Kizashi 'Sport' gets Suzuki's new i-AWD system

Suzuki upped their game with the new flagship model Kizashi which was aimed at becoming a driver’s car. The Japanese car maker has now revealed a more performance oriented version with all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system can be turned on or off depending on the conditions and need of the driver.

In two wheel drive mode power is sent to the front wheels and a marginal amount of torque is sent to the rear wheels via Suzuki’s latest intelligent all-wheel drive system (i-AWD). A switch on the dashboard can split torque transfer on a 50:50 ratio between the front and rear wheels. The system is designed to transfer optimum power to the front and rear wheels depending on wheel slippage, throttle input and steering input. On slippery road surfaces the AWD system will help the car maintain its composure. The i-AWD system also enhances the vehicle’s cornering abilities when the system is turned on.

The Kizashi Sport gets a few new design elements both on the inside and outside to distinguish it from the two-wheel drive version. There is a Sport aerodynamic package for the car. The front is restyled to look more muscular and gets a lower grille, on the sides there are new sill extensions and lower body side mouldings with chrome inserts. The car also gets new lightweight 18 inch alloy wheels. On the inside there is a sporty steering wheel with contrasting stitching on the leather seats, gear knob and parking brake.

The car generates 180PS of power from its 2.4 litre petrol engine and can be had with a manual or automatic gearbox. The manual version gets paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for crisp and quick gear changes, however the traditional gear stick can still be used for some good old fashioned gear changes.

It’s pleasant to see Suzuki who makes very good cars try and make a good driver’s car. We hope to see many such endeavours in the future.