Revised Suzuki Kizashi emerges

SUZUKI Australia has given the Kizashi mid-sizer a mid-life spruce-up, adding a standard sports kit to all models and introducing new drive-away pricing.

Each variant in the Kizashi range now comes with the same subtle bodykit that was previously only available on the flagship Sport AWD. As part of the package, ride height is lowered by 10mm across the range.

Suzuki has also changed the moniker of entry versions to reflect the edgier look, with the entry grade now called Sport Touring and kicking off from $29,990 drive-away with a manual gearbox, and $32,490 when matched with a CVT transmission.

The previous base model Touring was priced from $28,490, but this did not include on-road costs, which can typically add around $2000 to the price of a car. Therefore, the car is actually cheaper in real terms.

Suzuki has confirmed the drive-away pricing will continue until further notice.

While specification levels in the base model remain much the same as before, it now includes the sports body kit, 18-inch wheels and fog lamps. The Sport Touring is also now the only Kizashi available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Other standard gear on this version includes dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start and Bluetooth connectivity.

The mid-spec Prestige model is now called Sport Prestige and starts at $37,990 drive-away.

This price includes sat-nav as standard, while a reversing camera, heated and electric leather seats, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirror, sunroof and dusk-sensing headlights are also part of the mid-spec package.

The range-topping Sport AWD keeps its sports body kit, while the cabin features a leather steering wheel and silver stitching on the seats.

Each variant is fitted with the expected level of standard safety gear including ABS and ASC, as well as electronic brake force distribution and seven airbags.

Suzuki has not made any mechanical changes to the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, which produces 131kW/230Nm.

Mated to either the six-speed manual gearbox or CVT transmission, the front-wheel drive Kizashi models are good for fuel economy of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, while the AWD sips 8.4L/100km.

Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers said the updated Kizashi would appeal to buyers in both the mid-size and small-car segments.

“Our research shows many small car buyers have considered Kizashi in the past, particularly the stylish looking Sport version,” he said.

“With an entry level price of just $29,990 drive-away, the new look Sport Touring redefines the value equation for these customers.”

Suzuki Australia national communications manager Andrew Ellis said the decision to add a sports body kit across the range was easy given that the Sport AWD variant makes up around 60 per cent of all local Kizashi sales.

However, potential buyers wanting to order a Kizashi without the sports kit will have to look at the used car listings, as there is no option to order a variant without it.

2013 Suzuki Kizashi Sport pricing*

Touring	$29,990
Touring (a)	$32,490
Prestige (a)	$37,990
AWD (a)	$39,990

*Excludes on-road costs.