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Suzuki Kizashi
Domo Arigato!
For those not so well versed in Japanese language, (and to be honest, I am a beginner) that would mean “Thank you very much”! Why? Well, first of all we can finally enjoy a Suzuki’s model, but not an SUV or a small city car… Second, we in Europe finally are not at a disadvantage compared to the American continent… And third… Well, to find out what it is about, you will still need to read the article to the end!
“When designing Kizashi, we targeted sedans such as Audi A4 and Acura TSX (Honda Accord in Europe). We started with a car that would feel perfectly at Autobahn (there’s the evidence that Europe was already in plan), a car with rigid chassis and optional all-wheel drive which allows for better driving characteristics than many of the premium sedans. Than we introduced active safety systems that brought five stars to Kizashi in all four crash-test categories, something that even the Volvo S40 could be proud of. Then we add a Rockford Fosgate 425 W audio system, and so on… I don’t want to be too boring, but please note another key sentence: “The famous magazine “AutoWeek” declared that Kizashi sedan has the best balance and driving characteristics they have ever driven regarding cars with front-wheel drive.” A tagline follows at the very end which reads: “High performance limos of the world, you have an unexpected company!”
The version with 4WD in Sport trim level costs 29,900 euros
So roughly follows Suzuki’s commercial for the new Vitara, which can be found throughout the Western Hemisphere. Pretentious or not?
High Goals
Well, since this is the first serious Suzuki’s appearance in the D segment (one failed attempt with the Verona, which actually was Daewoo Evanda; I don’t even want to take it into consideration!), and since the name “Kizashi” means in Japanese “something big and important that comes”, a new competitor should be seriously taken into account.
Starting from the exterior, which is perhaps a little reminiscent of more or less competitive models (Chrysler Sebring for example), there is almost nothing to complain about. The very graceful silhouette, aggressively designed “nose” with the double “woven” grille, as well as more than sports “buttocks” with double mufflers embedded in the bumper leave almost no one indifferent.
The main instruments could be a little bit in more fashionable design
The only objection could be made to the small amplitude of the steering wheel movement, especially in depth
There is surprisingly enough room in the rear, especially for the passenger’s knees , even more room compared to some more prestigious rivalsIn fact, the more serious analysis shows that the Kizashi is smaller (or rather shorter!) than most of the D-segment sedans (its wheelbase is 2.7 meters), and that is somewhere between Honda Accord (that is Suzuki’s target in advertising campaigns) and C-segment sedans, such as Škoda Octavia and Volkswagen Jetta. However, the really pleasant surprise is the amount of interior space, not only in front, but rather in the rear section, where passengers have more space for the knees than in the aforementioned Accord, including Audi A4, and especially BMW 3 Series.
In addition, the luggage compartment (461 liters) does not suffer too much because of this, but it must be admitted that the AWD and sophisticated rear suspension take their toll in terms of the depth of the trunk.
Comfort Above All
Let’s stick a little bit more to the interior, because Kizashi has something to show, and even be a teacher to some older competitors, although it is a newcomer to the segment. First of all, comfort is at a high level thanks to the well designed leather seats, besides the high quality suspension system. They provide more than adequate comfort for longer distances, and only when driving more aggressively, you can notice that Americans simply do not like highly profiled seats, and the driver and front passenger have difficulties to maintain firm position. The same objection applies to the depth adjustable steering wheel, which should have slightly higher amplitude, because an average European customer has a much smaller “stomach” than some fast food loving American. However, I quickly found desired position, without some major compromises to the comfort.
The Kizashi’s trunk has sufficient capacity, but the depth is slightly smaller due to the AWDThe instruments are arranged very logically and within reach, so you can always activate what you wish without taking your eyes off the road, unlike some rivals, where even a few minutes in the parking lot is not enough for a similar operation. The only objection would be addressed to the layout of main gauges (speedometer and tachometer), which are reminiscent of some, not quite successful models of below-average European manufacturers. It is truly a shame, because Suzuki’s “know-how” could do better!
Take It or Leave It
Since the Kizashi is above all intended for U.S. market, there should be no surprise that a 2.4 l gasoline engine is nested under the hood. It is an original Suzuki’s unit, J24B, which depending on drivetrain releases 180 or 185 hp and 230 Nm at 4000 rpm. However, one should be surprised, or rather disappointed, when we know that this is the only available engine at the moment. Although there are some rumors about two-liter diesel originally from Europe, nothing has happened until now. The Americans are not happy with just one option either; they would also like to have at least one more “pure blood” petrol engine. Why not a 3.6 V6 with 252 hp from Suzuki S17? Ok, we would be content with the actual engine, equipped with a turbo or supercharger.look,
comfort,
trim package,
qualityCVT transmission,
only one trim levelSuzuki Kizashi 2.4 Sport AWD
Engine
Type/cylinders petrol, inline/4
Displacement [cm3] 2393
Valves/injection type 16/multipoint
Max power [kW/hp/rpm] 132/180/6000
torque [Nm/rpm] 230/4000
Body
type/seats/doors sedan/5/4
L x W x H [mm] 4650x1820x1470
Wheelbase [mm] 2700
curb weight/payload [kg] 1530/500
Boot capacity [l] 461
Suspension
front MacPherson, coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
rear multilink, coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Brakes
front/rear int. ventilated discs/discs
Tires
dimension 235/45 R18
Power transmission
4WD
gearbox CVT
Performance
acceleration 0-100 km/h [s] 9.8
top speed [km/h] 205
average fuel consumption [l/100 km] 10.5
noise at 100 km/h [dB] 64
braking distance [m] 36,1
CO 159g2
Price (with VAT) € 29.900However, this is not the main Kizashi’s problem! Real disappointment comes when you expect a good performance sedan, and sit behind the steering wheel of the 4WD model. You probably wonder how, when 4WD usually improves overall performance. Yes, you are right; it’s the same situation in this case, but… It comes only with the CVT transmission!
