Suzuki’s Concept Kizashi is a preview of it’s upcoming large D-segment sedan, and it marks the third phase of Suzuki’s new world strategy that began with the Suzuki Swift. The Suzuki Swift started the whole revival of Suzuki and reflected the first phase’s theme of sportiness. The second phase began with the Grand Vitara and the SX4, and the theme was families.

This third phase is status. Up until now, Suzuki owners who have moved up the brand from A segment to B, then up to C segment have had nothing to move up to when they decide it’s time for a D-segment car. The production version of the Suzuki Concept Kizashi is supposed to be an answer to that desire.

In their studies, Suzuki realised that there are two types of D-segment cars: family-oriented cars that are relatively large and reflect an emphasis on cabin roominess (USDM and Asian Honda Accord, for example), and the other which are “entry luxury” cars that reflect an emphasis on performance, are relatively compact, and offer relatively high levels of quality and prestige (the Accord Euro, for example).

Suzuki boldly says it’s new D-segment car will not belong to either group. Suzuki is targeting emotional appeal as a way to deliver a level of customer satisfaction higher than what might be expected from what you pay for the car.

The new D-segment Suzuki will definitely be a sporty drive, and will have all-wheel drive technology, but Suzuki did not say whether this would be standard or an option. The concept photos here rather reminds me of the Toyota Caldina.

While the final powertrain line-up of the production sedan is not revealed at this point, the Suzuki Concept Kizashi is powered by a newly developed 2.0 liter 16-valve turbodiesel engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It is 4,650mm long, 1,950mm wide, 1,400mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,850mm.