Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 (A) Review
22 Oct 2010|25,281 views
Suzuki has been a rather formidable force when it comes to their two wheeled machines. From their striking GSX-1000s to the DRZ Supermotos, they've dominated nearly every two wheeled segment in the industry. In recent years, Suzuki has managed to transfer some of the success enjoyed by their two wheeled machines to their four wheeled brethrens.
Take their Swift for example, the little Mini-clone has enjoyed critical success all over the world. Known for its peppy handling and practicality, the car is a hoot to drive. I should know, I owned one for the better part of a year. Ignoring the fact that it was my first car, I thoroughly loved driving the little Swift around bends at speeds (which I shall not incriminate myself by sharing exact numbers) that even cars twice its price find hard to achieve.
Take their Swift for example, the little Mini-clone has enjoyed critical success all over the world. Known for its peppy handling and practicality, the car is a hoot to drive. I should know, I owned one for the better part of a year. Ignoring the fact that it was my first car, I thoroughly loved driving the little Swift around bends at speeds (which I shall not incriminate myself by sharing exact numbers) that even cars twice its price find hard to achieve.
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Emboldened by the success enjoyed by the Swift and the more notable Swift Sport over the past few years, Suzuki has entered into the mid-size sedan market with guns blazing in the form of the Kizashi.
 |
Exterior
If the success of a Japanese mid-size sedan could be judged solely on looks alone, the Kizashi would've creamed the competition just by making an appearance. Suzuki has taken the dull 'I've fulfilled my biological purpose' atmosphere of the mid-size sedan market and turned it on its head.
The Kizashi it seems has been given a rather large dose of sportiness. This is evident in the discretely flared wheel arches, the addition of a grille similar to that of Volkswagens and fluid styling lines that stretch from front to rear. Taking a step back, one can fully appreciate the strong muscular stance of this sports saloon. While the Kizashi is 20cm shorter in length compared to the Camry, the bulk of the car is cleverly hidden within its short front and rear overhangs. Thus the impression that the car is much smaller than it really is. Towards the rear, the machismo styling continues with a subtle boot lid spoiler that gently rises from the deck lid. Lower down, distinctive alloy accents supposedly inspired by the company's two wheeled machines allow the exhaust to exit through the rear bumpers.
The self-assured stance of the Kizashi is further enhanced by the striking chrome shadow 18 inch turbine-like rims that comes as standard. Though the test car we received was in Snow White Pearl, we've observed that the car plays off its sporty appeal best in its Fervent Red launch colour. Evidence of Suzuki's commitment to a whole new level of quality are in the integrated parking sensors in the front and back that sit flush with the bumpers.
If the success of a Japanese mid-size sedan could be judged solely on looks alone, the Kizashi would've creamed the competition just by making an appearance. Suzuki has taken the dull 'I've fulfilled my biological purpose' atmosphere of the mid-size sedan market and turned it on its head.
The Kizashi it seems has been given a rather large dose of sportiness. This is evident in the discretely flared wheel arches, the addition of a grille similar to that of Volkswagens and fluid styling lines that stretch from front to rear. Taking a step back, one can fully appreciate the strong muscular stance of this sports saloon. While the Kizashi is 20cm shorter in length compared to the Camry, the bulk of the car is cleverly hidden within its short front and rear overhangs. Thus the impression that the car is much smaller than it really is. Towards the rear, the machismo styling continues with a subtle boot lid spoiler that gently rises from the deck lid. Lower down, distinctive alloy accents supposedly inspired by the company's two wheeled machines allow the exhaust to exit through the rear bumpers.
The self-assured stance of the Kizashi is further enhanced by the striking chrome shadow 18 inch turbine-like rims that comes as standard. Though the test car we received was in Snow White Pearl, we've observed that the car plays off its sporty appeal best in its Fervent Red launch colour. Evidence of Suzuki's commitment to a whole new level of quality are in the integrated parking sensors in the front and back that sit flush with the bumpers.
Interior
If you're intimately familiar with past Suzukis like I am, you would notice the grand effort the Japanese manufacturer has put into the Kizashi. And as well they should because the Kizashi just might be the most important model the company has ever released. It represents the company's first foray into the mid-size market and whether the company decides to enter other new categories hinge on its success.
Thus Suzuki knew that they would have to come up with something of a stellar performance when it came to the interior. And coming from a former Suzuki owner, they've definitely raised the quality of their interior more than a few notches with the Kizashi.
While I wouldn't go so far as to say that the interior is brimming with luxury, it is however more comfortable and feels more upmarket than a Camry's.
