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Suzuki has big plans for its flagship model, the Kizashi. That much we already know. What we didn’t expect though was that the model would be branching out with different variants. At the New York Auto Show, the Japanese automaker further cemented their intention of giving its customers new options for the sedan by unveiling a couple of concept cars tied up to its name. One of these concepts is the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept, a hybrid vehicle Suzuki is preparing to compete against the likes of the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight, among other hybrid cars out on the market these days. While Suzuki hasn’t had any discussions on the production plans for the car, we’d be very surprised if this model doesn’t get greenlighted for production soon, especially when you consider that the market is ripe for other brands to enter and give its established rivals a run for their money. Either way, its looking more and more likely that the hybrid wars will have to make room for another vehicle. Details on the Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept after the jump. Exterior and Interior Just like the Kizashi Apex Concept, the EcoCharge version doesn’t come with a whole lot of styling changes, but since it’s technically a concept, a number of elements were nevertheless added. Chief among them include a luminescent white satin paint finish that has a blue undercoat, modified headlamps, LED fog lights, and a set of bespoke alloy wheels. Performance As with any other hybrid car, the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine producing 144 horsepower to go along with an electric propulsion system made up of a liquid-cooled 15-kW motor unit that’s tied to a 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery. In order to make the most out of the engine, Suzuki gave the concept Kizashi items like a regenerative braking, a start/stop system, and a fuel-cut off system, all of which were added to ensure maximum fuel efficiency. Complete figures of the car were not released, but according to Suzuki, the EcoCharge Concept is 25% more efficient over the standard Kizashi when it comes to highway fuel efficiency. Pricing No pricing details were revealed for the EcoCharge Concept, but we’re optimistic that we’re going to see a production version of this Kizazhi hybrid sooner rather than later. Competition What Toyota started with the Prius has evolved into an automotive free-for-all for hybrid supremacy among automakers all over the world. While it’s late to the party, Suzuki is nonetheless gunning for the established names in the market segment, particularly its Japanese rivals that include the aforementioned Prius, the Honda Insight, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid. Despite its neophyte status in the hybrid segment, Suzuki is determined to give the Kizashi EcoCharge as much ammunition as it can possibly get, and while it’s going to have its hands full trying to knock its competitors off of their respective perches, we do know that Suzuki is going to bring the fight straight to them.   A new option for hybrid cars
Powertrain could be better
Lights configuration looks cool
Not a lot of exterior and interior changes
Tough market to break into
Waiting for production version
32 comments: Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept Its exterior detailing is very admiring! Well, compared to Nissan Altima, I think I would still prefer to have this kizashi even though it is a hybrid concept. Anyway, I hope that it also has an impressive interior.
 Even though it is one of the unreliable vehicles today, I would still want to have it for myself.  Well, I just really love the irresistible beauty of it even on its dressed-up interior, which looks comfortable with this.
 It doesn’t need to have a lot of changes to its exterior and interior, for it is already looking great with that. Well, I must say that when it comes into appearance this one will surely stand out.
 I wonder if they really had any plan to put this one on the market. Well, I hope that they truly did, because I will surely wait for this good-looking car, although it didn’t have an impressive engine.
 It really looks so cute on its platform and other detailing, and I love the fact that it is still so reliable and very practical to use in my everyday transportation.
 I love also the simplicity of this EcoCharge concept, although it is a hybrid car, I must say that it will still hit the market, I’m so sure about that. Anyway, I’m quite curious on its interior features.
 EcoCharge concept is looks so cute on its simple platform and appearance. I love the hygienic and decent look of this car, but I don’t that the engine of this can give a better performance on it.
 It looks so cute on its simple platform, and I have to agree that the decency of this car is impressive but if I’m not mistaken this car is a hybrid one. Another impressive but unreliable car! 
 Very trendy modern style. The simple authentic bumper look stunning, even the front color lights. Look so clean and refreshing in the eyes.
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Posted on
01.5.2012 @ 20:20