Maruti Suzuki entry in Premium sedan segment- Kizashi

Maruti Suzuki entry in Premium sedan segment- Kizashi

 

Maruti has always been known for making small and pocket friendly cars. But lately, considering the changing market, it submitted its new car ?Kizashi in premium sedan segment.

A Brief Glance at Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has always been known for providing not only user friendly but pocket friendly cars too. But as the economic status of consumers is changing so is the car market. So, to walk in shoulder to shoulder with changing scenario, Maruti launched a premium sedan- Kizashi in February 2011 in Indian automobile market. Since the sedan was being imported as CBU it did included an import duty of 105%, therefore, the initial prices of this premium sedan – Kizashi varies from Rs.16-17.5 lacs.

This Maruti sedan comes fitted with a 2.4 liters engine that generates a power of 177 PS at 6,500 rpm along with a torque of 230 Nm at 4000 rpm. Kizashi is equipped with sixteen valves and four cylinders that enable the sedan to slide from 0 to 100 Kmph in just 8.8 seconds while the CVT variant of the same glides in just 7.8 seconds.

Some of the most talked about features of Kizashi are its elegant interiors, larger leg and head rooms, and the new level of comfort that the sedan offers not only to its driver but also to all passengers sitting in. The sedan sports a sturdy and muscular look credits the larger upper grille, distinctly styled head lights, tail lights, and fog lights along with the anterior fascia. The discrete pair of exhausts with stainless steel covering adds to the sporty avatar of Maruti Kizashi. Maruti bestowed Kizashi with this feature after getting inspired from Suzuki’s sports bikes. Along with these features, the Maruti sedan is embellished with wider rear and front windshields that assure sufficient vision on both sides. Other elements that add to the luxuries and embellishments of this premium sedan are power windows, 6 airbags, smart storage spaces, push button start and stop, Dual-zone climate control, extended boot space of 451 liters, rear and front arm rests, top quality leather seats, anti-pinch windows, anti-collapse steel body, latest audio system with 8 speakers, multi-functional steering wheel and what not.

Kizashi will be competing on Maruti’s behalf against other premium sedans like Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Laura, and Honda City.

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Variants

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi can be availed in two forms: Maruti Suzuki Kizashi MT and Maruti Suzuki Kizashi CVT. Same engine will be adorned by both variants only the features will be points of differentiation. The defining features of Kizashi MT include 6 speed manual transmission for improved acceleration, audio streaming adjoined with wireless mobile phone integration, a CD/MP3 player with FM and 7 speakers, force limiter, height adjuster, 6 Airbags, 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR), seatbelts equipped with pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, child safety locks. The other variant Maruti Suzuki Kizashi CVT sports all these features along with an additional automatic Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Specifications

Maruti Kizashi is a perfect automobile engineering marvel. Carved for those who seek perfection in every sense, this Maruti sedan sports a 2.4 liter capacity DOHC petrol engine that churns out a torque of 230 Nm @ 4000 rpm along with a power of 177 PS at 6500 rpm. This features makes a compatible companion for longer journeys. Moving ahead with other specifications, the basic dimensions of the sedan include height, length, and width of 1490mm, 4650mm, and 1820mm respectively. The wheel base of the sedan measures approx. 2700mm while the ground clearance measures 145mm. The rear and front headroom of Kizashi measures 998.22mm and 939.8mm while the front and rear treads are of 1565mm. Kizashi is a perfect option for those who like complete comfort with superior luxuries.

External Scrutiny of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Maruti Suzuki has designed this sedan with such precision that it leaves back several other premium sedans in the same segment in terms of its classic looks and sporty exterior. The front end of Kizashi gets a very descent appearance due to its silver finished head lights, well positioned lamps and the grilles fitted in a “U” shape. The rectangular fog lamps cluster stand apart from the lower grille while the head lamps are perfectly placed in the headlight cluster. Rain sensing automatic wipers are present on the lower end of front windshield. The body colored external rear view mirrors are powered electronically and make a greater contribution in sedan’s style statement. To add to the same, the door handles have been toned in the same body color. The rear hatch does the role of rear spoiler. A LED brake light cluster has been added at the top of the rear hatch.

Talking of the posterior part of Kizashi, the cluster of tail lights has been placed perfectly at the rear end of the sedan. Along with it, it adorns a rear parking assist, turn indicators, and brake lights. The well finished twin exhaust openings exhibits the sporty aspect of sedan. The exterior dimension of the Maruti sedan include height, length, and width of 1490mm, 4650mm, and 1820mm respectively. Maruti’s Kizashi excels in terms of space and can comfortably accommodate 5 people at one go. The minimum turning radius of the sedan measures approx. 5.5mm.

An internal picture of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Internally, Maruti Kizashi has been designed to promise all elegance and compactness that anyone can desire for. The spaciousness seems to be the focus of all defining amendments in the car. The sedan offers a bigger head and leg room along with a boot space of 451 liters. The telescopic collapsible steering wheel consists mounted audio controls along with a keyless start/stop push button in right. It can be adjusted as per driver’s convenience and consists of cruise control. The powerful audio system comes with 7 speakers, Bluetooth connectivity soft touch buttons.