Open the keyless entry doors and you enter an interior filled with plenty of tactile soft plastics dotted with aluminium accents. The quality of plastics on the dashboard has been elevated as well. In the front, both driver and passenger seats are powered with driver side memory function. The steering wheel in the Kizashi is a three spoke comfortably wrapped in leather that avails the best driving position possible by being reach and rake adjustable. Beyond the steering, the instrument cluster is a simple and functional affair. A pair of dials brightly illuminated in white flank a simple LCD display that shows information for trip distance, fuel consumption and gear indicator.
If you're intimately familiar with past Suzukis like I am, you would notice the grand effort the Japanese manufacturer has put into the Kizashi. And as well they should because the Kizashi just might be the most important model the company has ever released. It represents the company's first foray into the mid-size market and whether the company decides to enter other new categories hinge on its success.
Thus Suzuki knew that they would have to come up with something of a stellar performance when it came to the interior. And coming from a former Suzuki owner, they've definitely raised the quality of their interior more than a few notches with the Kizashi.
While I wouldn't go so far as to say that the interior is brimming with luxury, it is however more comfortable and feels more upmarket than a Camry's.
Open the keyless entry doors and you enter an interior filled with plenty of tactile soft plastics dotted with aluminium accents. The quality of plastics on the dashboard has been elevated as well. In the front, both driver and passenger seats are powered with driver side memory function. The steering wheel in the Kizashi is a three spoke comfortably wrapped in leather that avails the best driving position possible by being reach and rake adjustable. Beyond the steering, the instrument cluster is a simple and functional affair. A pair of dials brightly illuminated in white flank a simple LCD display that shows information for trip distance, fuel consumption and gear indicator.
 |
While the quality of the cabin has been improved overall, the centre console did come across a little plain. Nevertheless, Suzuki took a page out of Audi's interior design book and gave the Kizashi's dashboard and console buttons the same red backlighting. Another Audi-like feature was the LED comfort lights affixed on the interior roof.
The Kizashi comes equipped with a sound system that in my opinion is right up there with the continental brands. The sonic performance of the 4 speaker, 2 tweeter and 1 subwoofer setup was nothing short of impressive. From lows to mids to highs, the frequencies were faithfully replicated for pure listening pleasure. The system is equipped to handle input from CDs and iPods through a USB connection though an AUX-in jack would've been nice.
The rear seats of the Kizashi offer great comfort and legroom. Albeit it isn't as spacious as a Camry's, it is however more than adequate to sit three abreast. An additional rear aircon duct ensures that your passengers are not devoid of cool reprieve. The luggage capacity isn't too shabby either at 461 litres. More than enough to swallow up to three golf bags. Another nifty little detail is the addition of a full sized (one more turbine-like rim in case of kerb rash) spare under the floorboard.
The Drive
Despite the edgy sports saloon outlook, the Kizashi is still a family sedan underneath meant for comfortable cruises with the family rather than blistering performance. Powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder inline sourced from the Vitara, acceleration off the line feels lethargic completing the century sprint in a touch under nine seconds. Once on the move though, the car accelerates up to cruising speeds with ease. It remains capable even with a full load of passengers and cargo.
The Kizashi comes equipped with a sound system that in my opinion is right up there with the continental brands. The sonic performance of the 4 speaker, 2 tweeter and 1 subwoofer setup was nothing short of impressive. From lows to mids to highs, the frequencies were faithfully replicated for pure listening pleasure. The system is equipped to handle input from CDs and iPods through a USB connection though an AUX-in jack would've been nice.
The rear seats of the Kizashi offer great comfort and legroom. Albeit it isn't as spacious as a Camry's, it is however more than adequate to sit three abreast. An additional rear aircon duct ensures that your passengers are not devoid of cool reprieve. The luggage capacity isn't too shabby either at 461 litres. More than enough to swallow up to three golf bags. Another nifty little detail is the addition of a full sized (one more turbine-like rim in case of kerb rash) spare under the floorboard.
The Drive
Despite the edgy sports saloon outlook, the Kizashi is still a family sedan underneath meant for comfortable cruises with the family rather than blistering performance. Powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder inline sourced from the Vitara, acceleration off the line feels lethargic completing the century sprint in a touch under nine seconds. Once on the move though, the car accelerates up to cruising speeds with ease. It remains capable even with a full load of passengers and cargo.
