The Grayline » Suzuki http://the-grayline.com The fine line of automotive news and opinion. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:09:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 2011 Suzuki Kizashi http://the-grayline.com/2009/11/17/2011-suzuki-kizashi/ http://the-grayline.com/2009/11/17/2011-suzuki-kizashi/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:09:30 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/?p=1626 Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Suzuki Kizashi

]]> Suzuki has yet to be known for their mid size sedan offerings, but they are hoping this will change with the upcoming release of the 2011 Kizashi.  Even though the new sedan name sounds like a raw fish appetizer, Suzuki is hoping they can build on the success of their compact car offerings.  If they can start stealing market share with little cars, why can't they do it with midsize?  Not to mention the pie is a little larger, weighing in at 20% of Canada's market.

Like most press releases from car manufacturers in a recession, it's full of big words and supposed cutting edge technology.  Plenty of references to european style handling, expensive styling ques, and the ability to be had for a fraction of the next closest competitors price.  But what stands out to me is its lack of engine options.  Early adopters of the Suzuki Kizashi will have only one choice for engines, a 4 cylinder.

Now, this works in compact cars, but I'm not sure how it will stack up in the mid size market.  The minimum offering should at least be a 4cylinder gas saver for the car-pooler without friends and then a 6 cylinder option for those living in the mountains driving a full load.  Fill a mid size sedan up with 4 fat ass business types, throw in some luggage, and good luck getting that 4 cylinder to react and perform like other sedans on the market with v6 offerings.

That being said, just because it's got the same safety equipment, handling, and amenities of every other mid size sedan on the market doesn't mean you can take some pie.  It will only take one poor review from a fat driver to put your sales in the tank.  Good luck Suzuki, but please hurry up and plan on offering a V6 option in the 2011 Kizashi.

It's amazing how far of a cry the final 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is from the concept a few months back.  So much for hoping for a performance minded mid size sedan.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Suzuki Kizashi

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2009/11/17/2011-suzuki-kizashi/feed/ 0 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Pics http://the-grayline.com/2009/08/19/2010-suzuki-kizashi-pics/ http://the-grayline.com/2009/08/19/2010-suzuki-kizashi-pics/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:02:11 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/?p=1524 Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Pics

]]> I've not been paying as close attention to the new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi as I should have.  These latest pics appear to put fears to rest, in regards to what a 4-Door luxury Suzuki could look like.

This is not a Suzuki laid out over a GM platform, this is a completely redesigned and revisioned 4-Door sedan from Suzuki.  Personally, I love the looks, and if they can add just the right amount of luxury they will have a serious contender.  According to industry analysts, like Edmunds.com, expect 4 cylinder and performance 6 cylinder options available.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi 2010 Suzuki Kizashi 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Edmunds.com has also just announced that Suzuki may be working on a 2011 release of the Kizashi, in hybrid form.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Pics

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2009/08/19/2010-suzuki-kizashi-pics/feed/ 0 Suzuki Equator Viable Option http://the-grayline.com/2009/07/28/suzuki-equator-viable-option/ http://the-grayline.com/2009/07/28/suzuki-equator-viable-option/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:01:11 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/?p=1499 Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Suzuki Equator Viable Option

]]> The reviews are in for Suzuki's new small truck offering, the Suzuki Equator.  For all intents and purposes the Equator is a carbon copy of the Frontier, with a few small offerings that make it a Suzuki.  Furthermore the Suzuki Equator holds it's own in terms of ruggedness and dependability with the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota, so why choose the Equator?

Options may be what sets the Equator apart from the rest of the small truck pack.  For example, most tests are performed on the top of the line Equator RMZ-4, which comes packing 261 horsepower paired with a 5 speed automatic.  Obviously this type of setup will over power the more common 4 cylinder Ranger or weak v6 Dakota.  Hell, this RMZ-4 option setup offers towing for up to 6,000 lbs.

Once you start removing all the bells and whistles and start looking at a more modestly equipped Equator then the playing field becomes more even.  Most industry experts like the Equator, but be careful with the options because the price tag can easily sore to over $30,000, which seems like a lot for this old soul for a small size pickup.

Suzuki Equator

Suzuki Equator

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Suzuki Equator Viable Option

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2009/07/28/suzuki-equator-viable-option/feed/ 0 09 Suzuki Equator http://the-grayline.com/2009/02/25/09-suzuki-equator/ http://the-grayline.com/2009/02/25/09-suzuki-equator/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:42:18 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/?p=1043 Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

09 Suzuki Equator

]]> Looking to topple the Ford Ranger off the leader spot for small size truck, the 09 Suzuki Equater rolls like a Frontier.  The 09 Equater is a small truck setting on a Nissan frame and suspension components.  Other than badging and a few small differences, if you've driven a Nissan Frontier, you've driven a Suzuki Equator.

