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Suzuki Kizashi

All-new Suzuki Kizashi saloon claims to be a drivers' car with four-wheel drive and sharp handling. But is it any good?

Suzuki Kizashi front

By Luke Madden

November 2011

  • Rating:
It’s time to welcome an all-new Suzuki to the UK in the form of the Kizashi – a four-wheel drive Skoda Octavia-sized saloon. It’s already on sale in America, Australia and India but now Suzuki is introducing 500 to the UK as a halo-model for the brand, but is it a fitting one? 

Due to the limited run of cars Suzuki is only offering the Kizashi in Sport trim with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and a CVT gearbox. That means lowered suspension, an aerodynamic bodykit and a 177bhp engine that emits 191g/km of CO2 and manages just 34mpg. 

Those figures aren’t exactly company car friendly – which counts for a lot in this segment but the Kizashi does have its upsides. It actually handles extremely well with very little body roll and a suprising amount of grip. The ride is firm but not too uncomfortable and rewards the driver with a sense of agility that’s quite rare for a car this size. 

But it really needs a better engine and gearbox to complete the package. When we drove this car earlier in the year, we thought the six-speed manual was a great match so this CVT gearbox is a real disappointment.

Refinement is good at low speeds but floor the throttle and as the revs rise the engine becomes deafeningly loud and refuses to change up until the red-line – even if you back off the throttle slightly. Using the paddles to change gear is better and allows the car to feel as quick as the 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds suggests it is. 

On the plus side the cabin is a nice place to be, with leather lining the steering wheel, gearstick, handbrake and door panels as well as the seats. Soft-touch plastics cover the doors and lower-part of the dash too. There are no optional extras either so everything in here is included in the sub-£23,000 asking price including the heated, electrically adjustable seats, cruise control and electric sunroof. 

It’s big enough to carry adult passengers in the back seats too with plenty of knee-room, and there’s a spacious 461-litre boot too. The only problem is a slight lack of headroom for people over six-feet tall. 

The Kizashi fills a niche and it does have enough going for it for Suzuki to sell 500 units. It’s also a great way for the brand to show they are capable of producing good cars other than SUVs and superminis, but in the future there needs to be frugal diesels and manual options. 

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10 Comments

Smart

I really like the Kizashi - it looks distinctive and I like the fact it comes with AWD. The fact it doesnt come with a diesel engine suits me as I dont like tractor engines anyway. I currently drive a similar sized Japanese rival but I have to say the Kizashi looks tempting. I know its been getting favourable reviews in the states.

By cousins11 on 15 November, 2011, 10:53am

Hmmm.....

Can't really see who's going to stump up close to £23k for a Suzuki with an underpowered & not particularly economical 2.4L engine??? If it had a better petrol engine, or even a diesel, it might have half a chance!!

By theflyernow on 15 November, 2011, 1:06pm

Shame

For a second my interest piqued.

A reasonably priced saloon (of which are getting thin on the ground especially now the Lancer is a hatchback only).

4x4 could've been a spiritual successor to the old Imprezas.

However, a 2.4 litre petrol?

I understand it is a halo model to show that they don't just sell small cars and SUVs, but a small petrol for private sales and a diesel for fleets would see these flying out of the showroom.

By SirWiggum2 on 15 November, 2011, 1:59pm

deserves better comments

Let's see.
177 hp, 0-60 in 8.8, sharp styling, 4X4, CVT gearbox, plenty of standard equipment plus electric sunroof, heated leather seats, CC, BT, performace, plus the Suzuki reliability and all this under 23000.
Find me a better choice and I will accept.
And stop comparing every car with a Skoda. Who would buy this ugly Superb? Cars are not only about stats but also about looks and the Superb is at the bottom of the list. Just like good old Iron Curtain styling! The previous one looked much better.Skoda cars lack tremendously in styling, Yeti excluded.
And yet how much would a similar Skoda cost, including all the equipment, auto gear box, leather, sunroof, 4x4, 177 hp, etc??

So, back to Kizashi, what other rival car offers so much for that money? Not any from what I know.
As for the consumption don't forget that it is a 4x4 and not many in this category fare better (if any).

This is a nice looking, good quality, very well equipped, extremely well handling, excellent interior,roomy, good performance and reasonably priced 4x4 car, backed by the Suzuki warranty, that deserves far better comments and attention.
Who could ask for more for that money ??
And yes I could live with the 2.4 litre petrol engine for the time being and for that package. Diesels are not panacea!

By kirra1 on 17 November, 2011, 9:27am

Dear Kirra1

Your comments are very amusing however if they are serious then I would suggest that "you should have gone to Specsavers"

By AlanShaw on 17 November, 2011, 11:19am

Not on my list

Doesn't tick any of my boxes. Kirra1 is obviously a one-off. I wonder if Suzuki will find 499 others! My priorities are practicality and economy. My diesel Touran ticks all my boxes, although I considered a Superb estate, which I think is handsome and spacious. Too low for my aching bones though, and too expensive.

By pajbse on 17 November, 2011, 1:26pm

oi! you lot

Leave kirra 1 alone, that is one of the best P.R. job applications Suzuki has had in years.
having daid that it isn't a bad looking car at all, it just needs a turbo, 45mpg and a manual gearbox to enhance its obvious appeal.

By radioman on 17 November, 2011, 8:33pm

TWO WORDS....

... KIA OPTIMA

By Johnnyk on 21 November, 2011, 1:19pm

Dear Alan Shaw and others

Still waiting for an answer to my question as to what other car
combines all that Kizashi offers for that price (equipment, 4x4, interior, auto gear box, 3 year warranty, sharp handling, decent mileage, its a 4x4 after all, sporty looks, etc) and then you can make as many negative comments to my post as you wish!!
Until then ...

As for P.R. etc, no luckily I don't need any job. I don't even have a Suzuki. I own a Golf TSI and a Santa Fe and I'm quite happy with both.
On the other hand I could suggest some people who could definately get a P.R. job with Skoda!

By kirra1 on 22 November, 2011, 8:03am

Big depreciation

Not a good looker, not a good image, average allround. In other words, the quickest way to lose at least £10k in depreciation in a year.No thanks Suzuki.

Skoda Superb is the class leader for good reason.

By skorob2010 on 8 February, 2012, 4:46pm

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Pictures

Suzuki Kizashi front
Suzuki Kizashi rear
Suzuki Kizashi front tracking
Suzuki Kizashi rear tracking
Suzuki Kizashi interior

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FIRST OPINION

    The Kizashi has its merits, particularly the sharp handling, stylish looks, four-wheel drive and extensive equipment list but there are plenty of other more rounded choices out there for buyers. With no diesel option and with the CVT gearbox, buyers might be better off with the larger Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 4x4. If you're looking for petrol-powered driving thrills, a front-wheel drive Octavia vRS costs about the same price too.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £23,000
    Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder, 176bhp
    Transmission: CVT, all-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 8.8 seconds
    Top speed: 127mph
    Economy: 34mpg
    CO2: 191g/km
    Equipment: Heated leather seats, sunroof, cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth, automatic lights and wipers
     
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