Suzuki Kizashi arrives in showrooms in December 2009. When the car was revealed this summer, we talked about how its size fits into the market (click here), but Suzuki recently invited us to spend an afternoon flogging the car around rural roads in North Carolina and at the Virginia International Raceway. We happily obliged.

Should Americans recent appreciation for cheap chic develop into a sustained shift, Suzuki is ready. Kizashi is a sporting, stylish sedan with premium features and finish at a mainstream price--a mainstream price, not a value price. For Suzuki, if keeping up with the Joneses now means how little did you spend to get fancy tricks of premium cars, Kizashi represents well. Comparing Kizashi against its development targets (Alfa Romeo 159, Acura TSX, and Volkswagen Passat CC), and you find a responsive drive, lots of features, and generic uplevel cues. Suzuki's target was good for the consumer: It resulted in a better car.

Kizashi is smaller than Mazda6, larger than compact Chevrolet Cobalt; smaller than Ford Fusion and larger than Volkswagen Jetta. Kizashi is ahead of the segment offering AWD; sure, Ford Fusion does, but only with more expensive V6 models. Speaking of V6, Kizashi launches without one. AutoPacific's research shows most buyers would put a six-cylinder in their next ideal vehicle--even if they often end up buying a four--and Suzuki has one we wouldn't be surprised to see later.

Continue reading "2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Sporting Personality and Value"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Survey Shows Generation Y Frequently Multitasking While Driving

TUSTIN, Calif. (October 21, 2009) -- Willing to embrace new brands, new technology and alternative powertrains, Generation Y will redefine the automotive market. A just released study on Generation Y new vehicle buyers in the United States shows Generation Y consumers are more likely than the generations before them to consider purchasing a Chinese or Indian branded vehicle, more willing to accept hybrid powertrains, and more likely to want the latest entertainment technology in their vehicle. As the largest generation since the Baby Boomers continues to gain spending power and enter the new-car market, which automakers will win their confidence? AutoPacific's study underscores the opportunities for automakers to reach Generation Y consumers as they move through their Teen, Young Adult and Young Family life-stages.

"Growing up with continuously evolving technology and electronics has given Generation Y a unique ability to adapt easily to change, a willingness to accept new brands, and an expectation that their vehicle provide the best of what is available," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, the research firm that conducted the study. Though many Generation Y consumers would choose a trip around the world over a luxury vehicle, Generation Y does expect that the vehicle they buy will be more than just basic transportation. "Generation Y is more likely than older generations to own portable electronics, more likely to research their vehicle options on the Internet, and an astonishing 29%points more likely to frequently multi-task while driving. They know what's out there, they know the economical and environmental problems we face, and their vehicle expectations reflect that knowledge."

Continue reading "Generation Y Open To New Brands, New Technology And Hybrids"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Recently, Ford invited us to drive their latest SVT hero, the F-150 SVT Raptor. Our drive involved the roads around San Diego and some desert driving near Borrego Springs, California. Back from that event, I have to say: What a truck! What a ride!

SVT spent three years developing the Raptor, based in Ford's new-for-2009 F-150. Their goal: Create a factory-built and -backed off-road high-performance truck more capable than any but the most highly modified competition vehicles. Based on the fact that they were just announced Truck of the Year by the Texas Auto Writers Association, true truckers appreciate SVT's efforts.

Getting the basics out of the way, the Raptor is powered by Ford's 320HP 5. 4L V8, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in four-wheel drive only. An electronic rear differential is standard, as is hill descent control. The Raptor is based on the Super Cab F-150, with the relatively short 5.5-foot box. The suspension is extensively modified with heavy-duty, high-performance components including a long travel suspension, patented FOX Racing shock absorbers, unique upper and lower control arms, tie rods, front and rear springs and jounce bumpers. 17-inch wheels are used with 35-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. Even the exhaust is unique -- and it sounds great!

Continue reading "2010 Ford F-150 Raptor: Highly Capable, Reasonably Priced"

Posted by Jim Hossack at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Acura's showroom has been substantially revised for the 2010MY. Along with a new coupe-SUV flagship in the ZDX, several other models take midcycle improvements. We recently brought you up to speed on TSX and RDX, but the MDX also takes a laundry list of updates this year.

Several of the updates to MDX are thanks to advancements developed with the ZDX, but no less appreciated. Sheetmetal changes were not extensive, most every aspect of the SUV saw improvement.

Thanks to the ZDX, there is a new six-speed automatic transmission. A short suburban Michigan drive revealed a refined powertrain and comfortable transmission setup. MDX's engine still delivers 300HP from a 3.7L, Acura has heavily revised the powerplant. Among the beefed elements are a more rigid cylinder block, high-strength crankshaft, heavy-duty connecting rods, high compression ratio pistons, new intake valve springs, new EGR system, a larger throttle body, and revised cylinder heads.

Continue reading "2010 Acura MDX: New Look, New Features"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 2:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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370Z: Second Generation Continues Purist Roots
With the 370Z Roadster on sale this month, Nissan's 370Z full family has arrived. The latest coupe went on sale in January 2009, followed by an on-road track car in the NISMO 370Z in June 2009. This summer, we found time for all three.

370Z should be Nissan's personality distilled, affordable and practical, but edgey and at home in Everyman's garage. Good thing for them, Nissan successfully refined without sacrificing its edge or rough-and-ready nature. If you didn't like the 350Z, you're not going to like 370Z. If you did, there's only more to love.

The new car is easy to pick as a modern Z. Against the 2003-09MY car, proportions have been adjusted and it lost a few inches. The new car takes cues of today's Nissan family in its lights, and the convertible top looks more of a piece than the 350Z. There's more power under the hood, always nice, but less weight being carried around, even better. Weight was lost with the shrinking of the Z, but also with selective use of aluminum (including hood and doors).

Continue reading "2010 Nissan 370Z: The Family is Here"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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