Suzuki 2010

Suzuki 2010 

By Douglas Kott   

No, Suzuki isn’t looking to compete head-on with a BMW M3 or anything, but to simply offer a slightly sportier variant of its stylish Kizashi midsize sedan, which will come in Sport GTS guise or the more lavishly equipped Sport SLS model.The changes are mostly cosmetic, with a more aggressive, angular front fascia, a trunklid spoiler and chromed-trimmed rocker appliqu?s. But its large-for-the-segment P235/45-18 Dunlops are mounted on Sport-exclusive alloys that save 2 lb. per corner for less unsprung weight; and the ride height is lowered by 10 mm. Spring rates, shock valving and anti-roll bar diameters remain the same. Inside, a Sport steering wheel with bright metallic accents and a perforated leather covering add some panache to an already impressive interior, as does the contrasting stitching on the seats, shift boot and e-brake boot when leather is ordered.We had a chance to drive the Sport before the show, and can report that its transitional handling behavior is slightly sharper than before. Suzuki claims that lateral acceleration is up to 0.93g, an excellent number for the class. The sole engine continues to be a smooth 185-bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder paired with either a 6-speed manual or CVT. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, the latter only fitted with the CVT.So while the Sport GTS doesn’t exactly steal the show, it’s additional icing on an already sweet cake. The best news is that the Kizashi Sport GTS’s price will not increase appreciably from the 2010 GTS level, which is $22,499 for the 6-speed, front-wheel-drive model.