Suzuki Kizashi Concept

By Ben Barry

Motor Shows

12 September 2007 09:36

Hasn't Toyota shown this car before?

Suzuki, it's a Suzuki. But yes, the front end does resemble Toyota's FT-HS concept. Suzuki is making a statement of intent with the world premiere of its Kizashi concept – a design study that points the way to the Japanese firm’s future. Come 2009, Suzuki is aiming to sell three million cars – around 600,000 more units than it did in 2007. To achieve that goal it needs to move into the competitive D-segment – think Ford Mondeo, BMW 3-series – for the first time. The Kizashi – a name meaning ‘prelude’ or ‘foretaste’ – suggests what form Suzuki’s future will take. So ignore the rather Toyota FT-HS-style headlight and grille treatment and you’re left with some clues as to how the next-generation car might look: muscular, taut, poised and, more than anything, highly desirable. We like it.

Suzuki acknowledges the struggle it faces, but claims it will be unique in offering a D-segment car that is appealing on both a financial and emotional level. And when you think of the faux glitz previously served up by budget Korean brands, you have to say it might just be onto something. The production car will build on Suzuki’s four-wheel drive know-how with an AWD layout and, so says the PR blurb, a hybrid drivetrain to hopefully achieve the lowest emissions of any D-segment passenger car. We'll have to wait and see if that will survive into production.

By Ben Barry