While their motorcycle division continues to thrive, Suzuki’s U.S. automotive fortunes are on the skids. The economy, few new models, and dealer closings have all put a big crimp in sales. But now comes the good news. After teasing us with a trio of stylish concepts called “Kizashi,” which means “something great is coming,” the Kizashi sedan is now headed for showrooms. So let’s see if it’s great enough to spark a Suzuki turnaround.
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sport sedan certainly looks great, using numerous design elements from all three of its conceptual namesakes-the big, mean-looking hatchback shown in Frankfurt in 2007; the swoopy SUV shown a month later at the Tokyo Motor Show; and the menacing quicksilver sedan revealed in New York last year.
The four-door that soon arrives in dealerships is more than handsome enough to proudly wear the angular Suzuki “S” badge front and center, while sporting a well-creased, flowing front fascia below well-drawn headlights. The split-level grille and twin lower intakes reminds us a lot of the current VW Jetta, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The car’s greenhouse, however, is run-of-the-mill. But an athletic stance, flared fenders, and our car’s stylish 18-inch alloy wheels provide the Kizashi’s profile a premium impression.
Around back, wraparound taillights tastefully echo the headlights, and frame a tall trunk lid that doubles as a mild spoiler. These great-looking chrome outlets look like exhausts, but they’re just for show. The Kizashi rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and is 183.1 inches long overall. That’s larger than the typical compact, but smaller than mid-size, and it happens to fit right between two world-class sport sedans, the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.
The Kizashi’s concise dimensions made sense when we popped the hood. Power comes from a heavily-revised version of the 2.4-liter, all-aluminum four-cylinder that drives the base Grand Vitara. Output is 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed manual is standard on the front-wheel-drive Kizashi. Our car was fitted with the optional CVT automatic. Paddle shifters are along just for fun. Suzuki is no stranger to all-wheel-drive, and an all-new system is available on the Kizashi-but only with the CVT.
Still, our loaded 3,329-pound front-wheel-drive model was a lot of Kizashi for a four-banger to haul around. This early pre-production car has 0 to 60 capability of 8.3 seconds. That’s better than the typical family sedan, but not quite up to pure sport sedan pace.
Again in handling, the Kazashi is an in-betweener. With the standard stability and traction control active, and pushed to about 80% of its limit, Kizashi does deliver like a sport sedan- very grippy and responsive. But past that point, it transforms. The meaty Dunlops continued to cling to the pavement, but under steer and body roll quickly scare you off. That makes Kizashi a very safe car, but not as much fun as we hoped. Braking was somewhat better. We averaged a fine 129 feet from sixty with a squishy pedal. There was more fade than expected but stability was excellent.
But any shortcomings at the track were quickly forgotten in everyday driving. The Kizashi is capable and comfortable, with a compliant ride, a very user-friendly CVT, and plenty of highway-cruising, low-noise comfort thanks to a very rigid unibody frame.
The Kizashi’s airy and upscale interior is headlined by a sculpted soft-touch dash, as well as contemporary gauges and controls. Sharply-drawn lines are intended to mimic the precision of a Samurai’s blade. Conversely, the seats are covered in soft, comfy leather. Overall fit and finish, as well as materials, are of premium grade.
Controls for features such as Bluetooth and a Rockford-Fosgate stereo crowded the smallish, handsome steering wheel, leaving the center console relatively uncluttered. Push button ignition and dual-zone climate control are standard, while a class-leading total of eight airbags protect the Kizashi’s cozy cabin. Like the typical German sport sedan, the backseat is somewhat confined. However, legroom is adequate for 6-footers and under. Plus, the 60/40 folding seatbacks nicely extend the versatility of its already ample trunk.
For our front drive CVT test car, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are estimated at a healthy 23 City/30 Highway. We got a spot-on 26.5 in everyday driving on regular gas. That’s better than we managed with BMW’s 1-Series! Plus, a Kizashi hybrid is also planned for even better fuel economy.
While prices are not final, we expect a base sticker of around $20,000 when it goes on sale this winter. Add in a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and the Kizashi could be the premium car bargain of the year.
As their first all-wheel drive capable sport sedan, the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi comes off as a fresh and very competent attempt. It’s enticing to look at, and a nicely sporting daily driver. While it may not fully live up to being “something great”, it is a very promising, bargain-priced sport sedan entry. And if the Kizashi is any indication of the future of Suzuki, we think their automotive fortunes are in for a very positive turn.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4-Liter All-aluminum Four-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 185
- Torque: 170 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 8.3 Seconds
- 60-0 MPH: 129 Feet
- EPA: 23 MPG City/ 30 MPG Highway
- Mixed Loop: 26.5 MPG
Long Term Updates
Mileage: n/aOur surprising Suzuki Kizashi is turning a lot of heads. But, here because few expected tiny Suzuki to field such a striking, and impressive family sedan.
