The Suzuki Kizashi was supposed to be Suzuki’s flagship model. It was the car that was going to prove that this Japanese car manufacturer which specialized in making small cars, were capable of producing a D-segment saloon that was both desirable and fun to drive at the same time. With its debut in 2009, the Kizashi failed to gain traction among buyers and instead became a left-winger’s choice in the D segment saloon market.
Just recently, it was revealed by Suzuki’s managing director of Australia, Masaaki Kato, that the Kizashi was compromised by poor timing and admitted the Kizashi was a very unlucky car. “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.”
Due to dismal sales of the Kizashi, plans to resurrect the interest of this saloon, which included introducing a turbocharged engine, V6 power plant and even a wagon have been scrapped. Kato sadly admitted the Kizashi had failed to live up its promise after massive investment poured in by Suzuki. Kato has also hinted Suzuki is considering a local restructure for the Kizashi is a possibility.
Suzuki developed the Kizashi when the company was in good shape just before the global financial crisis hit the US in 2009. After three decades in the United States, Suzuki has pulled out, citing poor sales and challenging economic climate that prompted its demise.
The Kizashi did arrive in Malaysia in 2012 but just like other countries around the world it is very rare to spot one on the road. Despite its great looks and superb handling, Malaysians were perhaps too sold on the perception that Suzuki is only good at making small cars, like the superb little Swift Sport (see video review in the video section).
It is a shame to see the Kizashi, which translates to “something great is coming” in Japanese, has met such an unfortunate fate. If you’re one of the few here who owns one, consider yourself the proud owner of something truly unique, and very rare!
[SOURCE: news.drive.com.au]
