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The term "cult classic" refers to a movie that, while genuinely good, saw limited commercial success at the box office. In automotive terms, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is much like a cult classic. Among midsize sedans, it's one of the best you can buy today. But since the Kizashi's debut last year, sales haven't exactly achieved blockbuster status. And chances are, none of your friends have heard of the thing.
And that's really too bad, since few will have the chance to see for themselves how well the Kizashi stacks up against the competition. From the outside, it has a distinct European flavor, almost like the previous-generation Volkswagen Jetta. Inside, the Kizashi continues the premium theme (something Volkswagen actually abandoned with this year's Jetta), impressing drivers with excellent materials, pleasant interior design and solid construction.
On the road, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi delivers a comfortable ride as well as just enough excitement to get the blood pumping. The 2.4-liter engine is adequate for most drivers, though sadly the rumors of a turbo or V6 model have yet to be realized. On the plus side, the suspension is firm enough to inspire confidence in the curves (especially with this year's new Sport models) without being overly harsh.
Despite Suzuki's limited dealer network, the Kizashi is certainly worth the extra effort to check out if you're considering a midsize sedan, even among such worthy opponents as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. True, the backseat is a little short on legroom compared to those larger models. But next to livelier sedans like the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Jetta, the Kizashi has a lot to offer. The Suzuki is also one of the few in this class that offers all-wheel drive.
Just like a praiseworthy independent film, we consider the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi the must-see feel-good car of the year. Now if only we could get it in wide release.
Inside, the Kizashi offers cloth or leather seats, as well as a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability. Eight airbags, ABS and stability control will be standard across the lineup.
The basic "S" Kizashi starts at $18,999, plus $735 for destination and handling. Standard features include a six-speed manual, eight airbags, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a nine-speaker audio system, EPS stability control, ABS, projector beam headlights, power windows, doors and mirrors, and ambient footwell lighting.
Upgrading to a CVT transmission brings the price of the S to $20,499.
The FWD Kizashi SE will cost $2,500 more at $21,499 and will include the CVT as standard, P215/55R17 tires on alloy wheels, power driver's seat with 10-way adjustment and three-position memory, and a leather wrapped parking break handle and steering wheel with cruise control.
The sporty GTS model, available in six-speed manual or performance tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters, starts at $22,499. This "hot" setup is good for a zero-to-60 sprint of just 7.4 seconds with front wheel drive.It includes a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth streaming audio capability, hands-free calling with voice command, P235/45R18 tires, fog lights and power moon roof. If you are looking for a sporty, technology-packed sedan on a budget -- this is likely the model for you.
The comfort-oriented SLS model, which starts at $24,399, includes leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror, a universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors with audible warning.
The track-tuned suspension has been designed to compete with more performance-oriented rivals like the Mazda Mazda6 and Subaru Legacy. Suzuki even delivered high-end Akebono-sourced brakes and optional 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance rubber to really provide a sporty feel and function.
Interestingly, the all-wheel-drive system can actually be switched off to allow power to only go to the front wheels, presumably for a marginal fuel and wear-and-tear savings. Suzuki says the system is based heavily on its i-AWD system in the smaller SX4.
The Kizashi’s sheetmetal hasn’t changed, so the exterior styling remains much less distinctive than the car’s name suggests it ought to be. That said, the “Sport” tweaks—a tasteful body kit, thinner-spoked wheels—highlight the car’s tight, athletic proportions and make its exterior almost memorable. I remain thankful that the then-new corporate front end introduced with the 2007 XL7 went no further than that SUV. Still, something about this car should mark it as a Suzuki, aside from the oversized S on the grille.
When paired with the six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive, the Kizashi’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine kicks out another 5 horsepower, for a total of 185 at 6,500 rpm, and must motivate about 240 fewer pounds, for a total around 3,250. So with a manual transmission the Kizashi is significantly quicker, and feels it. There’s not much power below the 4,000 rpm torque peak (where 170 foot-pounds can be found), so downshifts are a must for brisk acceleration. But in this powertrain the four sounds and feels smoother, with a pleasant zing, so winding it out is a joy. Even though the manual shifter is easily the least refined part of the car, with a clunky, sometimes even balky action, it’s far more enjoyable than the paddle-shiftable CVT.
The EPA rates the manual for 20 MPG city and 29 highway, compared to 23/30 with the CVT. The trip computer was wildly optimistic, reporting high 20s and low 30s in the suburbs and 42.6 on one trip, averaging 55 miles-per-hour with a single complete stop. I used a little over half of the 16.6-gallon tank in 176 miles, so the EPA numbers are probably about right.
Standard safety features on all 2011 Suzuki Kizashis include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Kizashi GTS with 18-inch wheels came to a stop in an excellent 114 feet.
The Kizashi has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in a perfect five stars for front and side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Kizashi its top score of "Good" for frontal-offset and side-impact protection and its second-best score of "Acceptable" in roof strength tests.
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.thetruthaboutcars.com,www.edmunds.com
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