Great things are coming to our region next month with the arrival of Suzuki's new flagship sedan, sporting youthful styling, genuine room for four adults, available all-wheel drive and a name worthy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee list.

Kizashi (pronounced Kee-zah-she), is the Japanese automaker's first entry into the all-wheel drive sport sedan segment, and with a 106.3-inch wheelbase, meets EPA standards for today's mid-size car.

The front-wheel drive 2010 Suzuki Kizashi debuts in S, SE, GTS and SLS trim levels with 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT) controlled by sporty steering wheel shift paddles.

Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that builds 185 horsepower when coupled with the manual transmission and 180 hp with a CVT. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) gives the newcomer added four-season traction.

Fuel economy is rated at 21 miles per gallon in town and 31 mpg on the open road for front-drive models with manual transmission. When equipped with AWD and CVT, 22 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway is expected.

Recently, I tested Kizashi on the winding roads of North Carolina and the twists and turns of the Virginia International Raceway. The car performed like a seasoned champion on and off track.

Kizashi's suspension is taut with a nice ride quality on rural pavement. However, I found the car's large outside mirrors created turbulence that caused a slight whistle that seeped into the cabin while traveling above 55 mph.

At speed, steering wheel communication was very compliant with no hint of under-steer or "plowing" in corners. The manual gearbox is smooth and the brakes strong, especially under track conditions. No brake fade whatsoever.

Though I drove Kizashi's all-wheel drive version on track, I found no argument with front-wheel drive handling under aggressive maneuvers.

No complaint on the inside either as Kizashi comes to market with a premium interior that flatters the senses. Soft touch surfaces and comfortably padded, wide seat cushions greet driver and three passengers.

Though belted for a trio in the second row, it would be a three-way squeeze for adult riders. Three toddlers or teens are the best fit there. Two rear car seats will also make the grade. Front and rear legroom is exceptional.

Standard dual-zone climate control and available 425-watt 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate PUNCH audio system soothe cabin occupants.

Priced under $20,000, the Kizashi S comes nicely equipped with standard six-speed manual transmission, power package with remote key fob, push button keyless start, automatic climate control, nine-speaker audio with steering wheel controls and front/rear/side airbags.

Also included are stability control and anti-lock brakes, projector beam headlamps, ambient foot-well lighting, split rear seats with center pass-through and rear heat and air-conditioning vents.

Other niceties, like leather seats, cruise control, heated seats and sunroof are available through the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi lineup starting with the SE model priced at $21,500.