GenesisBlog]

GenesisBlog,

I have to agree with the others. Many automakers display unbelievably gorgeous concept cars, and then bring real duds into production. I think the Suzuki concept you point out is stunning.

But it shares a platform with the GM midsize sedans the Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, and Chevy Malibu. Of the three I think only the Malibu looks better than plain average, and even the Malibu is nowhere close to this concept.

I hope you're right, but I'm betting you're wrong.

After seeing recent spy shots, I have to agree. Suzuki just bold faced lied when they said the Concept 3 would be very close to the original.
Check out this link http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-kizashi/25863-what-happened-kizashi-being-ruined.html

The spy shots show a lot. They have totally destroyed the entire look of the car. The entire lines and overall looks are almost entirely gone.

The only competitor (for me) to my upcoming lease is the Chevy Volt. Unless I make a killing in the next 8 months in my business, and I don't see that happening, then those two cars will be the only two I look at.