The car is rather comfortable while in cruise mode as the suspension neutralises the undulations fairly well. Sound deadening too is quite adequate as the cabin remains serene even at cruising speeds. The CVT gearbox adds to the serenity with smooth gear changes. DIY gear changes can be had through the mini paddles found behind the steering wheel. Although the final gear ratio is geared to help consumption, the car still remained pretty thirsty during the test drive. Giving consumption figures that hovered slightly over 8km/L.
While the Kizashi is no Swift Sport, it does possess a nicely weighted steering that makes lock to lock action quite entertaining especially with the grippy steering. If given just a little more horsepower (the chassis is built to handle up to 300bhp), I can see this car worrying Accord Euro Rs on the road.
Conclusion
The Kizashi is a rather refreshing (and handsome) addition to the mid-size market and gives buyers another option beyond the sedate Camry or the elegant i45.
While most of the competition are hailing from regional countries, the Suzuki prides itself in being assembled almost entirely in Japan lest the window film. Other than that, it all comes from the empire. Yes, including the leather seats.
Equipment is rather complete as well with cruise control, auto wipers and lights as standard. Although power isn't lacking, I do hope for a performance oriented version to be released in the near future. Perhaps Suzuki and Volkswagen's partnership might lead to a 2.0-litre TSI finding its way into a Kizashi one day with a DSG box?
Ok™I admit that's wishful thinking on my part but that really would be very nice™
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
While the Kizashi is no Swift Sport, it does possess a nicely weighted steering that makes lock to lock action quite entertaining especially with the grippy steering. If given just a little more horsepower (the chassis is built to handle up to 300bhp), I can see this car worrying Accord Euro Rs on the road.
Conclusion
The Kizashi is a rather refreshing (and handsome) addition to the mid-size market and gives buyers another option beyond the sedate Camry or the elegant i45.
While most of the competition are hailing from regional countries, the Suzuki prides itself in being assembled almost entirely in Japan lest the window film. Other than that, it all comes from the empire. Yes, including the leather seats.
Equipment is rather complete as well with cruise control, auto wipers and lights as standard. Although power isn't lacking, I do hope for a performance oriented version to be released in the near future. Perhaps Suzuki and Volkswagen's partnership might lead to a 2.0-litre TSI finding its way into a Kizashi one day with a DSG box?
Ok™I admit that's wishful thinking on my part but that really would be very nice™
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Suzuki has been a rather formidable force when it comes to their two wheeled machines. From their striking GSX-1000s to the DRZ Supermotos, they've dominated nearly every two wheeled segment in the industry. In recent years, Suzuki has managed to transfer some of the success enjoyed by their two wheeled machines to their four wheeled brethrens.
Take their Swift for example, the little Mini-clone has enjoyed critical success all over the world. Known for its peppy handling and practicality, the car is a hoot to drive. I should know, I owned one for the better part of a year. Ignoring the fact that it was my first car, I thoroughly loved driving the little Swift around bends at speeds (which I shall not incriminate myself by sharing exact numbers) that even cars twice its price find hard to achieve.
Take their Swift for example, the little Mini-clone has enjoyed critical success all over the world. Known for its peppy handling and practicality, the car is a hoot to drive. I should know, I owned one for the better part of a year. Ignoring the fact that it was my first car, I thoroughly loved driving the little Swift around bends at speeds (which I shall not incriminate myself by sharing exact numbers) that even cars twice its price find hard to achieve.
|
Emboldened by the success enjoyed by the Swift and the more notable Swift Sport over the past few years, Suzuki has entered into the mid-size sedan market with guns blazing in the form of the Kizashi.
|
Exterior
If the success of a Japanese mid-size sedan could be judged solely on looks alone, the Kizashi would've creamed the competition just by making an appearance. Suzuki has taken the dull 'I've fulfilled my biological purpose' atmosphere of the mid-size sedan market and turned it on its head.
The Kizashi it seems has been given a rather large dose of sportiness. This is evident in the discretely flared wheel arches, the addition of a grille similar to that of Volkswagens and fluid styling lines that stretch from front to rear. Taking a step back, one can fully appreciate the strong muscular stance of this sports saloon. While the Kizashi is 20cm shorter in length compared to the Camry, the bulk of the car is cleverly hidden within its short front and rear overhangs. Thus the impression that the car is much smaller than it really is. Towards the rear, the machismo styling continues with a subtle boot lid spoiler that gently rises from the deck lid. Lower down, distinctive alloy accents supposedly inspired by the company's two wheeled machines allow the exhaust to exit through the rear bumpers.
The self-assured stance of the Kizashi is further enhanced by the striking chrome shadow 18 inch turbine-like rims that comes as standard. Though the test car we received was in Snow White Pearl, we've observed that the car plays off its sporty appeal best in its Fervent Red launch colour. Evidence of Suzuki's commitment to a whole new level of quality are in the integrated parking sensors in the front and back that sit flush with the bumpers.