In terms of connectivity, Kizashi has wireless mobile phone integration and USB/iPod input port. The sedan has been designed in such a way that it can easily accommodate five people at a time. The seats are made of plush top quality leather along with adjustable seats. The front seats of Kizashi including the driver’s seat consists of armrests to add to the comfort of driver while the rear seats consists of an integrated arm rests along with smart storage spaces. The rear ac vents adds to the comfort of rear passengers. To add to this, an overhead console with enough space for sunglasses holder and canter console box has been provided.

Power House of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Maruti’s  Kizashi is a powerful beast when considered in terms of power. Maruti has equipped the sedan with a 2.4 liters DHOC petrol engine that gives a power of 177PS at 6500 rpm and a torque of 230Nm at 4000 rpm. Along with these, the engine comes in a combination with six-speed manual transmission. These figures provide a definite edge to Maruti Kizashi over other key players in the premium sedan segment. The engine comprises of 4 cylinders and 16 valves that coordinate quite efficiently and helps sedan reach a speed of 100Kmph in just 7-8 seconds.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Kizashi happens to be one of the most aspiring car from Maruti in premium sedan segment and aspires to become flagship model of Maruti in the same segment soon. The 2393cc DOHC J-series engine of the Maruti’s sedan generates a power of 177 PS at 6500rpm. The sedan has been provided with Direct Ignition System (DIS) due to which Kizashi emits lesser pollutants and attains higher fuel economy. Due to these features, Kizashi delivers a mileage of 12.5 kmpl on highways and 10 kmpl on urban roads.

Driving and Handling of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

The two aspects driving as well as handling of Maruti Kizashi makes it stand apart from others in the same segment. The sedan slides to three digit speed marks in just 7-8 seconds. Along with it, it is equipped with advanced shock absorbers that minimize effects of jerks and shocks in rough or off road terrains. This feature makes this sedan compatible for all kinds of geographical challenges. The front fork is Macpherson strut while the rear fork is of multi-link type. The sedan is studded with vented disc and solid rear disc brakes that makes Maruti Kizashi’s drive a better and safer experience. Also, the braking system of the sedan comprises of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Electric Stability Program. These braking arrangements helps avoiding any kind of collision and accidents.

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi’s Safety and Security Aspects

A solid safety and security system is a must for any vehicle that is considered in premium segment. So here also, Maruti has taken complete care to ensure safety and security of passengers. Kizashi has been equipped with 6 Airbags that include dual front airbags for front end passengers along with front and rear side airbags. These airbags protect passengers from any kind of physical harm in case of any collision or mishap. Apart from this, the sedan comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD, latest electrnic stability program in combination with Traction Control System (TCS). Some of the other added features include vehicle security alarm, side impact rear door beams, child safety locks, anti-punching windows, brake assist function, seatbelts with pretensioner, and last but not the least a 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR).

Comfort and Convenience aspects of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Being a premium vehicle Kizashi has been studded with ample of comfort and luxury adding features. For the driver’s convenience the audio links have been mounted on steering wheel, the steering wheel has been given a leather covering along with cruise control. The dashboard consists of advanced audio system, Ac vents, smart storage spaces, and instrument panel. The head and leg room have been extended to add to comfort of passengers during long journeys. Along with this, the driver seat has been enabled with customized memory settings that gives the driver to adjust the seat in his favorite position instantly in case your Kizashi has been driven by some other person lately. The Dual-zone Ac controls the temperature of sedan in respect to angle of sun rays and the temperature can be individually adjusted in respect to driver’s n co-passengers convenience. The boot space has also been enlarged to 421 liters to store luggage of all size and weight.

Wheels of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

The sedan has been equipped with 17 inches alloyed wheels that provide a muscular look to the Kizashi. The wheel base measures approx. 2700mm that promise extended stability and grip on roads. To add to it, the turning radius of the wheels is 5.5mm.

Pricing of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

As mentioned previously in the write-up, the sedan is being imported as Completely Build Unit (CBU) therefore the sedan price includes a 105% import duty. The price of both the variants differs only by 1-2%. The MT model has been priced at Rs.16.5 lacs while the CVT model has been priced at Rs.17.5 lacs. The prices also differ in respect to cities in India.

Final Verdict on Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Maruti launched this sedan in India in 2011 with a hope for grand success and growth. The word “Kizashi” has been derived from Japanese language and it means “something great is about to come” or a good omen. The vehicle has been stuffed with top quality materials in all aspects and offers an unmatched driving as well as riding experience. Kizashi is a well-finished sedan and is backed up by an efficient network of dealerships and service stations across the nation. But the high price of the sedan does raises a question mark over its acceptance in Indian market when other substitutes like Laura and Civic can be availed at lower prices. Kizashi is a perfect choice for all those seeking a compact, athletic and all the way luxurious sedan. Kizashi is expected to be a star seller in the extensive portfolio of Maruti Suzuki India Limited in the year 2013.