Suzuki unveils 2010 Kizashi sedan

It's official. Suzuki confirmed its next midsize sedan will be called the Kizashi, and it is set to launch in the United States at the end of this year.

The company pulled the cover off the production version of the Kizashi on Thursday. It will have a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Horsepower and torque ratings were not revealed. A hybrid version is also planned.

It's based on the Kizashi 3 concept shown at the 2008 New York auto show. The line of the car drops in the front, and the circular headlights standout a bit and have projector beams offering 30 percent better illumination than halogens, Suzuki says.

This sedan also offers all-wheel drive, which can be deactivated with a switch. It measures 183.1 inches in length, 71.7 inches in width, 58.3 inches in height and has a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Look for the car to get better than 30 mpg on the highway.

The sedan will have a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters.

The company says the Kizashi will have sporty yet comfortable handling, in an effort to attract enthusiast buyers. There will be 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels offered. Key competitors include the Mazda 6, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Passat.

We haven't driven it yet, but we did sit inside the Kizashi. The interior was decent with quality plastic materials filling the dash and center console. The cylindrical gauges give off a sporty vibe and are backlit by LED lighting. The three-spoke wheel is available leather-wrapped.

Suzuki wants to lure younger buyers, and the Kizashi offers plenty of technology, including an optional 425-watt audio system, Bluetooth technology and MP3 connectivity.

Pricing will be released closer to launch, and it's expected to be competitive in the midsize segment.

By Angie Favot