Performance Is Not Everything
Yes, CVT… I do not know whether to laugh or cry! There would be some sense in a luxury sedan, a hybrid or some supermini, but Kizashi… Hell no! OK, you would be more than grateful in traffic jams, or driving on the highway, and even if you have an irresistible desire to change gears “a la F1” via the steering wheel levers, but in every other situation, you will curse the day when you have bought 4WD model instead of front-wheel drive one, ‘cause you have thought it might come in handy in the winter.
It is enough to mention that the CVT is two seconds slower in 0 to 100 km/h sprint (not saying that subjective impression is even worse; it is like starting from the second or even third gear!). There is 5 “ponies” less power, since it is “spinning” at slightly lower revs than the manual version. Fuel consumption is at least 1-2 liter higher (about 10.5 liters on average) due to the 4WD, (which admittedly can be activated/deactivated by pressing the button) and therefore the greater weight; not to mention the difference in cost, which is 4000 euros in favor of the manual transmission!
Very nicely designed, the Kizashi ‘s styling rather stands out compared to other D segment sedans
The 2.4 liter gasoline engine could have a bit more aggressive sound, with a more prominent sports noteOne Step Closer to the Goal
However, the true value of 4WD and the Kizashi itself comes to light on the open road, preferably on a winding one where precise control and predictable behavior (mild and benign understeer) allow you to hold the hellish pace that can be rarely followed without a serious effort. Even when the tires start to creak dangerously, there is enough grip that helps Kizashi to be pulled out from the most awkward situations.
To be honest, the main limiting factor in all this is actually soft suspension and its long stroke (I suppose requested by the Americans, again) that truly delivers exceptional comfort and successfully tackles the catastrophic effects of our roads, but it does not give you too much confidence when driving fast with many direction changes. A sport sedan should have done better in this sense. True, the Kizashi does not lose its composure even then, but clearly suggests that the limits are quite close (unfortunately).Summary
With all the advantages already expressed, along with some flaws, we come to the biggest problem that the Kizashi is about to tackle. You probably guess that it’s the price, or rather trim package and its value in our market. In Serbia, the Kizashi is offered in the top Sport trim level only, which includes almost everything that you can imagine – from the roof window and leather, heated seats, Rockford Fosgate audio system and parking sensors, dual zone air conditioning and xenon lights, to the number of active and passive safety systems. Of course, it has its price – 26,100 euros for the version with FWD or 29,900 euros for 4WD model.
By comparison, the new restyled Honda Accord that is Suzuki’s main “goal” regarding 2.4 l engine, costs 31,400 euros in the top Executive trim with the automatic transmission. It is not too much for that trim package, but generally speaking, it is not a bit of money because there are a lot of people interested in Kizashi, but not interested in all this equipment. It’s a real shame, because the Kizashi is a very good product that has pleasantly surprised a lot of people including me. It has a certain amount of charm, so you will forget about its shortcomings very soon or simply come to terms with them. What is perhaps more important is that the Kizashi somehow stands out from the market gloom defying stereotypes and offering a solid dose of authenticity.
And just when you thought that Europe stepped a bit closer to America, you came to the conclusion that you had to pay unbelieving 27,500 dollars or 19,500 euros for the Kizashi! Even more devastating sounds the fact that in spite the excellent price and more than a good overall package, Toyota and Honda sell more Camry and Accord cars in a week than Suzuki sells Kizashi in a year! The reason lies in the still incomplete image that Suzuki has in this segment, but also in relatively weak widespread dealer-service network, even in major cities. Here, however, many customers will be rejected by the choice of just one engine, not only because of the fact that it is a petrol unit, but the high registration price for the engines above 2.0 liter displacement. It’s a real pity, because Suzuki has made a great effort about its “firstborn” in the D segment, as far as the trim package is concerned, as well as driving characteristics and even the price.
Does the advertising from the beginning of the article still sound pretentious to you? I hope that better days are ahead of Suzuki regarding Kizashi, and I personally can say one more time a sincere “Domo Arigato” for everything, after a week of “friendship” with the car!At a glance
Design
Performance
Functionality
Brakes
Quality
Engine
Comfort
Transmission
Ride
Price
Average rating:
(within the class)
The famous “AutoWeek” magazine declared Kizashi sedan with the best balance and behavior on the road they have ever driven in the category of FWD cars.text: Đorđe Pavićević
photo: Predrag Rakić
djordje.pavicevic@vrelegume.rs
Translated by Pavle Barta143
Opširnije u časopisu
VRELE GUME br. 204
Postavljeno: 11.09.2011ARHIVA Postojeći komentari[0] Pošaljite komentar
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