So impressive that the upstart Kizashi took third place in our recent mid-size sedan competition.
While Kizashi is small for its class, it makes up for it with a high quality interior, great use of available space, above average performance, and an affordable all-wheel drive option.
With 4-cylinder power only, you might think Kizashi to be anemic. Not so. The 185-horsepower 2.4-liter has plenty in reserve for passing. And, so far, our test fuel economy of 24.2 miles per gallon of regular tops most rivals.
So, if the Suzuki Kizashi is not on your family car short list, it should be.
Mileage: 8,900Ever since the Suzuki Kizashi took third place in our recent mid-size sedan competition behind Sonata and Camry, we’ve noticed a lot more people paying attention to it.
They always remark positively about its trim, sculpted styling and cozy, premium interior. Most are surprised to find Suzuki calls the Kizashi a sport sedan, and that it does live up to its billing.
They raise an eyebrow at a four-cylinder engine only. But, we assure them that the 2.4’s 185-horsepower is more than enough. But driven hard, the big four’s fuel efficiency is only modest: 20.5 miles per gallon of regular grade at 5 months and 8,900 miles.
The Kizashi’s sport sedan tuning also results in somewhat heavy steering, but you are rewarded with agility beyond its class.
Mileage: 9,200Every now and then, a car comes along that is a pleasant surprise. That pretty much sums up how we feel about our Suzuki Kizashi. Even before it did well in our recent mid-size sedan drive-off, our staff found the Kizashi to be one affordable sport sedan that really does live up to its billing.
After 4 months and 9,200 miles, nothing has changed. Its 185-horsepower 2.4 liter’s I4 is quite gutsy, and proving to be more fuel efficient than we first thought. We’re now averaging 25.2 miles per gallon of regular.
Because the Kizashi is small for its class, the rear seat is tight for adults. And our recent 100+ degree days did tax its air conditioning. But, that hasn’t dampened our enthusiasm for Suzuki’s best car yet.
Mileage: 12,500Despite car sales being generally on an upswing, tiny Suzuki is continuing to struggle. That’s a real shame since their Suzuki Kizashi sports sedan is one of the best mid-size four-doors out there.
In fact, it beat Camry and Accord in our recent mid-size sedan drive-off, where it’s great road manners more than made up for the fact it’s not quite as big as rivals.
At six months and 12,500 miles, the Kizashi is also fault-free. Its 185-horsepower 2.4-liter’s I4 has fine response, and decent fuel economy, now averaging 25.2 miles per gallon of regular.
While the 100 degree heat of last summer did tax the air conditioning system, there are no other improvements we would make to the Suzuki Kizashi, an exceptionally fine car that should not be overlooked.
Mileage: 15,000Viewers know that we consider our 2010 Suzuki Kizashi all-wheel drive sport sedan among the best mid-size family cars going. The word is finally starting to spread, as the tiny Japanese brand saw a 50 percent rise in recent sales, due largely to the Kizashi.
After nine months and a tough, commute-slogging 15,000 miles, our car is trouble-free, and is returning respectable stop-and-go fuel economy of 24.7 miles per gallon of regular.
The payoff is that when we do get to take the Kizashi for an outing, it rewards us with fine handling and a responsive throttle from the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 with a CVT automatic transmission.
Throw in one of the best powertrain warranties ever offered, and we think it’s about time that more families discover the Suzuki Kizashi.
Mileage: 18,000+Tiny Suzuki is enjoying a solid uptick in sales due almost solely to the Kizashi sport sedan, a fine if smallish mid-size sedan contender.
After 10 months and over 18,000 miles, commuter fuel economy stands at 24.3 miles per gallon of regular, as the 180-horsepower I4 CVT drivetrain proves increasingly responsive.
But, what we like the most about our all-wheel drive Kizashi, is its fine handling. There is definitely some carryover from the brand’s motorcycles here.
Mileage: 22,000With strong sales, the public has finally caught on to what we already knew, that the front and all-wheel-drive Suzuki Kizashi Sport Sedan delivers impressive quality and performance for a low price.
After a full year and 22,000 miles, it’s time to say goodbye to our Kizashi. It gave us no significant problems, although the one of the rear speakers did start to go south.
We found the 180-horsepower I4 with a CVT automatic gained in responsiveness. All while returning still rising fuel economy of 24.6 miles per regular gallon. That’s good for mostly around town use.
The interior is easily the best from Suzuki yet, and the front seats are very comfortable. Rear seat room is more compact than mid-size, but it’s still roomy enough for commuters.
And thanks to a well-tuned chassis for fine handling, those commutes will be entertaining.
So with or without the available all-wheel-drive, the Kizashi is a bargain priced, four-season sport sedan.
