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New Models
DRIVEN: Suzuki Breaks Out Sport Kizashi
A six-speed manual and sport-tuned suspension works wonders for this already competitive compact sedan.
Suzuki Kizashi gets a performance upgrade with the SLS model, including a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. (Photo: Suzuki)
Suzuki, not exactly known for vehicles that are sporty or refined, has taken a great leap forward with the Kizashi sedan.
With refinement and sharp drivability, Kizashi brings the struggling Japanese automaker up to parity with such compact sedans as Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, VW Jetta and Ford Focus. Suzuki even has the temerity to compare its prodigy favorably to such upscale sedans as Audi A4, Mercedes C300 and Volvo S40.
Suzuki points out that although the EPA classifies Kizashi as a compact, other automotive entities such as Edmunds consider it a "small midsize" because of its interior space.
All well and good, but no matter how great Kizashi may be, Suzuki has to fight the battle of the off-brand, trying to win the hearts and wallets of those consumers who generally feel safer with the big names. It takes someone who wants to be different and is not competitively brand conscious to step up and buy a Kizashi.
Some folks might think it’s de classe to drive a Suzuki, but once behind the wheel, all that should be forgotten. Because Kizashi is a very well-turned-out vehicle with exemplary road manners, good looks, handsome interior and an overall feeling of quality.
Which more than anything makes me wonder why Suzuki’s other four-wheeled vehicles fall so far back compared with the flagship sedan. Suzuki is a master of motorcycle engineering for the street and track, but it’s never translated all that well into automobiles.
And I love that name. Suzuki Kizashi. Sounds like it could be a Japanese violist or maybe the villain in a Kung Fu movie. Say it over a few times and it starts to sound like a Jerry Seinfeld routine.
One negative issue with Suzuki is that its dealerships are so few and far between, especially in less-populated areas, which could leave you high and dry when it comes to service and repairs. But if you can contend with that, Kizashi represents quite a bargain for a sophisticated midsize sedan.
I drove and reviewed a Kizashi once before and liked it. But now I’ve driven a Kizashi that I like even better, the sporty SLS model with a six-speed manual instead of a rubbery continuously variable automatic. Sure, I know those CVTs are fuel efficient and all that, but I prefer stickshift in a small car every time.
The SLS is also equipped with a firmer, sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch alloy wheels shod with upgraded rubber. There’s also an aero body kit and sport steering wheel.
Pretty much loaded with features, such as keyless entry and push-button ignition, 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio, leather, sunroof, full power accessories, Bluetooth and Homelink, the test Kizashi figured out to just over $25,000, which undercuts the competition by a wide margin for a similarly equipped compact.
This was the front-wheel drive model, nicely configured with traction control and stability control, not the all-wheel-drive version that was chased by bands of homicidal snowmen in Suzuki’s Super Bowl commercial. In Phoenix, that’s not so much an issue.
With refinement and sharp drivability, Kizashi brings the struggling Japanese automaker up to parity with such compact sedans as Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, VW Jetta and Ford Focus. Suzuki even has the temerity to compare its prodigy favorably to such upscale sedans as Audi A4, Mercedes C300 and Volvo S40.
Suzuki points out that although the EPA classifies Kizashi as a compact, other automotive entities such as Edmunds consider it a "small midsize" because of its interior space.
All well and good, but no matter how great Kizashi may be, Suzuki has to fight the battle of the off-brand, trying to win the hearts and wallets of those consumers who generally feel safer with the big names. It takes someone who wants to be different and is not competitively brand conscious to step up and buy a Kizashi.
Some folks might think it’s de classe to drive a Suzuki, but once behind the wheel, all that should be forgotten. Because Kizashi is a very well-turned-out vehicle with exemplary road manners, good looks, handsome interior and an overall feeling of quality.
Which more than anything makes me wonder why Suzuki’s other four-wheeled vehicles fall so far back compared with the flagship sedan. Suzuki is a master of motorcycle engineering for the street and track, but it’s never translated all that well into automobiles.
And I love that name. Suzuki Kizashi. Sounds like it could be a Japanese violist or maybe the villain in a Kung Fu movie. Say it over a few times and it starts to sound like a Jerry Seinfeld routine.
One negative issue with Suzuki is that its dealerships are so few and far between, especially in less-populated areas, which could leave you high and dry when it comes to service and repairs. But if you can contend with that, Kizashi represents quite a bargain for a sophisticated midsize sedan.
I drove and reviewed a Kizashi once before and liked it. But now I’ve driven a Kizashi that I like even better, the sporty SLS model with a six-speed manual instead of a rubbery continuously variable automatic. Sure, I know those CVTs are fuel efficient and all that, but I prefer stickshift in a small car every time.
The SLS is also equipped with a firmer, sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch alloy wheels shod with upgraded rubber. There’s also an aero body kit and sport steering wheel.
Pretty much loaded with features, such as keyless entry and push-button ignition, 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio, leather, sunroof, full power accessories, Bluetooth and Homelink, the test Kizashi figured out to just over $25,000, which undercuts the competition by a wide margin for a similarly equipped compact.
This was the front-wheel drive model, nicely configured with traction control and stability control, not the all-wheel-drive version that was chased by bands of homicidal snowmen in Suzuki’s Super Bowl commercial. In Phoenix, that’s not so much an issue.
The Lyonheart K
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