Suzuki Kizashi
Supermini brand thinks big with first family car
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.
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.
