Indicating its most important market, Suzuki chose to unveil its new mid-size saloon yesterday (July 30) near Detroit, USA. The Kizashi, named after a 2007 concept car, is sized to compete with the likes of the Mazda6 and Honda Accord and will eventually be available with a hybrid powertrain. Although European specifications have yet to be confirmed, the Kizashi (apparently meaning 'something great is coming') has been seen undergoing testing on the gruelling Nurburgring test track, which usually points to a chassis developed for use on European roads. At the launch, Suzuki spoke of a single 2.4-litre petrol engine option, with a V6 and hybrid alternatives arriving in the future. However, we'd expect a turbodiesel version to be available from the start of UK sales. Transmission options include a CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic with paddle shifters and the availability of four-wheel drive. Pictures from the unveiling depict a spacious and well laid out cabin that should compare well to mid-level cars in the D-segment. The Kizashi's exterior style should certainly set it apart too. It's possible that a European version of the Kizashi will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Flashback to the Fifties, when more powerful Buicks had more holes. But they didn't serve any real function then, and still do not today. Still, we like them. Two new exterior colors, Light Quartz Metallic and Gold Mist Metallic, are available for '07. These include hydroformed frame rails for a stiffer body and use of laminated steel with plenty of sound deadening material placed in strategic locations. Buick engineers shaped the outside of the door mirrors to lessen wind noise. Laboratory test results show that the Lucerne is quieter than a Lexus ES 330. This was also evident in a back-to-back driving comparison. Much like the exterior, the Lucerne's interior is cleanly designed with just enough touches of wood and chrome trim to make it luxurious without being opulent. The dashboard is fairly traditional in design with a smallish instrument pod containing three round gauges in front of the steering wheel.
The center stack is located high up for easy access, and contains large knobs for operating the climate control and audio system. Standard on all '07 Buicks is OnStar with Turn-by-Turn service, which allows customers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn downloads complete step-by-step directions to the vehicle through the OnStar system. Audio directions are then automatically played through the vehicle's stereo as they are needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. Drivers can be directed to their destinations without having to take their hands from the wheel or eyes from the road. And a touch-screen navigation system that can display a map is also available. Buyers who want seating for six can order a traditional front bench seat. Most people instead opt for bucket seats, which provide a good level of comfort and come with an armrest in the center console. Rear-seat passengers are well taken care of with good headroom and excellent leg room.
The long wheelbase also allows for a wider-opening rear door with almost no intrusion from the wheel well, making it easy to get in and out of the car. The Buick Lucerne is a smooth but spirited car. The ride quality is excellent, thanks to its long wheelbase and stiff body structure. In back-to-back driving along a stretch of less-than-perfect road, we found the Lucerne's ride quality comparable to that of the benchmark Toyota Avalon. Buick loyalists who are used to a cushy ride will not complain about the Lucerne. It might be stiffer than they are used to, but it's still plenty smooth. The steering is precise and responsive, and the suspension is well controlled, even at high speeds along not always smooth roads. The CXS comes with Magnetic Ride Control, which we found improved the handling a bit, though the differences were not dramatic. Magnetic Ride Control is an adaptive damping system designed to enhance overall ride performance. With Magnetic Ride Control, the shock absorbers are filled with a synthetic fluid in which magnetically charged particles are suspended.
