SUZUKI KIZASHI
- Review |
Spread the word Suzuki, you have
something to talk about. |
Editor: Eric Bewley
Photo: E. Bewley / ASMC |
PORTLAND, OR - The new Suzuki Kizashi demonstrates
a bold step forward for a company with economy and value perceived as it's
primary focus. The Kizashi builds on those sensible values and elevates by
adding ideals of driver enthusiasm and passion. Suzuki has stepped up
their engineering, testing, and production on this new sedan and it shows.
Incredible quietness, tight and right build quality, and bit of
performance spice up this newest creation. As the 11th largest automaker
in the world, Suzuki has been primarily known for motorcycles, simple and
effective 4x4 SUV, and forgettable small cars that have offered good
value in the U.S. marketplace but have never seemed to strike a chord with
buyers. Suzuki has set their sites at the near-premium portion of the
mid-sized sedan market segment and we believe that they have successfully
came up with a new car that competes well against the Camry, Mazda6, and
Passat.
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The first thing noticed when we walked up to the
vehicle was that it looked very contemporary and that if
one was to remove the enlarged "S" logo on the front of
the grill it would be really difficult to tell this car apart from
most other manufacturer's automotive offerings in this class. Is
this a good thing? There were some
great looking design features in the concepts that seem to have
been lost. Not a problem though; the Kizashi still looks very
good. Let's go for a drive... |
I was immediately impressed. The car's vibration
dampening is better than most anything available today. It is
nearly impossible to feel or hear the engine and drive train at any
speed. Steering is smooth and the handling very safe. The
suspension is supple enough for an average commute but firm enough
to take the twisty two-lane highways that the Pacific Northwest is
famous for with a bit of zeal.
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Journalists were treated to track time at
Portland International Raceway. As an enthusiast local to
the area with many races and days spent observing at PIR,
driving on track with professional drivers was an
indulgence that will be remembered quite fondly. |
The Kizashi has a good list of features that
help add value. Anti-lock brakes, stability
control, traction control, side-curtain air bags and side-impact
air bags are all standard and AWD or All-Wheel Drive is available at the push of a
button on the upgraded versions.
Suzuki is looking towards the future and
offering more value right now. Kizashi, unlike Camry and Accord,
comes in front or all-wheel drive and though Suzuki is no longer a
part of the General
Motors family, Suzuki will offer a gas/electric hybrid Kizashi in
calendar 2011 developed with an assist from GM.
But these are points of value and economy,
something that Suzuki has owned the market on for some time.
What's new is that the Kizashi does add an enthusiastic driving
experience to those that will seek it by offering the 6 speed
manual transmission with the most 'loaded' trim package. This is
something that personally resonates, luxurious trim that feels
good and involved driving via the manual that feels great.
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Looking at the specs focusing on power and economy,
the new Kizashi appears middle of class segment, offering a
2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine pushing out 185 HP and 170
lb-ft of torque. This nets a 0-60 MPH time of 7.5 seconds, on par
with the Accord EX and slightly faster than the Mazda6. Mileage
ranges depending on which trim package from, at best, 23city/31hwy
MPG with the CVT in FWD to 20city/29hwy with the manual FWD.
Adding AWD to the mix doesn't reduce mileage significantly.
Here's where I wanted more. The 2.4liter engine has enough
performance when one keeps in mind the target audience and the
class segment jabber. As a Suzuki enthusiast, I always want more.
Whether that be more power or more capabilities, I like to see
Suzuki vehicles offer as much as possible all the time. It was enjoyable to drive the 4-cylinder equipped Kizashi but
at every gear change or corner exit I was wanting a bit more
power. There just isn't much bottom end torque with this engine
and I think the car could use more power to help compliment it's
excellent handling.
Suzuki may think
so to. They had a V6 Kizashi test mule at the track for
demonstration. Executives stated that this package was not going
to be an option but that this was merely a test vehicle to test
the chassis and suspension of the new car. I for one, would really
like to see them re-consider and offer this as a SWT package or
some type of special edition. |
 
The new Kizashi interior is well featured for its
expected starting price of under $20,000. Some offered highlights
include iPod connectivity, steering wheel audio buttons, dual-zone
climate control, comfortable seats and my favorite feature, a telescopic
steering column that helps this car fit my 6'5" frame. Upgrade trim
packages include a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with Bluetooth
music streaming and hands-free calling. An overall good design that is
far superior to anything at this price range.
Following the SX4, the Kizashi represents a vastly
superior and rapidly improving product line of autos that unfortunately
few American buyers are aware of. Bottom line; the vehicle is built well
and is a quality product. The success of the Kizashi will depend on a
bold Suzuki marketing strategy and Suzuki dealers placing this car on
their front row to show it off. Spread the word Suzuki, you have
something to talk about.
FORUM
DISCUSSION
Suzuki
Kizashi micro-website
 ZW
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