If the success of a Japanese mid-size sedan could be judged solely on looks alone, the Kizashi would've creamed the competition just by making an appearance. Suzuki has taken the dull 'I've fulfilled my biological purpose' atmosphere of the mid-size sedan market and turned it on its head.
The Kizashi it seems has been given a rather large dose of sportiness. This is evident in the discretely flared wheel arches, the addition of a grille similar to that of Volkswagens and fluid styling lines that stretch from front to rear. Taking a step back, one can fully appreciate the strong muscular stance of this sports saloon. While the Kizashi is 20cm shorter in length compared to the Camry, the bulk of the car is cleverly hidden within its short front and rear overhangs. Thus the impression that the car is much smaller than it really is. Towards the rear, the machismo styling continues with a subtle boot lid spoiler that gently rises from the deck lid. Lower down, distinctive alloy accents supposedly inspired by the company's two wheeled machines allow the exhaust to exit through the rear bumpers.
The self-assured stance of the Kizashi is further enhanced by the striking chrome shadow 18 inch turbine-like rims that comes as standard. Though the test car we received was in Snow White Pearl, we've observed that the car plays off its sporty appeal best in its Fervent Red launch colour. Evidence of Suzuki's commitment to a whole new level of quality are in the integrated parking sensors in the front and back that sit flush with the bumpers.
Interior
If you're intimately familiar with past Suzukis like I am, you would notice the grand effort the Japanese manufacturer has put into the Kizashi. And as well they should because the Kizashi just might be the most important model the company has ever released. It represents the company's first foray into the mid-size market and whether the company decides to enter other new categories hinge on its success.
Thus Suzuki knew that they would have to come up with something of a stellar performance when it came to the interior. And coming from a former Suzuki owner, they've definitely raised the quality of their interior more than a few notches with the Kizashi.
While I wouldn't go so far as to say that the interior is brimming with luxury, it is however more comfortable and feels more upmarket than a Camry's.
Open the keyless entry doors and you enter an interior filled with plenty of tactile soft plastics dotted with aluminium accents. The quality of plastics on the dashboard has been elevated as well. In the front, both driver and passenger seats are powered with driver side memory function. The steering wheel in the Kizashi is a three spoke comfortably wrapped in leather that avails the best driving position possible by being reach and rake adjustable. Beyond the steering, the instrument cluster is a simple and functional affair. A pair of dials brightly illuminated in white flank a simple LCD display that shows information for trip distance, fuel consumption and gear indicator.
If you're intimately familiar with past Suzukis like I am, you would notice the grand effort the Japanese manufacturer has put into the Kizashi. And as well they should because the Kizashi just might be the most important model the company has ever released. It represents the company's first foray into the mid-size market and whether the company decides to enter other new categories hinge on its success.
Thus Suzuki knew that they would have to come up with something of a stellar performance when it came to the interior. And coming from a former Suzuki owner, they've definitely raised the quality of their interior more than a few notches with the Kizashi.
While I wouldn't go so far as to say that the interior is brimming with luxury, it is however more comfortable and feels more upmarket than a Camry's.
Open the keyless entry doors and you enter an interior filled with plenty of tactile soft plastics dotted with aluminium accents. The quality of plastics on the dashboard has been elevated as well. In the front, both driver and passenger seats are powered with driver side memory function. The steering wheel in the Kizashi is a three spoke comfortably wrapped in leather that avails the best driving position possible by being reach and rake adjustable. Beyond the steering, the instrument cluster is a simple and functional affair. A pair of dials brightly illuminated in white flank a simple LCD display that shows information for trip distance, fuel consumption and gear indicator.
|
While the quality of the cabin has been improved overall, the centre console did come across a little plain. Nevertheless, Suzuki took a page out of Audi's interior design book and gave the Kizashi's dashboard and console buttons the same red backlighting. Another Audi-like feature was the LED comfort lights affixed on the interior roof.
The Kizashi comes equipped with a sound system that in my opinion is right up there with the continental brands. The sonic performance of the 4 speaker, 2 tweeter and 1 subwoofer setup was nothing short of impressive. From lows to mids to highs, the frequencies were faithfully replicated for pure listening pleasure. The system is equipped to handle input from CDs and iPods through a USB connection though an AUX-in jack would've been nice.
