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CHAPEL HILL, NC – American Suzuki Motor Corp. has seen a dramatic change of fortune in recent years.
Hitting a company high of 101,884 units in the U.S. in 2007, sales fell 16.7% last year and are down 55% this year compared with like-2008.
All the more reason the new ’10 Kizashi midsize sedan needs to be a hit for Suzuki.
After a recent drive here, Ward’s finds the car to be the best Suzuki yet and a worthy competitor for existing midsize sedans with performance leanings.
However, the Kizashi has some drawbacks.
Suzuki believes the car will appeal to those desiring a “sportier” and “sexier” midsize sedan, as well as those who typically buy certified pre-owned luxury sport sedans such as the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Acura TSX and Lexus IS.
Suzuki has a shot with the first targeted group, not so much the second.
The Kizashi could get a second look from buyers shopping the similarly oriented Nissan Altima or Mazda6.
