Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director Shinzo Nakanishi yesterday confirmed the entry of the D-Segment Suzuki Kizashi in India in 2009 if the car is launched in homeland Japan. According to sources, the Suzuki Kizashi might debut at the Los Angeles Auto show in November 2009.
Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi also revealed that the 3.5-liter V6 engine for the project has been scrapped and instead a smaller and more fuel efficient 2-liter engine will be the alternative to the Honda Accord, Skoda Superb and Toyota Camry slayer.
He added the market conditions and requirements have turned towards smaller and efficient engines and Suzuki Motor Corporation's reflex is the scrappage of the 3.5-liter V6 variant which could have costed up to 25 lakh rupees in India if the original plan had gone through.
When asked about the remedy for the falling sales of the presently biggest car SX4, Mr.Nakanishi responded that a diesel engine would eventually arrive but the 1.3-liter Multijet that drives a handful of cars in India won't make the cut as it is underpowered for application on SX4.
2010/11 Suzuki Kizashi
Source - Economic Times