ASIAN JUL
03-16-2010, 01:05 PM
I keep hearing about this new Suzuki car on the radio over and over and on the TV, so I finally decided to look it up.
Leftlane..
The Suzuki Kizashi sedan is the first of its kind for the Japanese automaker, offering all-wheel-drive and a large passenger area. The Kizashi features bold and sporty styling inside and out, and delivers a fantastic value compared to other sedans in the class.
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.
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.
AWD is a $1,250 option available on every trim level, but is available only with the CVT transmission. The Kizashi is good for a zero-to-60 time of 8.3 seconds with the AWD and CVT drivetrain.
Across the lineup, motivation comes courtesy of a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The Kizashi's engine delivers 185 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with the manual transmission, and 180 hp at 6,000 rpm in the CVT transmission. Both the manual transmission and the CVT are good for 170 foot pound of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The Kizashi comes with a fairly wide-range of drivetrain configurations, and the EPA ratings vary accordingly. The FWD 6-speed variant returns 21 city, and 31 highway mpg with the standard wheels, and 20 city, 29 highway with the upgraded wheel choices.
The FWD CVT variant is good for 23 city, and 31 highway mpg, but drops to 30 highway with upgraded wheels.
Switching to the AWD, CVT variant will return 23 city, 30 highway standard, and 22 city, 29 highway with upgraded wheels.
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_2010-suzuki-kizashi.jpg
http://cache-09.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_Suzuki-Kizashi-4.jpg
And from Jalopnik..
On paper, the new Kizashi isn't overwhelmingly impressive, offering a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine putting out 185 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 MPH time of just 7.5 seconds, on par with the Accord EX and faster by 0.7 seconds than the Mazda6. Mileage ranges from, at best, 23/31 MPG with the CVT in FWD configuration and just 20/29 in manual FWD mode with the 17-inch or greater-sized wheels.
I immediately snagged a red, FWD GTS model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, no leather seats but 18-inch wheels. I'd have grabbed a manual AWD version, but one doesn't exist and I wouldn't hold my breath. In a market crowded by vehicles dull in appearance, it at least looks like an angrier VW Jetta in red.
On the inside, the new Kizashi is well featured for its expected starting price of under $20,000, offering iPod connectivity, soft-touch plastics everywhere, steering wheel audio buttons, dual-zone climate control and comfortable seats. Move up through the trims and you'll add a thumping 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free calling. It's not the greatest design, lagging behind the Mazda6 and new Accord, but it's better than most domestics and unlike anything in the price range.
In a strange twist, the newest Kizashi attempts to be the best value by mimicking the formula abandoned by most automakers. As sedans like the Camry, Altima and Accord have gained in popularity they've increased in terms of size and decreased in terms of enjoyable driving. Even the Mazda6, once nimble and small, has swollen to giant proportions and shed some of its original appeal. The Kizashi is much smaller, 183.1 inches in length, or about ten inches shorter than a Mazda6.
Criss-crossing the North Carolina/Virginia border it's clear all the time the Japanese engineers spent at the Nürburgring paid off. It manages to be as forgettable and comfortable as a Fusion or Jetta even across the narrow and poorly-maintained Virginia roads and yet unexpectedly spry on the twisty, high-quality North Carolina streets, making the most of its five-point, multi-link rear suspension and 18-inch tires.
Across a wet slalom at the Virginia International Raceway, the CVT AWD version also exhibited precise, predictable results from steering input and a relatively neutral feel, similar to the Subaru Legacy I drove across the same wet course. In extended hot laps, not something you'd ever actually choose to do in such a vehicle, the large-for-the-class vented disc brakes up front exhibited limited fade given the autojourno abuse they'd endured.
Around the short south part of the course the manual-equipped model performed admirably, exhibiting little roll and showing great poise around VIR's famous Oak Tree turn (just aim for the oak tree)... for a toaster. Power is lacking in the lower range and RPMs top out at 6,500, so coming out of the turn proved to be the greatest disappointment. It feels underpowered compared to cars it's apparently more powerful than.
Falling in between a compact sedan and the current mid-size market, the car is actually more likely to appeal to people thinking about a Civic and liking the added features rather than someone trading down from the benchmark vehicles like the Mazda6 or Volkswagen Passat CC. It's also likely to snag people trading up from an SX4 to something larger.
It's hard not to notice that the Kizashi, which went through three iterations of concept cars before the reveal, is seemingly incongruous with the company's recent expression of outdoor, X-game lifestyle vehicles built on their marine, motorcycle and ATV sales. The new Equator can haul Suzuki bikes, the SX4 can take you rock climbing and the the Grand Vitara can haul your boat. The Kizashi doesn't do any of those things.
Like the SX4, the Kizashi is part of a rapidly improving family of vehicles few American consumers are aware of, so the failure or success of it is going to be more heavily dependent on marketing than the vehicles themselves. If Suzuki can make people aware they sell toasters and get them into the store, we doubt the company will have a difficulty selling what is, overall, a very good appliance.
