The vehicle is equipped with the GM-designed 3.6-liter V6 straight out of the unpopular XL-7, putting out around 260 HP, an increase of at least 75 HP over the Kizashi's standard fourbanger. On the track, the V6-equipped mule does clearly provide more power, able to pull itself out of corners with a level of aggression completely absent from the production car.

Unfortunately, the added weight is felt and the well-balanced feel of the regular sedan is reduced. Also, speed is limited in the straights by a CVT transmission unwilling to let you push the car hard (there's a soft rev-limiter on the manual version allowing more leeway).

Overall, we preferred the four-cylinder GTS model and think the Kizashi is better suited to a small turbo than a full V6. Unfortunately, we think the V6 is where they're headed with a future higher performance Kizashi model.

Whatever engine is chosen, they need to make sure the next model update includes the more aggressive bodywork and attractive fascia. It gives the car more of a presence and makes the Kizashi as attractive as any vehicle on the upper end of the class, exceeding the funky TSX and nipping at the heals of the sensuous Passat CC.

Suzuki wanted me to drive the Kizashi so badly they flew me to North Carolina and fed me salt-and-pepper shrimp fried with the shells on and provided me with 1 GB of files on an 8 GB Sony Walkman.

On paper, the new Kizashi isn't overwhelmingly impressive, offering a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine putting out 185 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 MPH time of just 7.5 seconds, on par with the Accord EX and faster by 0.7 seconds than the Mazda6. Mileage ranges from, at best, 23/31 MPG with the CVT in FWD configuration and just 20/29 in manual FWD mode with the 17-inch or greater-sized wheels.

I immediately snagged a red, FWD GTS model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, no leather seats but 18-inch wheels. I'd have grabbed a manual AWD version, but one doesn't exist and I wouldn't hold my breath. In a market crowded by vehicles dull in appearance, it at least looks like an angrier VW Jetta in red.

On the inside, the new Kizashi is well featured for its expected starting price of under $20,000, offering iPod connectivity, soft-touch plastics everywhere, steering wheel audio buttons, dual-zone climate control and comfortable seats. Move up through the trims and you'll add a thumping 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free calling. It's not the greatest design, lagging behind the Mazda6 and new Accord, but it's better than most domestics and unlike anything in the price range.

In a strange twist, the newest Kizashi attempts to be the best value by mimicking the formula abandoned by most automakers. As sedans like the Camry, Altima and Accord have gained in popularity they've increased in terms of size and decreased in terms of enjoyable driving. Even the Mazda6, once nimble and small, has swollen to giant proportions and shed some of its original appeal. The Kizashi is much smaller, 183.1 inches in length, or about ten inches shorter than a Mazda6.

Criss-crossing the North Carolina/Virginia border it's clear all the time the Japanese engineers spent at the Nürburgring paid off. It manages to be as forgettable and comfortable as a Fusion or Jetta even across the narrow and poorly-maintained Virginia roads and yet unexpectedly spry on the twisty, high-quality North Carolina streets, making the most of its five-point, multi-link rear suspension and 18-inch tires.

Across a wet slalom at the Virginia International Raceway, the CVT AWD version also exhibited precise, predictable results from steering input and a relatively neutral feel, similar to the Subaru Legacy I drove across the same wet course. In extended hot laps, not something you'd ever actually choose to do in such a vehicle, the large-for-the-class vented disc brakes up front exhibited limited fade given the autojourno abuse they'd endured.

Around the short south part of the course the manual-equipped model performed admirably, exhibiting little roll and showing great poise around VIR's famous Oak Tree turn (just aim for the oak tree)... for a toaster. Power is lacking in the lower range and RPMs top out at 6,500, so coming out of the turn proved to be the greatest disappointment. It feels underpowered compared to cars it's apparently more powerful than.

Falling in between a compact sedan and the current mid-size market, the car is actually more likely to appeal to people thinking about a Civic and liking the added features rather than someone trading down from the benchmark vehicles like the Mazda6 or Volkswagen Passat CC. It's also likely to snag people trading up from an SX4 to something larger.

It's hard not to notice that the Kizashi, which went through three iterations of concept cars before the reveal, is seemingly incongruous with the company's recent expression of outdoor, X-game lifestyle vehicles built on their marine, motorcycle and ATV sales. The new Equator can haul Suzuki bikes, the SX4 can take you rock climbing and the the Grand Vitara can haul your boat. The Kizashi doesn't do any of those things.

Like the SX4, the Kizashi is part of a rapidly improving family of vehicles few American consumers are aware of, so the failure or success of it is going to be more heavily dependent on marketing than the vehicles themselves. If Suzuki can make people aware they sell toasters and get them into the store, we doubt the company will have a difficulty selling what is, overall, a very good appliance.

[via Motive]

[via Motive]

[via Motive]

[via Motive]

Rumors of the vehicles demise, allegedly killed by the angry Carpocalypse monster, began to swirl yesterday. Now, an American Suzuki representative has told Automobile Magazine of the company’s plan to unveil the mid-size sedan in April.

The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, which could use V6 engines making up to 300 HP, represents the company’s attempt to build a passenger vehicle people might actually want to buy. It’s been previewed by several concept, most recently by the Kizashi 3 concept in New York last year. Spy shots of the production model have, however, demonstrated a much-reduced visual appeal. We’re rooting for Suzuki’s little car that could, but we’re not holding our breath. [Automobile Magazine]

Suzuki's new Kizashi sedan arrived arrived in Germany completely unclad, for a few quick laps around the 'Ring. We caught the prototype stationary, as the test group arranged entry onto the race circuit. This is the first time that we've seen the Kizashi completely free of its heavy camouflage, relying solely on some black and white graphics to try to trick the eye.

It's immediately clear that Suzuki stylists have managed a faithful transition from the Kizashi3 concept sedan to this production model, although some of the show car's sexy profile has been lost in translation—especially around the C-pillar and rear deck. However, we can't help but notice that the Kizashi's rump has some serious BMW 1-series coupe overtones. While it's not saying much, this is clearly the most promising sedan in Suzuki's history, what with its expected 3.6-liter DOHC V6 perhaps producing as much as 300-horsepower. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is also expected to anchor entry-level models.

In addition to engines, we get a peek into Suzuki's hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell programs, closely tied to GM technology. It sounds like they'll be adapting GM designs to their more-compact platform and looking to develop new six-speed transmissions in the process. We're expecting to see conceptual versions of these powertrains when 'Zuki unveils the SX4 FCV concept and another concept at the Paris motor show in October.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Suzuki has long been known as a builder of excellent, if a bit hefty motorcycles, and for almost as long, questionably engineered and styled automobiles. Try as they might, it seems their greatest commercial success was the Grand Vitara. Remember the Verona and how well that did? In any case, the Kizashi seems poised to reverse the trend and provide a car people will actually want to be seen in as well as one that doesn't roll over in a light Autumn breeze. We're pullin' for you Suzuki...but we're not holding our breath. [AutomotiveWorld]