Suzuki has wanted to be a player in the high-volume mid-size arena for a while; they haven’t had a worthy entry until now. The 2010 Kizashi is the result of a four + year effort to create a vehicle that is probably Suzuki’s most important launch in the United States. So far so good; the Kizashi was nominated for North American Car of the Year by a panel of top American automotive journalists.
Having a smaller presence in the United States, Suzuki has teamed with GM and rebadged a few of the vehicles in their lineup. This is not the case with the Kizashi; it is a completely home grown car out of Japan. It runs on a front-wheel drive architecture that is 183.1 inches in length and rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The Kizashi is also available with all-wheel drive. Because it will be sold in markets throughout the world, it has been designed a little smaller than the typical U.S. mid-size sedans. With this in mind, Suzuki plans to undercut the prices of its potential rivals.
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi comes in four models: S ($18,999), SE ($21,499), GTS ($22,499), and SLS ($24,399). Each model comes standard as front-wheel drive and is available in all-wheel drive as a $1,300 option. A navigation system with rearview camera is available on the GTS and SLS for $1,299.
All models of the Kizashi get their power from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The S, GTS, and SLS models are mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SE model comes standard with the CVT. You can switch the CVT to manual shift mode. Horsepower is a 185 with the manual transmission and 180 with the CVT. Miles-per-gallon range from 20 to 23 City and 29 to 31 Highway depending on the model and engine/trans/drive combination. The 2.4-liter doesn’t give you rocket performance, but it is perfectly adequate for everyday driving.
Exterior styling is where the Kizashi has it all together. It isn’t over the top or tiredly conservative. The lines are sculptured and filled with Suzuki DNA. Its profile is one of balance and that of a small sports sedan. The 18-inch alloy wheels are carved with 22-spokes. Large chrome dual exhaust tips add to the sports dynamic.
The interior is sharp, clean, and upscale for a car under $20,000. The center console flows out to each side like the wings of an eagle. All four doors have cup holders and power window switches. The center armrest area has two compartments and two more cup holders. The Smartpass keyless entry is mated to a start button on the dash and touch buttons on the front driver’s door to unlock the car.
Room for improvement:
- Interior space is tight, yet workable, for a mid-size vehicle
Cool Features:
- Push button start
- MP3 and USB ports
- Multi-function trip computer
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi has a long list of safety features including electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitor system, and eight airbags: two frontal, two side impact and two side curtain.
The chief engineer of the Kizashi made handling his first priority and tested the suspension on the Swiss Alps. To provide tight steering and handling, he incorporated KYB rear shocks and a multi-link rear suspension. You will find the Kizashi loves to travel on curvy back roads.
In Summary:
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is a fun-to-drive and well crafted sports sedan. Its smaller size is perhaps it’s only short-fall, but not enough to hamper its success. It handles like a sports sedan and offers more standard equipment than its competitors and at a lower price point. The fit-and-finish is top-notch, the seats are comfortable, and hold you in place. Paddle shifters add just the right technology. If you are living on a beer budget with Champagne taste, or just like a sporty sedan, take the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi out for a test drive.
Specifications
2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE
Base price: $21,499 – as driven: $21,754 (including destination)
Engine: 2.4-Liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 180 @ 6000
Torque: 170 pound-feet @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission with paddle shifters
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 36 feet
Cargo space: 13.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3329 pounds
Fuel capacity: 16.6 gallons
EPA mileage: 30 highway, 23 city
Wheel Base: 106.3 inches
Warranty: 7 years/100,000 miles Powertrain Limited
Also consider: Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry
Future changes: New for 2010