Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Suzuki Kizashi

Supermini brand thinks big with first family car

Suzuki Kizashi front

By James Disdale

November 2010

  • Rating:
This is the car that proves Suzuki is thinking big! The Japanese firm is famous for its superminis, but the all-new Kizashi takes the brand into the ultra-competitive family car sector for the first time.

So, is this a step too far? Auto Express got its hands on the first example to hit UK soil to find out.

Initial impressions are good, as the four-door-only Kizashi is smartly styled and neatly proportioned. However, the bold chrome trim of our Sport model won’t be to all tastes.

Inside, the cabin is functional and well laid out. Fit and finish are excellent, with soft-touch materials throughout. Leather trim, climate control and keyless entry all feature as standard, too. 

There’s a decent amount of passenger space, while the boot will take 461 litres of luggage. 

But it’s on the move that the Suzuki really impresses. Guide the newcomer through a series of corners and you’ll discover great poise and agility, while the steering is well weighted and precise – although it does lack feel and occasionally suffers from kickback. 

The ride is firm, yet it never becomes uncomfortable. There’s no diesel option, but the 2.4-litre petrol is reasonably smooth and delivers brisk performance in combination with the slick six-speed manual gearbox.

At around £22,000, the Kizashi is very expensive, and there are doubts over its residual values. Good though it is, you’d have to be very brave to take the plunge and ignore mainstream rivals.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

6 Comments

Hmm...

I've seen those dials before. Original MkIII Cortina? With the back-sloping dashboard?

By nhunt2 on 30 November, 2010, 9:36am

Hmmm. Suzuki

I hope it is more reliable than my Grand Vitara. Suzuki are not the best at honouring warranties either.

By hedgehopper on 30 November, 2010, 12:10pm

4 Ring Circus...

Place Audi's four ring logo on the grill and you'd have a stylish new A4. Just a thought... :D

By sgtgrash on 30 November, 2010, 8:46pm

Padre

Had a 2008 SX4. What a heap of garbage that was. Suzuki didn't want to do anything about the problems it had. When it comes to warranty, forget Suzuki. Go for the Koreans.

By Padre on 3 December, 2010, 4:37am

Like

This looks really smart - smarter dare I say than a 3 series.

By cousins11 on 22 February, 2011, 9:30pm

Photos

Taken in Port Solent? Dare I say Bryher Island?

By xanderbrown on 22 March, 2011, 11:41am

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

More SUZUKI KIZASHI articles


Related Index Pages

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Suzuki Kizashi front
Suzuki Kizashi rear
Suzuki Kizashi interior

Sponsored Results

FIRST OPINION

    Bosses at Suzuki still haven’t decided whether to bring the Kizashi to UK showrooms. With no diesel option and a price tag of around £22,000, it’s unlikely to be a big seller in this country. However, this newcomer should not be overlooked, because it delivers sharp driving dynamics, plenty of equipment and strong refinement. Better still, by not being one of the usual suspects, it manages to stand out from the crowd. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £22,000 (approx)
    Engine: 2.4-litre 4cyl petrol
    Power/torque: 176bhp/230Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 7.8 seconds
    Top speed: 134mph
    Economy: 35.8mpg
    C02: 183g/km
    Standard equipment: Leather seat trim, climate control, keyless entry, Xenon headlamps, electronic  stability control, 18-inch alloys.
    On sale: Late 2011
     
    - Advertisement -