Suzuki ‘Mondeo’ revealed

Suzuki has gone supersized! These are the first official pictures of the all-new Kizashi saloon – revealed at a special launch in Detroit this week.

Designed to extend the firm’s range from exclusively small cars, to competing with market leaders such as the Ford Mondeo, the Kizashi will now serve as a flagship model for the Japanese brand.

The production model shown here doesn’t quite capture the flair of the wild Kizashi concepts that have graced motor shows over the last two years. But with clean, uncluttered surfaces, bold grille and striking rear end, it still cuts a dashing figure.

In terms of practicality, the Suzuki measures in at roughly the same size as the current Audi A4, meaning ample room for four, and plenty of car for your cash. For the moment, propulsion comes from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol unit only. However, Suzuki has confirmed that a fuel-sipping hybrid version is in the pipeline, and will be added shortly.

The Kizashi is due to go on sale in North America this winter. But as for Britain, Suzuki UK is staying tight-lipped, claiming its focus is still very much on the small-car range such as the Alto, Swift and Splash. Yet if there’s sufficient interest in the Kizashi, it could well be arriving in a showroom near you as soon as next year.