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The latest iteration of the car was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show recently in a form said by the company to come closest in style and presentation to an actual production version. Although the New York concept, 'Kizashi 3', was built in the guise of a sports sedan, the production version will also be produced in a cross-over SUV variant -- and possibly other versions.

Powered by a 3.6-litre V6, the Kizashi is expected to produce 221kW of power, which will be relayed to all four wheels via a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.

Suzuki's plans for the Kizashi's launch will coincide with the company's centenary celebrations in 2009.

In Australia, the Kizashi will move Suzuki into a larger market segment and Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers anticipates substantially improved market share from the new model, consolidating the company's current sales expansion.

"The Kizashi 3 concept is no mere exercise in style; this car reveals the direction we will take with our production car. This represents the next stage of our evolution and growth, both in Australia and around the world," said Devers.

"We are one of the fastest growing brands in Australia despite competing in less than 50 per cent of the market, and the addition of a superb vehicle like Kizashi will help confirm Suzuki's status as a significant force in the country."

Suzuki's plans to use the Kizashi as a launchpad for market segments other than those in which Suzuki has traditionally competed mirrors Subaru's, with the introduction of the original Liberty at the end of the 1980s.

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