Kizashi official website

Just days before the official launch of the Kizashi D-segmenter, on February 2 Maruti Suzuki have launched the car�s official website. The website shows the cars in a a 360 degree view before running an AV highlighting the virtues of the car. The AV tries hard to project the Kizashi as a premium car with sporty styling, doesn�t quite have a great impact though.

There are no specs or details on the car available on the site. All you can do is watch the AV and share the link with your friends.

While the car in the videos doesn�t have any hints of Maruti�s logo on it, with only the Suzuki logo present both at front and back, the website does have the Maruti Suzuki logo on the top left corner. We thought Suzuki would like to keep the word Maruti out for this car�s branding as much as possible, but seems like they they are not obsessed about the idea as we thought they would be.

Here�s link to the official site: http://marutisuzukikizashi.in/

Maruti Suzuki to launch the Kizashi on 28th January

Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch its D-segment car, the Kizashi in India on the 28th of January 2011. The new car will initially be imported as a CBU, priced at around Rs 16lakh and MSIL will take a call on local assembly based on its success.  The Kizashi is well received across the world and is doing decent numbers in some key markets. The company has been pitting the D-segment car against some of the entry-level luxury cars such as the C-class and Audi A4 in its latest ad campaign. Suzuki plans to keep the �Maruti� badge out from the Kizashi branding, so as to make sure that their first venture into the D-segment is not seen an effort by a small car maker to make a bigger car.

The Kizashi internationally comes with 2WD and AWD, although we doubt whether Maruti Suzuki would introduce the AWD version in the price-conscious Indian market. Powered by a 2.4-litre four cylinder engine, the Kizashi is looking good on paper � we hope it�s good enough to tackle its key competitors such as the Honda Accord and the Skoda Laura. The car will be available with a 6 speed manual and a 6-speed CVT transmission.

Kizashi�s features list includes goodies such as ESP, eight airbags, a Rockford Fosgate sound system and 18 inch alloys. Here�s the technical specification chart for your ready reference.

Exterior Dimensions               
Overall length (in.)    183.1
Overall width (in.)    71.7
Overall height (in.)    58.3
Wheelbase (in.)    106.3
Front tread (in.)    61.6
Rear tread (in.)    61.6
Ground clearance (in.)    5.7

Capacities               
Seating capacity    5
Fuel tank capacity (liters/gallons)    63 / 16.6

Engine               
Engine type    2.4 liter, DOHC, 16-valve, digital fuel injection
Number of cylinders    4
Bore x stroke (in.)    3.62 x 3.54
Compression ratio    10.0:1
Maximum output (horsepower @ RPM)    185 HP @ 6,500 RPM (MT)
180 HP @ 6,000 RPM (CVT)       
Maximum torque (lbs.-ft. @ RPM)    230Nm @ 4,000 RPM
Fuel distribution    Multiport Injection
Emission standard compliancy    BIN 5 / LEV 2
Fuel    Gasoline

Transmission               
Type    6MT    CVT   
Final drive ratio    4.117    5.798   

Chassis               
Steering    Electronic power steering with rack & pinion
Suspension, front    MacPherson strut and coil springs
Suspension, rear    Multi-link
Brakes, front    Vented disc
Brakes, rear    Solid disc

Weight               
Curb weight (min.) (lbs.)    3241    3329    3241
Gross vehicle weight (lbs.)    4409

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi coming to India by March 2011

Maruti Suzuki is planning to bring the Kizashi sedan to India by March 2011. The new D-segmenter fro Suzuki is aimed squarely at the likes of the Honda Accord. Maruti Suzuki is considered a maker of small cars in India, and the company�s effort to sell their products in the higher price bracket have not worked till date. An example is the Grand Vitara. Even while retaining at a price much cheaper that its peers, the SUV, due to the lack of a diesel option and being a Maruti Suzuki has never been able to do any respectable numbers.

The Kizashi, however, has been internationally acclaimed to be a capable D-segment car, and if marketed properly should help establish Maruti as a strong contender in the segment. The Kizashi has a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine under its bonnet which is good for about 170PS of power and 220Nm of torque.  Transmission options are a 6-speed manual and a CVT auto. The car is also available in FWD and AWD versions. 

Maruti Suzuki plans to import the car as a CBU initially, and start local assembly / production once the sales pick up. The creative / ad agencies for the new brand have been selected and we should see some campaign running by the end of February.
Expect a price of Rs 15-16 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Specs

Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	2393 cc | 146.0 cu in. | 2.4 L.
Valves	16 valves. 4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain	DOHC
Horsepower	166 BHP (122.176 KW) @ 6000 RPM
Torque	162 Ft-Lbs (220 NM) @ 4000 RPM
HP / Liter	69.4 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Fuel Feed	Fuel Injected
	Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection
Block	Aluminum
Head	Aluminum

Standard Transmission
Gears	6
Transmission	Manual

Optional Transmission
Transmission	CVT

Dimensions
Seating Capacity	5
Doors	4
Exterior
Length	183.1 in | 4651 mm.
Width	71.7 in | 1821 mm.
Height	58.3 in | 1481 mm.
Wheelbase	106.3 in | 2700 mm.