Thoughts?
Leftlane..
The Suzuki Kizashi sedan is the first of its kind for the Japanese automaker, offering all-wheel-drive and a large passenger area. The Kizashi features bold and sporty styling inside and out, and delivers a fantastic value compared to other sedans in the class.
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.
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.
AWD is a $1,250 option available on every trim level, but is available only with the CVT transmission. The Kizashi is good for a zero-to-60 time of 8.3 seconds with the AWD and CVT drivetrain.
Across the lineup, motivation comes courtesy of a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The Kizashi's engine delivers 185 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with the manual transmission, and 180 hp at 6,000 rpm in the CVT transmission. Both the manual transmission and the CVT are good for 170 foot pound of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The Kizashi comes with a fairly wide-range of drivetrain configurations, and the EPA ratings vary accordingly. The FWD 6-speed variant returns 21 city, and 31 highway mpg with the standard wheels, and 20 city, 29 highway with the upgraded wheel choices.
The FWD CVT variant is good for 23 city, and 31 highway mpg, but drops to 30 highway with upgraded wheels.
Switching to the AWD, CVT variant will return 23 city, 30 highway standard, and 22 city, 29 highway with upgraded wheels.
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_2010-suzuki-kizashi.jpg
http://cache-09.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_Suzuki-Kizashi-4.jpg
And from Jalopnik..
On paper, the new Kizashi isn't overwhelmingly impressive, offering a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine putting out 185 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 MPH time of just 7.5 seconds, on par with the Accord EX and faster by 0.7 seconds than the Mazda6. Mileage ranges from, at best, 23/31 MPG with the CVT in FWD configuration and just 20/29 in manual FWD mode with the 17-inch or greater-sized wheels.
I immediately snagged a red, FWD GTS model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, no leather seats but 18-inch wheels. I'd have grabbed a manual AWD version, but one doesn't exist and I wouldn't hold my breath. In a market crowded by vehicles dull in appearance, it at least looks like an angrier VW Jetta in red.
On the inside, the new Kizashi is well featured for its expected starting price of under $20,000, offering iPod connectivity, soft-touch plastics everywhere, steering wheel audio buttons, dual-zone climate control and comfortable seats. Move up through the trims and you'll add a thumping 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free calling. It's not the greatest design, lagging behind the Mazda6 and new Accord, but it's better than most domestics and unlike anything in the price range.
In a strange twist, the newest Kizashi attempts to be the best value by mimicking the formula abandoned by most automakers. As sedans like the Camry, Altima and Accord have gained in popularity they've increased in terms of size and decreased in terms of enjoyable driving. Even the Mazda6, once nimble and small, has swollen to giant proportions and shed some of its original appeal. The Kizashi is much smaller, 183.1 inches in length, or about ten inches shorter than a Mazda6.
Criss-crossing the North Carolina/Virginia border it's clear all the time the Japanese engineers spent at the Nürburgring paid off. It manages to be as forgettable and comfortable as a Fusion or Jetta even across the narrow and poorly-maintained Virginia roads and yet unexpectedly spry on the twisty, high-quality North Carolina streets, making the most of its five-point, multi-link rear suspension and 18-inch tires.
Across a wet slalom at the Virginia International Raceway, the CVT AWD version also exhibited precise, predictable results from steering input and a relatively neutral feel, similar to the Subaru Legacy I drove across the same wet course. In extended hot laps, not something you'd ever actually choose to do in such a vehicle, the large-for-the-class vented disc brakes up front exhibited limited fade given the autojourno abuse they'd endured.
Around the short south part of the course the manual-equipped model performed admirably, exhibiting little roll and showing great poise around VIR's famous Oak Tree turn (just aim for the oak tree)... for a toaster. Power is lacking in the lower range and RPMs top out at 6,500, so coming out of the turn proved to be the greatest disappointment. It feels underpowered compared to cars it's apparently more powerful than.
Falling in between a compact sedan and the current mid-size market, the car is actually more likely to appeal to people thinking about a Civic and liking the added features rather than someone trading down from the benchmark vehicles like the Mazda6 or Volkswagen Passat CC. It's also likely to snag people trading up from an SX4 to something larger.
It's hard not to notice that the Kizashi, which went through three iterations of concept cars before the reveal, is seemingly incongruous with the company's recent expression of outdoor, X-game lifestyle vehicles built on their marine, motorcycle and ATV sales. The new Equator can haul Suzuki bikes, the SX4 can take you rock climbing and the the Grand Vitara can haul your boat. The Kizashi doesn't do any of those things.
Like the SX4, the Kizashi is part of a rapidly improving family of vehicles few American consumers are aware of, so the failure or success of it is going to be more heavily dependent on marketing than the vehicles themselves. If Suzuki can make people aware they sell toasters and get them into the store, we doubt the company will have a difficulty selling what is, overall, a very good appliance.
Thoughts?