Suzuki picked exactly the right moment to launch its mid-sized “luxury” sedan. (Okay, maybe the timing isn’t so great.) Still, American consumers are begging for inexpensive vehicles with lots of standard luxury features, great design, kick *** performance, excellent quality and cool technology.
Did Suzuki deliver this winning combination with its 2010 Kizashi? It seems so.
In Japanese, the word Kizashi means “something great is coming.” And for Suzuki, this launch into the highly competitive all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment is being viewed by company executives as a complete “brand transformation.”
I sat in the absolutely gaudy clubhouse of the Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., listening to Suzuki executives gush about their new brand transformation and their all-new 2010 Kizashi. Suzuki execs seemed to be reading my mind when they announced, “Does the world need another mid-sized sedan?”
No, not really, I thought. But the world certainly could use an affordable, world-class sports sedan. And this is what Suzuki has created with its Kizashi, which is due out in dealer showrooms this winter.
Priced about the same as a <A href="http://www.autotropolis.com/Toyota/Camry/research.html" target=_blank>Toyota Camry (around $20,000), so says Suzuki, the 2010 Kizashi was designed as a “driver’s car” to target sophisticated car enthusiasts who are seeking true sport performance, Japanese craftsmanship, top safety marks and the best of Euro-Asian design both inside and out.
After listening to Suzuki execs and watching the worldwide unveiling on a grassy knoll overlooking the expansive blue Pacific, I may agree with Suzuki on the Kizashi hype. Still, the real test will come in October when North American auto journalists are invited to road test the 2010 Kizashi in real-world driving and race track conditions.
I’m excited about getting behind the wheel of the 2010 Kizashi to test out its 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual or automatic transmission with CVT paddle shifters. The 2010 Kizashi also comes standard with multi-link rear suspension, performance shocks, ABS Akebono brakes, advanced stability control and optional all-wheel drive.
Speaking of AWD, Suzuki execs says the Kizashi is being offered with Suzuki’s “next generation” AWD system, which is activated by the driver with the flip of a switch.
Let’s talk about the outside. I looked at the 2010 Kizashi from all angles and decided, if Suzuki removed the logos and nameplates, that this handsome sedan might be designed by <A href="http://www.autotropolis.com/Mercedes-Benz/research.html" target=blank>Mercedes-Benz or <A href="http://www.autotropolis.com/Audi/research.html" target=blank>Audi, <A href="http://www.autotropolis.com/Acura/research.html" target=_blank>Acura or even Lexus.
Standing on an almost unbelievably pretty point along the golden cliffs and pounding surf at Trump National, I was pleasantly surprised at the 2010 Kizashi’s bold grille, long bulgy nose, curvy side lines, sleek windows, sport wheels and sporty extras like flared fenders and chrome exhaust outlets. The back side is certainly sexy with a good-looking combination of the best in European and Asian design.
Suzuki execs allowed us to sit inside the 2010 Kizashi, which they had played up as truly luxurious despite its inexpensive price. I’m not sure the total package oozes luxury, but I did find touches of true luxe in the Kizashi’s “French” seams, textured plastics, burnished chrome accents, comfortable sport seats and handsome central console.
The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)4, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki's attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and low fatigue foam.
For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashi's interior delivers by the megabyte. Beginning with standard keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod®1 connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth®2. For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate®3 provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power.
The 2010 Kizashi was also built to include tons of standard luxury features such as rain sensing wipers, a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system, USB ports for iPod interfacing, wireless Bluetooth integration and keyless start, among many other standard features.
All in all, it seems Suzuki’s 2010 Kizashi may be the wave of the future: a high-quality, high-performance, high-safety vehicle with lots of standard features that’s low on price. America definitely needs this kind of mid-sized sedan. Bravo, Suzuki!
