Maruti Kizashi MT

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has launched its latest sports sedan Maruti Kizashi MT . Maruti Kizashi was first showcased at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The company displayed the production model of the car at the biggest Auto Expo - Delhi Auto Expo 2010 as a hint of a launch in India too. Maruti Kizashi is a sports sedan powered by a 2.4 litre DOHC J–Series engine. Its powertrain is capable of producing a peak power of 178 PS at 6,500rpm, maximum torque of 230Nm at 4,000rpm. Maruti Kizashi is a serious competition for Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The four door mid-size sedan, Maruti Kizashi, is laced with sporty and athletic looks with a seating capacity for 5. The bold front of Maruti Kizashi comes with bigger upper grille, headlights and fog lights.‘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 MT. 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 etc.

Exteriors

Maruti Kizashi MT is a radical design. The front of the car sports projector headlamps, a big honeycomb grille in a 'U' shape design and fog lamp clusters placed separately from the lower grille. The headlight cluster has the headlamps and turn indicators. The car has rain-sensing automatic wipers that take care of the front windshield. The car has enticing curves and slopes. 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 angular-shaped twin exhaust pipes bring about a look of aggression to the rear of Kizashi MT. The car sports 17-inch alloy wheels .

Interiors

Maruti may not be known for luxury vehicles, especially for the interiors of its cars but the Maruti Kizashi has the features to change that opinion. The cabin provides 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.The dash of Maruti Kizashi MT sports the latest audio system blessed with 7 speakers and CD/MP3 player along with integrated Bluetooth with audio streaming and wireless mobile phone integration and USB/iPod input port, 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. The 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 flagship model, Maruti Kizashi MT, comes with a 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder, 16 valve DOHC type petrol engine and can generate a peak power of 178 PS at 6,500 rpm, maximum torque of 230 Nm at 4,000 rpm. 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 new 6-speed manual transmission engine of Maruti Kizashi MT promises sporty handling and control. Maruti Kizashi MT accelerates from stand still to 100 kmph in just 8.8 seconds . Maruti Kizashi MT 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 offer 9.2 km/litre mileage in the city and 12.45 km/litre on the highways .

Braking and handling

Maruti Kizashi MT is loaded 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 immensely enhance the ride quality.

Comfort features

Maruti Kizashi is a four-door mid-size sports sedan and has a capacity to accommodate 5 passengers. 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 very good head room and leg room. The rear seat is split-folding and it can be used for creating space for storing extra luggage.

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

Talking about the safety features, the Maruti Kizashi has all which is desirable and must for a vehicle like it. Maruti Kizashi will have 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 pretensioner, 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

It is a luxurious piece of engineering with sporty, stylish Looks and a powerful engine.

Cons

Its price may be stopping it from being a best-seller, after all luxury comes at a price.