Kizashi V6 kyboshed

SUZUKI has confirmed its first mid-sized sedan will not be available with V6 power initially as planned because of the economic downturn.

Apart from its strikingly unique look, V6 firepower had been expected to be one of the Kizashi’s major points of difference from its most popular Japanese rivals, the Toyota Camry and Mazda6.

Contrary to reports that originated from Japan’s The Nikkei newspaper, the postponement of Suzuki’s V6 engine program has not affected development of the Kizashi, which will appear in final production form at the New York motor show in April.

Suzuki Australia communications manager Andrew Ellis told GoAuto: “To sell a car like the Kizashi in the current automotive climate, it has to be fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible.

“Rather than launch two (Kizashi) models simultaneously and bear the cost that goes with that, we’ll concentrate first on the volume model, which will be the four-cylinder.” Dubbed the resurgent Japanese car-maker’s most important model ever, the Kizashi made its Australian public debut in concept guise at the Sydney motor show last October and commences production in June.

First deliveries are reserved for the US and Europe, with Australian models scheduled for production from December ahead of a local on-sale date in early 2010.

Suzuki remains adamant that a V6 version will follow, after an unspecified period.

While the volume-selling four-cylinder version should feature a better-performing version of the Grand Vitara’s new 2.4-litre engine, the V6 was widely tipped to be a new 3.3-litre engine rather than the 3.6-litre V6 that moves the XL-7 SUV in the US and which powered the Kizashi concept.

However, GoAuto understands it will be an improved version of the Grand Vitara’s new 3.2-litre V6, available in Australia in Suzuki’s facelifted SUV since September 2008.