today's cars: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Full Technical Specs, Prices Start Under $20,000 top out at $24,000

As we're getting closer to the launch date of Suzuki's new flagship sedan, the company decided to release technical specs and preliminary pricing on the Kizashi that will start under $20,000 when it goes on sale across the U.S. this December. Instead of positioning the Kizashi against mainstream offerings like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, Suzuki said that it aims to capture the attention of those buyers that would like to own but cannot afford more driver-orientated and sportier looking mid-size sedans such as the Acura TSX, VW Passat CC and BMW 3-Series.

Built at Suzuki's brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi will offer buyers only one engine option at launch, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 185 HP at 6,500 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm with the six-speed manual transmission. When mated to the CVT, the 2.4 liter unit produces 178 HP at 6,000 rpm.

When coupled to a manual transmission, the front-wheel drive Kizashi sprints from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.5 seconds.

The sedan also offers buyers the option of all-wheel drive, which can be deactivated with a switch. Depending on the transmission and drive configuration, the Kizashi 2.4L can return a fuel economy of up to 23mpg in city driving and 31mpg on the highway.

A more powerful V6 petrol engine as well as a hybrid version are expected to join the Kizashi's lineup within the next two years.

The current range will consist of four trim levels (S, SE, GTS and SLS) with prices starting from below $20,000 for the entry-level S model and topping at around $24,000 for the SLS complete with all-wheel drive.

The Kizashi's base level 'S' comes with standard push button start, sport front seats, steering wheel audio controls, automatic dual-zone climate control with passenger rear vents, stability control, 8 airbags and integrated-chromed dual exhaust tips.

The SE adds a standard CVT transmission, 215/55-17 tires mounted on alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver seat with 3-position memory, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and parking brake lever.

Those that opt for the better equipped GTS have the choice of 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions with paddle shifters, while standard equipment includes 235/45-18 tires on alloy wheels, one-touch moonroof, fog lights, a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system and integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Finally, the top-spec SLS adds leather appointments to the interior, three-stage heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, "Home Link" universal garage door opener, windshield wiper rain sensor and rear parking sensors.

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