Nothing really to get excited about here, other than for the Suzuki ATV fanboys that want to pull their gear coordinated haulers.  The idea is that the customer base that buys all of Suzuki's motorcycles, ATV's, etc will want to pull those toys with a Suzuki branded truck as well.  So enters the Suzuki Equator.

In an economy that is struggling to sell new full size pick up trucks for $10,000, the entry level package for the Equator has me confused.  Atlthough there is plenty of standard equipment to keep buyers happy, the $33,000+ basic 09 Equator is a little intimmidating.  I think I'll pass and spend my money on their toys, rather than their pickups.

09 Suzuki Equator 09 Suzuki Equator

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

09 Suzuki Equator

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2009/02/25/09-suzuki-equator/feed/ 0 2008 Suzuki XL7 Limited http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/28/2008-suzuki-xl7-limited/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/28/2008-suzuki-xl7-limited/#comments Wed, 28 May 2008 14:14:56 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/?p=143 Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2008 Suzuki XL7 Limited

]]> The all new Suzuki XL7 Limited is getting rave reviews around the net for it's functionality and what you get for your money.  A base line Limited model XL7 can be had for just over $27,000, which is a bargain for how much vehicle you actually get.  It's roomy and the potent V6 boasts being able to tow a fairly heavy payload.

Suzuki XL7 Limited

The only downer is that the transmission doesn't jive too well with the engine.  This means that those looking for a Green crossover, should probably look elsewhere, since gas mileage will suffer.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2008 Suzuki XL7 Limited

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/05/28/2008-suzuki-xl7-limited/feed/ 0 New Suzuki SV650 http://the-grayline.com/2008/02/13/new-suzuki-sv650/ http://the-grayline.com/2008/02/13/new-suzuki-sv650/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:58:47 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/2008/02/13/new-suzuki-sv650/ Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

New Suzuki SV650

]]> Back in the day I had one of these torque monsters (relative to it's size) and it was a phenomenal bike to drive. I couldn't bring myself to adopt the Harley type bikes, nor did I particularly enjoy the high pitched whine of a crotch rocket, but the Suzuki SV650 made a nice compromise to both.

It's an entry level bike, being the first big boy you may wrap your legs around, but allows for plenty of room for growth. I enjoyed mine for several years before finally retiring to sports cars, but I still miss tearing around town and long winding roads. Yes, I'm being nostalgic, but just looking at the SV 650 makes my heart race again, although I had the slightly more attractive SV650S model. ;)

Suzuki SV650

Pros Easy to manage, ideal first 'big' bike and far more comfortable than its half faired brother. They sound the business with aftermarket pipes as well

Cons Maybe physically small for some and not the sharpest looker in the group

Thanks VisorDown for a trip down memory lane.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

New Suzuki SV650

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2008/02/13/new-suzuki-sv650/feed/ 4 Suzuki Makai Pic http://the-grayline.com/2007/11/14/suzuki-makai-pic/ http://the-grayline.com/2007/11/14/suzuki-makai-pic/#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:54:05 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/2007/11/14/suzuki-makai-pic/ Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Suzuki Makai Pic

]]> I never was a fan of the Woody Van, complete with surfboard adorning the top. Not to mention the blonde haired buff boys just did nothing for me.

Suzuki Makai

Well, that's what this new Suzuki Makai reminds me of. However, I'm sure the 19" Rims and LED brake lights will appeal to that younger, hipper, more not old fashioned look, as I do. pfft Only the stock boys at Abercrombie and the girly men at the local Lotion Shop will enjoy this new concept.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Suzuki Makai Pic

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2007/11/14/suzuki-makai-pic/feed/ 0 Suzuki SX4 WRC At Sema http://the-grayline.com/2007/10/30/suzuki-sx4-wrc-at-sema/ http://the-grayline.com/2007/10/30/suzuki-sx4-wrc-at-sema/#comments Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:42:47 +0000 Christopher http://the-grayline.com/2007/10/30/suzuki-sx4-wrc-at-sema/ Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Suzuki SX4 WRC At Sema

]]> SEMA 2007 will show us what all the hustle and bustle is surrounding the all new Suzuki SX4 WRC concept car. It's bold, it's rally, and it's Suzuki so you know it has to be good. Just check out the lines on this beautiful car and be sure to check it out at SEMA.

Suzuki SX4

Suzuki SX4 WRC

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Suzuki SX4 WRC At Sema

]]> http://the-grayline.com/2007/10/30/suzuki-sx4-wrc-at-sema/feed/ 0