The rear seats of the Kizashi offer great comfort and legroom. Albeit it isn't as spacious as a Camry's, it is however more than adequate to sit three abreast. An additional rear aircon duct ensures that your passengers are not devoid of cool reprieve. The luggage capacity isn't too shabby either at 461 litres. More than enough to swallow up to three golf bags. Another nifty little detail is the addition of a full sized (one more turbine-like rim in case of kerb rash) spare under the floorboard.
The Drive
Despite the edgy sports saloon outlook, the Kizashi is still a family sedan underneath meant for comfortable cruises with the family rather than blistering performance. Powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder inline sourced from the Vitara, acceleration off the line feels lethargic completing the century sprint in a touch under nine seconds. Once on the move though, the car accelerates up to cruising speeds with ease. It remains capable even with a full load of passengers and cargo.
The Kizashi comes equipped with a sound system that in my opinion is right up there with the continental brands. The sonic performance of the 4 speaker, 2 tweeter and 1 subwoofer setup was nothing short of impressive. From lows to mids to highs, the frequencies were faithfully replicated for pure listening pleasure. The system is equipped to handle input from CDs and iPods through a USB connection though an AUX-in jack would've been nice.
The rear seats of the Kizashi offer great comfort and legroom. Albeit it isn't as spacious as a Camry's, it is however more than adequate to sit three abreast. An additional rear aircon duct ensures that your passengers are not devoid of cool reprieve. The luggage capacity isn't too shabby either at 461 litres. More than enough to swallow up to three golf bags. Another nifty little detail is the addition of a full sized (one more turbine-like rim in case of kerb rash) spare under the floorboard.
The Drive
Despite the edgy sports saloon outlook, the Kizashi is still a family sedan underneath meant for comfortable cruises with the family rather than blistering performance. Powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder inline sourced from the Vitara, acceleration off the line feels lethargic completing the century sprint in a touch under nine seconds. Once on the move though, the car accelerates up to cruising speeds with ease. It remains capable even with a full load of passengers and cargo.
The car is rather comfortable while in cruise mode as the suspension neutralises the undulations fairly well. Sound deadening too is quite adequate as the cabin remains serene even at cruising speeds. The CVT gearbox adds to the serenity with smooth gear changes. DIY gear changes can be had through the mini paddles found behind the steering wheel. Although the final gear ratio is geared to help consumption, the car still remained pretty thirsty during the test drive. Giving consumption figures that hovered slightly over 8km/L.
While the Kizashi is no Swift Sport, it does possess a nicely weighted steering that makes lock to lock action quite entertaining especially with the grippy steering. If given just a little more horsepower (the chassis is built to handle up to 300bhp), I can see this car worrying Accord Euro Rs on the road.
Conclusion
The Kizashi is a rather refreshing (and handsome) addition to the mid-size market and gives buyers another option beyond the sedate Camry or the elegant i45.
While most of the competition are hailing from regional countries, the Suzuki prides itself in being assembled almost entirely in Japan lest the window film. Other than that, it all comes from the empire. Yes, including the leather seats.
Equipment is rather complete as well with cruise control, auto wipers and lights as standard. Although power isn't lacking, I do hope for a performance oriented version to be released in the near future. Perhaps Suzuki and Volkswagen's partnership might lead to a 2.0-litre TSI finding its way into a Kizashi one day with a DSG box?
Ok™I admit that's wishful thinking on my part but that really would be very nice™
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
While the Kizashi is no Swift Sport, it does possess a nicely weighted steering that makes lock to lock action quite entertaining especially with the grippy steering. If given just a little more horsepower (the chassis is built to handle up to 300bhp), I can see this car worrying Accord Euro Rs on the road.
Conclusion
The Kizashi is a rather refreshing (and handsome) addition to the mid-size market and gives buyers another option beyond the sedate Camry or the elegant i45.
While most of the competition are hailing from regional countries, the Suzuki prides itself in being assembled almost entirely in Japan lest the window film. Other than that, it all comes from the empire. Yes, including the leather seats.
Equipment is rather complete as well with cruise control, auto wipers and lights as standard. Although power isn't lacking, I do hope for a performance oriented version to be released in the near future. Perhaps Suzuki and Volkswagen's partnership might lead to a 2.0-litre TSI finding its way into a Kizashi one day with a DSG box?
Ok™I admit that's wishful thinking on my part but that really would be very nice™
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Also read our comparison article on:
Mazda6 2.5 R (A) vs Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 (A) vs Toyota Camry 2.0 (A)
Car Information
Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.2km/L
Horsepower
133kW (178 bhp)
Torque
230 Nm
Acceleration
8.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Suzuki Kizashi
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