SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: Well-equipped, nice leather appointments, good audio system, AWD--that’s all fine, but it’s still hard to wrap my head around a $28,000 Suzuki. In Japan, this company owns the tiny-car market, but here in America, lots of people still look for something with two wheels and a two-stroke engine when you say “Suzuki.” So that price might be a little rich.
At the same time, if Suzuki can get a potential buyer past the initial sticker shock (and stop them from trying to mix oil with the gas and pour it into the tank), those buyers will find a lot to like about this car. The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a luxury touch point, while the heated leather seats handle the rest. The engine-tranny combo propels the car to speed with decent rapidity, and even the wide-range CVT seems to have an upshift that mimics a second cog once you hit 60 mph. For those who want the feel of regular shifting, there are steering-wheel-mounted paddles for upshifts and downshifts. Top it off with an all-wheel-drive system that typically isn’t even offered at this kind of a price point, and in this type of sedan, and it becomes clear this Kizashi is something special.
Even better, the car seems to have some attention to drive quality built in, putting it somewhere in the neighborhood of Honda when it comes to solid ride and handling and superior steering feel and response. Some might find the ride a touch harsh, so be sure to drive the car over some rough roads before you commit on the bottom line.
It’s a car to like, but maybe not a car that inspires one to get overly enthusiastic.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I gave the Kizashi high praise on the launch program last fall, and I have to again after driving this one over the weekend. This car reminds me a lot of the first-generation Mazda 6, with its right-size midsize proportions and athletic drive personality.
As Bob mentioned, Suzuki is well-known for its small-car expertise in other parts of the world and is starting to establish a foothold in the United States with the SX4, but it is still relatively unknown here in other categories. Can you remember Suzuki’s last midsize sedan? I’m sure you’re having a tough time with that one, as did I, but it was the Verona. See what I mean?
Anyway, the Kizashi carries a familiar story line of a car company looking to make inroads into the large and competitive midsize-sedan segment. However, the twist here is that Suzuki isn’t shooting to rip buyers from the Toyota Camrys and the Honda Accords of the world, but is looking to capture the enthusiast who wants an Audi A4, a BMW 3-series or an Acura TSX but can’t quite afford one of those performance-luxury entries.
It’s a smart game plan, which I think just might work because this Kizashi is a really good car. Suzuki did its homework and built an affordable midsize sedan for drivers and not some uninspiring transportation module.
The chassis is solid riding on a very good suspension with KYB shocks. There’s a lot of grip in corners and combined with the car’s good steering feel and response, this car is simply fun to drive. On top of that, ride quality remains intact with the sporty suspension still capable of absorbing large bumps and potholes.
Power from the I4 is up to task mated to one of the better CVTs on the market, which simulates shifts well. The engine is smooth and power stays consistent throughout the revs. Those looking for more power can wait a year or so for the V6 or a possible turbocharged I4.
There are also some nice details throughout the interior. Bob pointed out the steering wheel, but other thoughtful touches include the padded door armrests wrapped with soft materials, and the door pulls and major portions of the dash are also soft-touch. All radio and climate controls are also easy to work with.
The closest alternative to this Kizashi AWD that I can think of would be a Subaru Legacy 2.5i when it comes to power and price. Between those two, it would be a tough decision.
2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS
Base Price: $27,484
As-Tested Price: $27,484
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter I4; AWD, continuously variable transmission
Output: 185 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 180 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,483 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 25/21.6 mpg
Options: None
No comments:
Post a Comment