David McCowen
The Suzuki Kizashi’s future is murky.
Suzuki is unlikely to replace its mid-size Kizashi sedan following the model’s failure to gain traction with buyers.
Australians are buying record numbers of new cars, but less than 5000 people have taken home a Kizashi since 2010 – a number that Toyota’s Corolla can reach in little more than a month.
The brand’s Australian managing director, Masaaki Kato, says the Kizashi was compromised by poor timing.
Suzuki developed the car during a boom phase for the company just before the global financial crisis hit the US in 2009.
“That’s my headache,” Kato says, “Kizashi was a very unlucky car.”
“We had so many arguments about the question: how to handle Kizashi.
“At that time, frankly speaking, we should not have introduced the car into the market in 2009.
“But you see, we made a big investment to develop this car… after heavy and hard discussion, we decided to introduce this Kizashi.”
Kato says Suzuki started work on a turbocharged performance Kizashi and also planned V6-powered and wagon versions of the car before “all the plans completely disappeared”.
He suggested a new Kizashi could be too much investment for too little return.
The car’s future was not helped by Suzuki’s decision to pull its automobile arm out of the US in 2012, along with the implosion of an agreement with Volkswagen to develop cars for emerging markets.
But only part of the Kizashi’s sales struggle can be blamed on its circumstances.
The sedan commands a steep price – from $29,990 plus on-road costs – and its 2.4-litre engine uses almost 50 per cent more fuel than mid-size rivals such as the Mazda6 .
Kato says Suzuki is considering a local restructure for the Kizashi that could see prices drop, but could not say how far prices would fall.
47 comments so far
I don’t know about everyone else here I dont mind the Kizashi by what I have seen on the road so I cannot comment on how it drives and handles etc. A performance version would of been great to see with AWD but for a suzuki I wouldn’t want to think of the price tag attached to it if it were to go ahead. I think it’s a suitable car but may of been missed due to not enough public exposure and of course the command in price.
Commenter Alex Location Melbourne Date and time December 05, 2013, 9:49AM
How very informative Alex. Obviously in your travels you haven’t seen Suzuki’s (ahem) interpretation of a performance model, the Sport branded version with AWD
Commenter Enlightened Now Location Date and time December 05, 2013, 11:20AM
He’s talking about the turbocharged performance model that was never developed. Enlightened now?
Commenter addy Location perth Date and time December 05, 2013, 12:19PM
@Enlightened Now If you are refferring to Rally Spec models then yes in sporting events but not road use. If you are refferring to there motorcycle devision then yes. If you are only refferring to vehicles.
A swift sport comes to mind however I see it as a model that should be standard in terms of performance and an even hotter version should be made available. What I was explaining that a road going vehicle a hero car that would have bigger performance.
Commenter Alex Location Melourne Date and time December 05, 2013, 12:52PM
It’s a funny looking thing, too tall and round and doesn’t seem wide enough as a result. Pedestrian safety might be to blame but the styling is pretty uninspired.
Commenter Pastry Location Date and time December 05, 2013, 2:09PM
@Addy: sorry, where did Alex stipulate turbocharged? While you’re making assumptions, what makes you think Alex is a he? Alex could be female.
@Alex: the article spoke only of the Kizashi and in response I referenced the Sport branded version (which was AWD). No rally spec models, no motorcycles, no Swifts
Commenter Enlightened Now Location Melourne – the place to b Date and time December 05, 2013, 2:09PM
@Enlightened now
@Addy: sorry, where did Alex stipulate turbocharged? While you’re making assumptions, what makes you think Alex is a he? Alex could be female.
Oh wow. Touche. What an absolutely stunning riposte. You really hit back hard against both Addy, and Alex’s initial comment that was both reasonable and considered.
In future, you should let the adults discuss the article in the comments section; involving yourself has only made you look a bit of a twat.
Enlightened now?
Commenter james Location perth Date and time December 05, 2013, 2:40PM
Yes turbocharged was the correct assumption. Market is leading this way with smaller engines and turbochargers.
Commenter Alex Location Date and time December 05, 2013, 2:59PM
The perth folk took that bait magnificently, congratulations. What a shame james (or perhaps it is really addy?) that you couldn’t resist resorting to petty name calling, in the process I hope you didn’t get so worked up as to spill your sippee cup
Commenter Enlightened Now Location Date and time December 05, 2013, 4:15PM
Suzuki should just stick to making motorbikes as most of its cars are dull, uninspiring and generations behind the rest of the market.
Commenter stevz Location Date and time December 05, 2013, 9:55AM
Would you like to comment?
You will need Javascript enabled to use our Commenting Feature.
- Suzuki RG125 Gamma, year by year
- ATV Source – Manufacturers – Suzuki – 2005 – Kingquad 700
- 2004 DL 650 vs 2012 DL650! – Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Motorcycle…
- 2009 Suzuki DR 200SE – Used 2009 DR 200 SE at Motorcyclist Magazine
- 2014 Suzuki Burgman 650 ABS
