Elegance with an athletic edge
Suzuki’s first contender in the medium car segment, the eye-catching Kizashi, has been attracting a lot of attention since its South African debut in August.
Suzuki Auto SA is using its presence at the Johannesburg International Motor Show to introduce an exclusive Sport version of the new Kizashi. Based on the standard Kizashi SDLX model, the Kizashi Sport offers buyers a number of unique and highly attractive features.
Immediately apparent is the hunkered-down stance of the car, achieved by lowering the suspension of the sedan by 10 mm. It serves to emphasise the poised, athletic character of the sedan.
The front end gets a new, deeper front bumper with a more pronounced lower air intake, while the fog lamps are framed by chromed bezels. Extended sills underline the Sport’s low-slung road presence, while a boot spoiler is further proof of its more dynamic visual identity.
The interior execution reflects a similarly sporty approach. The gearshift lever is fitted with a sporty, leather-trimmed gear knob, while the sculpted bucket seats are trimmed in genuine leather. The seats, handbrake gaiter and gearshift boot all feature contrasting silver stitching.
Except for the lower suspension, the mechanicals of the Kizashi Sport are identical to those of the standard Kizashi CVT version. It is powered by a 2,4-litre in-line four-cylinder engine, designated J24B.
The twin-cam engine’s maximum output comes to 131 kW at 6 500 r/min, coupled to a torque peak of 230 Nm at 4 000 r/min. The engine is also highly efficient, and achieves a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 7,9 litres/100 km and a CO2 emissions rating of 187 g/km.
The performance figures of vindicate the Kizashi’s sporty disposition. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,8 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h.
