Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS
Base Price: $24,699
At-Tested Price: $25,304
Built in Japan.
Options
Floor Mats
Premium Paint
Satellite Radio
Engine: 2.4-Liter I4
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
|
Grabbing a piece of the midsize-car pie is difficult, nay impossible. Malibu, Fusion, Accord, Altima and Camry have such a grip that it's hard for others to even get a mention. Suzuki is trying to push its way into the game with a new car called the Kizashi, a smaller midsize with a sporty flair.
Introduced in 2010, the Kizashi is new from the ground up. The 106.3-inch wheelbase pits it squarely against cars like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry at the heart of the midsize market.
Kizashi comes only as a four-door sedan and is offered in four trim levels: S, SE, Sport GTS and Sport SLS. All are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Kizashi seats five on twin front buckets and a split-folding rear bench seat.
All models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces between 180 and 185 horsepower. Transmission choices include either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. AWD models come only with the CVT.
Standard safety features on all models includes antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, and dual-front, front-side, rear-side, and curtain-side airbags. Also available are a rear-view camera and rear-obstacle detection system.
The Kizashi S starts at $18,999 and includes air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, tilt and telescope steering wheel with radio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, center console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, keyless access and starting, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with iPod adapter, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, theft-deterrent system and 215/60R16 tires.
The SE starts at $21,899 and adds to the S cruise control, ten-way power driver seat with memory and lumbar adjustment, 235/45R17 tires and alloy wheels.
The $22,899 Sport GTS adds to SE power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate sound system, rear spoiler, fog lights and sport suspension.
The line topping SLS starts at $24,699 and adds to the GTS rear-obstacle-detection system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror and automatic headlights.
Stand-alone options are limited to a sunroof, navigation system with real-time traffic information, premium paint and floor mats. The Kizashi is built in Japan and has a $735 destination charge.
Get Up and Go Suzuki quotes a 0-60 mph time for a manual transmission Kizashi at 7.5 seconds. That's on par with other four-cylinder midsize cars and adequate for most anyone. Opt for the optional CVT and/or all-wheel drive and progress slows a bit from a standstill but still feels peppy once moving. Passing power is decent but nothing to write home about.
The engine is quite smooth and quiet for being a large four-cylinder. It revs willingly in passing situations and doesn't groan or annoy like some others in the class.
The continuously variable automatic transmission works very well. It seems to act more like a traditional automatic with stepped gears when slogging around town and builds engine speed very quickly in passing situations.
Front-drive is all most Chicagoland buyers will ever need--assuming you have a good set of all season tires. However, the availability of all-wheel drive across the model range is a nice offering. The AWD system hurts fuel economy only slightly and adds a bit of security.
EPA ratings for the front-drive manual-transmission model are 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Those numbers fall short of similar-sized front-drive models. Suzuki says that Kizashi runs fine on regular-grade gasoline.
Real-world driving is likely to net about 25-27 mpg in an even-mix of city highway commuting. Straight highway driving yields as high as 31 mpg, but only with a very light throttle foot.
On the Road Suzuki engineers have blessed Kizashi with a beautiful ride/handling equilibrium that keeps the car composed while providing a comfortable ride. The same surely cannot be said for many other midsize competitors. As you "model up" the ride grows progressively firmer, but even in the top-line GTS and SLS, impacts are never harsh or pounding.
Conversely, when the road grows twisty the Kizashi feels athletic, downright nimble at times. Handling limits are high and there's very little body lean in quick lane changes. The steering has a nice heft, good on-center feel and is quite precise. The brake pedal is easy to modulate, and the brakes have plenty of stopping power.
Interior noise levels are low, particularly on the SE with its slightly less-aggressive tires. Tire thrum amps up on the Sport GTS and Sport SLS but never to an objectionable level.
Overall, the Kizashi drives like a $30,000-40,000 sedan, not a price-sensitive midsize offering.
Behind the Wheel Competitors should be very afraid of what Suzuki has done with Kizashi. Slide behind the wheel and you are transported into an environment befitting a car costing thousands more. The materials, fit and finish are top notch, except for the unpadded dash top, and the pleasing design is both sporty and functional.
Drivers face two large, easy-to-read gauges, one for vehicle speed another for engine speed. Audio and climate controls are placed high in the center of the instrument panel. They are clearly marked and easy to operate day or night. Ancillary controls for the windows, locks and mirrors are on the driver's armrest. The only possible gripe is that it's sometimes difficult to switch between audio input devices.
Though Kizashi might look small on the outside, it doesn't feel cramped from the driver's seat. There's good head and leg room and the seats are sized for Americans (if you know what I mean). If you opt for the sunroof, head room grows tight for those taller than six-foot-two.
The driving position is quite comfortable and outward visibility is good. Helping things out a bit are large outside mirrors, optional rear-view camera and fold-down rear-seat headrests.
The rear seats aren't anywhere near as commodious as the fronts, but still adult friendly. Anyone more than six-feet tall will be wanting for leg and head room, but smaller adults and kids will find the seats quite comfortable. Cabin width is down compared to some competitors, so sitting three abreast will scrunch everyone a bit.
The trunk is rated at 13.3 cubic feet. That's down a bit to some competitors and the sickle-shaped trunk hinges don't help matters. Still, there's enough space for a week's worth of groceries or four large suitcases. The folding rear seats help a bit, but they don't fold completely flat. Interior storage is great with plenty of small bins located throughout and large map pockets.
Bottom Line Want to know a little secret? The Kizashi may be the best small midsize sedan sold in America. Throw in the incredibly competitive base price and it's surely the best overall value. Though it might be hard to convince some buyers to give Suzuki a shot.
In Japanese, Kizashi means "omen", "sign", or "warning." Perhaps the Asian automaker was directing that inference at rivals. Suzuki's new-from-the-ground up midsize sedan is surprisingly good in just about every aspect and a worthy midsize competitor.
Specifications, 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS
| Dimensions
| 4-door sedan
| Engine
| DOHC I4
| Wheelbase, in.
| 106.3
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 2.4 / 147
| Length, in.
| 183.1
| Horsepower @ rpm
| 185 @ 6000
| Width, in.
| 71.7
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm
| 170 @ 4000
| Height, in.
| 58.3
| Transmission
| CVT Automatic
| Weight, lbs.
| 3438
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 20 city / 29 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 13.3
|
|
| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 20.1
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating Capacity
| 5
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 36.6
| Powertrain
| 7 years / 100,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 39.3
| Corrosion
| 3 years / Unlimited miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| 37.0
| Free Roadside Assistance
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| 35.6
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| None
|
|
|