Suzuki reveals the Kizashi Sport

Suzuki first revealed a Kizashi 3 sports concept at the New York Motor Show in 2008, and that concept featured a 3.6-litre V6 with 300bhp that was sourced from GM. Now, at the same show two years later, Suzuki has unveiled a production version.

The road-going Kizashi Sport is now powered by the same 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine as the base Kizashi, which produces 185bhp. Following Suzuki’s departure from GM and subsequent alliance with Volkswagen, the original V6 unit, as well as a planned hybrid version, have been put on hold.

In the meantime, Suzuki is looking to new partner Volkswagen for additional engines. Director of product planning at American Suzuki Motor Corp, Steve Younan, said, "We are looking at VW's cost structure and their offerings. We would be happy with a small V6 or a turbo-four. The Kizashi suspension is not at its limit. We are trying to be an affordable performance brand."

The Kizashi Sport features a different, more aggressive front end with chrome accents from the standard Kizashi, a lower front grille, side sill extensions, lower body side moulding with chrome accents and a boot-mounted spoiler. There are also 18-inch custom wheels and the ride height has been lowered by 10mm. Inside, the Kizashi Sport has been fitted with a sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip and contrasting stitching on the leather seats.