The brochure translates the word 'Kizashi' as a sign of great things to come. From the hands of Suzuki - a world renowned sports bike maker, just as famous are its small 'kei' car offerings. What we have here though, is the firm's first mid-size sedan in sports trim. A promising start if you ask, with the people well known for their expertise in creating sports bike and sports hatch.
With this, the firm is all set to evoke vibes in the mid-size sedan segment. Finding the average Japanese offerings a tad too common or boring? The Kizashi K-Sport might be the answer to your prayers.
Exterior
Up close, it is not hard to tell that the Kizashi is dimensionally smaller than most of its competitors. Impressively, the car manages to pull off a more distinctive stance, now helped by the body being 10mm closer to the ground. Furthermore, in K-Sport guise, the Kizashi is spruced with a number of aesthetic revamps - although it does take a keen eye to spot them.
We say that's one of the best-looking rears in town
With this, the firm is all set to evoke vibes in the mid-size sedan segment. Finding the average Japanese offerings a tad too common or boring? The Kizashi K-Sport might be the answer to your prayers.
Exterior
Up close, it is not hard to tell that the Kizashi is dimensionally smaller than most of its competitors. Impressively, the car manages to pull off a more distinctive stance, now helped by the body being 10mm closer to the ground. Furthermore, in K-Sport guise, the Kizashi is spruced with a number of aesthetic revamps - although it does take a keen eye to spot them.
We say that's one of the best-looking rears in town  |
Unique to the sport variant are chromed covers gracing the front quarter lips and side door sills, highlighting the sporting lines of the car. The front fascia, too, looks more aggressive with the lowered grille.
Starring the rear is the bumper-integrated tailpipe, which forms a flowing line with the main body. The sports-bike inspired design is also instrumental in instilling a distinguishing element which still looks fresh out-of-the-box despite its debut more than two years ago.
 |  |
 |
Interior
On the inside, the Kizashi feels adeptly premium with white stitching and subtle accents of aluminium. Up front, the leather-clad three-spoke steering packs standard switches for the entertainment and cruise control systems.
Gadgetry wise, the K-Sport comes with a slew of niceties, such as automatic headlamps with HID function, rain-sensing wiper etc. More entertainingly, audiophiles will be pleased to know that the K-sport packs an eight-speaker audio system from Rockford Fosgate.
Individuals, however, may nick-pick at the absence of an LCD display which has become a commodity even in the lesser offerings. Otherwise, the segmented-LED display still provides good readability even in direct sunlight.
On the inside, the Kizashi feels adeptly premium with white stitching and subtle accents of aluminium. Up front, the leather-clad three-spoke steering packs standard switches for the entertainment and cruise control systems.
Gadgetry wise, the K-Sport comes with a slew of niceties, such as automatic headlamps with HID function, rain-sensing wiper etc. More entertainingly, audiophiles will be pleased to know that the K-sport packs an eight-speaker audio system from Rockford Fosgate.
Individuals, however, may nick-pick at the absence of an LCD display which has become a commodity even in the lesser offerings. Otherwise, the segmented-LED display still provides good readability even in direct sunlight.
Arguably, the best representation of the Suzuki's attention to details in the Kizashi is done by the instrument dials. Encircled within a band of glowing white hues, the intrinsic-looking dials add a tone of individualism to the pilot position.
White-ringed gauges carries a unique aura
White-ringed gauges carries a unique aura  |
The Drive
In the helm's seat, it is easy to settle into a preferable position with the 10-way electric-powered system. Complimenting this is the height and rake adjustable steering column.
On paper, the 2.4-litre powerplant churns out a respectable 175 horses, which sees to the Kizashi getting up to speeds in a relatively fuss-free manner. Responsible for translating all that power is the CVT transmission with six-speed manual override. The potent gearbox feels responsive and intuitive, performing its tasks in a smooth, effortless manner.
The well-weighted steering instils greater confidence in the driver, only dulled by the supple suspension setup, which will induce body roll when the car is taken through the bends at speeds.
On the bright side, the softer springs with long travels will soak up imperfections on the road with relative ease, serving as a reminder that the Kizashi is still a thorough breed comfort cruiser.
In the helm's seat, it is easy to settle into a preferable position with the 10-way electric-powered system. Complimenting this is the height and rake adjustable steering column.
On paper, the 2.4-litre powerplant churns out a respectable 175 horses, which sees to the Kizashi getting up to speeds in a relatively fuss-free manner. Responsible for translating all that power is the CVT transmission with six-speed manual override. The potent gearbox feels responsive and intuitive, performing its tasks in a smooth, effortless manner.
The well-weighted steering instils greater confidence in the driver, only dulled by the supple suspension setup, which will induce body roll when the car is taken through the bends at speeds.
On the bright side, the softer springs with long travels will soak up imperfections on the road with relative ease, serving as a reminder that the Kizashi is still a thorough breed comfort cruiser.
Conclusion
If there is any lingering doubts about the Kizashi's ability to contend in the market segment long-dominated by Toyota and Honda, the strew of accolades under the car's belt should dispel them (Kizashi won a multitude of awards both internationally and locally).
While the Kizashi may have fallen short of its competitors in terms of interior spaciousness and dimensions, it simply makes up for it with the amplitude of stylishness and top-notch build quality, not forgetting the long list of standard equipments.
Car shoppers: time for some serious pondering.
If there is any lingering doubts about the Kizashi's ability to contend in the market segment long-dominated by Toyota and Honda, the strew of accolades under the car's belt should dispel them (Kizashi won a multitude of awards both internationally and locally).
While the Kizashi may have fallen short of its competitors in terms of interior spaciousness and dimensions, it simply makes up for it with the amplitude of stylishness and top-notch build quality, not forgetting the long list of standard equipments.
Car shoppers: time for some serious pondering.
