SCOOP! Kizashi spotted in India

Here are some clearest spy shots of the Suzuki Kizashi, spotted by our reader Ninad, doing testing at Pune.

With the Kizashi, Suzuki is trying to move up the luxury car ladder in India. The Kizashi is much more than just a bigger, larger version of an SX4. It promises more driving pleasure and performance compared to its rivals. In the styling department, Suzuki has used familiar cues to establish the identity of the Kizashi, and the headlights and grille have a familiar look to them. The treatment of the grilles is actually very similar to the Swift’s and as a result, the Kizashi’s nose looks familiar.

The cars’ overall stance is very sporty and compact. Tipped forward, broad shouldered and with just the right amount of muscles, the Kizashi oozes attitude. And the big wheels and a wide track give it a good stance too. While the Kizashi’s profile looks attractive, it’s the rear that really stands out. The wraparound tail-lights, chrome rectangular exhaust vents and the multiple surfaces make it truly unique.

Move to the inside and the design of the interiors and the general build quality are a big step up for Suzuki. The bold design really stands out and there are plenty of well built high-quality bits used in the cabin. Some plastic bits though are not up to the standards of the class and detract from the overall feel of the cabin. The impressive design and build quality is compromised by too much of grey.

With the relatively compact dimensions and a sporty feel, the legroom has been sacrificed a little. With a wheelbase of 2700mm, the Kizashi is as long as the Honda Civic, but the legroom is more in the region of the VW Jetta or the Skoda Laura. The rear seat comfort is just as good with the well bolstered seat providing enough support.

Under the hood, doing duty will be the four-cylinder 2.4-litre petrol motor, the same motor powering the Grand Vitara. The engine has a responsive bottom end and one can drive this car with the lightest caress of the accelerator pedal. Even with very small throttle opening, there is plenty of grunt and the responses are pretty good even in the mid-range.

Suzuki has made its intentions clear with the Kizashi – the car maker is looking to place the car somewhere in between the Civic and the Accord. The Kizashi is expected to hit the showrooms by the end of 2010, but with an estimated price tag of Rs 16-17 lakh, will customers opt for a Suzuki in place of a Honda, Toyota, Skoda or a VW, only time will tell.