Maruti Kizashi CVT

Maruti Suzuki India introduced its latest sports sedan Maruti Kizashi CVT to the world at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and then the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. They hinted at an Indian launch of their flagship model by displaying it at the biggest Auto Expo – the Delhi Auto Expo 2010. ‘Kizashi' is a Japanese word that stands for 'a sign of great things to come' and it sure is. The sporty rear comes with a twin exhaust system and the finish is pure quality, be it front or rear of the Maruti Kizashi CVT. The car also comes with 8 airbags (front, rear and curtain), pushbutton keyless start, power steering, windows and mirrors, Dual-zone climate control, EPS Stability control and ABS, projector beam headlamps and so on. Maruti Kizashi CVT is a powerful sports sedan propelled by a 2.4-litre DOHC J–Series engine. The powerhouse can produce a peak power of 178 PS at 6,500rpm, and belt out a maximum torque of 230Nm at 4,000rpm . Maruti Kizashi does pose as a serious competition to other cars of its segment. The first look at the four door mid-size sedan, Maruti Kizashi, has sportiness written all over it and it comes with a seating capacity for 5. The bold front of Maruti Kizashi comes with bigger upper grille, headlights and fog lights.

Exteriors

The looks of the Maruti Kizashi CVT show that it is a fresh design, full of newness and originality. The flat nose of the car houses projector headlamps, a honeycomb grille in a shaped like a ‘U' and fog lamp clusters placed separately from the lower grille. The headlight cluster houses the headlamps and turn indicators. The rain sensing automatic wipers take care of the front windshield. Its curves and slopes are attractive. The outside rear view mirrors (OVRMs) are available in body colour and are electronically powered. The door handle bars also come in body colour to add beauty to the vehicle and the rear hatch does the duty of a rear spoiler due to its design. The triangle shaped twin exhaust pipes bring about a look of aggression to the Maruti Kizashi CVT. The car sports 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interiors

Car lovers don't look for luxury in a Maruti car but the Maruti Kizashi CVT has the features that can bring about that change. The cabin sports luxurious, advanced features, ample headroom and legroom and electronically powered leather laced three spoke steering wheel with mounted audio controls and cruise control. The steering wheel is tilt and telescopic adjustable. Maruti Kizashi CVT's dash sports the latest audio system with 7 incorporated speakers, CD/MP3 player along with integrated Bluetooth with audio streaming and wireless mobile phone integration and USB/iPod input port, also various instrument panels, AC vents and storage boxes. Maruti Kizashi will be introduced here with SmartPass keyless entry and start system which automatically unlocks the doors and start the engine without keys. It has a longer wheelbase means spacious front row seats which are wrapped in leather, heated and is 10 way adjustable with 3 position memory. The cabin is provided with an overhead console with a sunglass holder, cup and bottles holder (four each) and centre console box.

Engine and performance

The Maruti Kizashi CVT is powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 16 valve DOHC type petrol engine that generates a peak power of 178 PS at 6,500rpm and maximum torque of 230 Nm at 4,000rpm. Aluminium pistons ensure enhanced power and efficiency and DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts) ensure better breathing of the mill which results in more power and fuel efficiency. The 5-speed automatic transmission engine of Maruti Kizashi CVT promises superior handling and control. Maruti Kizashi CVT accelerates from stand still to 100kmph in just 8.8 seconds. Maruti Kizashi CVT boasts of direct ignition system (DIS) for powerful sparks directly to the plugs which results in ultimate fuel efficiency and fewer emissions. With the help of available technologies, the car can give a mileage of 7.2 km/litre in the city and 10 km/litre on the highways .

Braking and handling

Maruti Kizashi CVT's wheels are armed with vented disc brakes in the front and solid disc in the rear. The braking system is equipped with Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Electric Stability Program (ESP) along with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Maruti Kizashi has the latest shock absorbers installed; the front is armed with McPherson strut and coil springs and the rear fork with a multi-link type. All the above mentioned features contribute to the enhanced ride quality.

Comfort features

Maruti Kizashi CVT is a mid-size sports sedan that can accommodate 5 passengers, and to spare any troubles, the cabin is designed to be spacious. Ample space is ensured by the adjustable seats. Armrests and cup-holders are plenty for better comfort. The front seat row also has enough head and legroom area. The rear seat is split-folding and it can be used for creating space for other uses like storing luggage etc.

Interior Measurements

The front seat row of the Maruti Kizashi is spacious and comfortable with armrests, cup-holders and other storage spaces. Enough headroom and legroom are ensured at the rows . The front and rear headroom would be 998.22 mm and 939.8 mm while front and rear leg room might be 1059.18 mm and 904.24 mm respectively. The front and rear treads are of 1565 mm which means wider seats. Maruti Kizashi also houses a large boot.

Safety features

As far as safety features are concerned, the Maruti Kizashi has all that is desirable and must for a vehicle like it. Maruti Kizashi has 6 airbags (SRS front dual advanced airbags, front and rear side airbags). The car is provided with Advanced electronic stability program with traction control system (TCS) , i-VSP Intelligent vehicle stability program (AWD models only) , ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD, Brake assist function , Vehicle security system (Alarm), Energy-absorbing trim on pillars and roof-side rails , Side impact rear door beams , Front seats, 3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with pre-tensioner, force limiter and height adjusters , LATCH Child seat tether anchorages x3, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and child safety locks and DRL (Daytime Running Lights).

Pros

Luxurious make from an Indian company accompanied with sporty, stylish looks and a powerful engine.

Cons

The price tag and the mileage, when compared to its own manual version