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What is it?

This is Suzuki’s first ever crack at the D-sector, the Kizashi. It's a smart, premium-feel four-door that’s smaller and a touch heavier than a Ford Mondeo.

Suzuki originally planned a whole new family of Kizashis, but the global economic crisis put a stop to all that and the only version out so far is this four-door saloon with 2.4-litre petrol engine.

At present its main markets will be America and Japan, because in the current economic climate Suzuki sa...Read the full article

It's interesting comparing this to the family hatch group test, and also Chevvy write-up. For the money, this appears to pffer a better proposition than either Koreans or the establsihed European brands in a band below. It looks like Suzuki have been lying low and learning from the mistakes of it's competitors; even if the whole package is a bit derrivative. For instance, the front is very similar to Toyota's new Avensis, the side a heavy dash of C-Class and more than a nod to BMW at the rear. Also, can't help thinking from the pics that the interior is a mish-mash of old school Audi with the architecture of the cabbie's favourite: Carina-E. But, from reports so far, it sounds to have the ride/handlinh advantage over the Koreans whilst offering the same value.

However a 2.4 petrol for theEurop market, especial at this level is a bit of a no-no. I can only see this swiping sales from teh larger Korean models, which, over here at least are relatively few. Of course, that's not what it is designed for, and it should reposition Suzuki on the US market.

For here, it needs GM's smaller petrol and diesel engines.

 

 

I like the look of it, and in my mind, this is the car the Legacy should of been. Oh well...

Even though I will never be able to understand why the area around the headlights has to be so big when the headlights themselves are getting ever smaller, but that aside, if my memory serves me right, would have to be Suzuki's best effort yet. In between some mediocre designs and this one, they have managed to produce some real monstrosities in terms of automotive design; of course, still haven't been able to out do the Prius though.

In short, their best effort yet, which can be improved. Having said that, would any body want to drive a Suzuki which costs in excess of £18000? I have my doubts.

 The car looks fine, very similar to a Passat at the front. Though as others have said the petrol engine is not suitable for the UK.

Also not suitable for the UK, Peter Nunn, is the US spelling of sceptical in the summary of your test. Keep to UK spellings please.

 I like it... Look like a Passat/Jetta at the front but none the worse for that.

Certainly it would have a mountain to climb in badge obsessed Britain but would be an interesing choice.

 

slipslop:

Also not suitable for the UK, Peter Nunn, is the US spelling of sceptical in the summary of your test. Keep to UK spellings please.

 

I think we'll add "eurocentric" to that. Yuk.

I think Suzuki have done a fine job, the car looks quite germanic, both interior and exterior look good and well designed. The price is very good too, £18k thats a mildly warm Focus or Astra territory and I know which I would rather have. There shouldn't be any quality issues either a Suzuki do a sterling job with the latest Vitara.

AwakeSpectator:

Having said that, would any body want to drive a Suzuki which costs in excess of £18000?

depends who's picking up the tab.

The Kizashi (Prounounced KIZZ-AH-SHI) is a great car that should have been out 2 years ago, instead of that rubbish it replaces in the US market the Suzuki Forenza=The US Version of Top Gear's Reasonably priced car.

 

Top Gear should either replace the Reasonably priced car with a Kizashi or a Cruze.  The last 2 versions (Suzuki Aerio=US Spec Leana, and the Forenza) were overpriced rubbish.  These guys are like Hyundai 5 years ago, they need to let people know they are a good make now  through a marketing blitz.  However, in typical Suzuki fashion they will blow this opportunity and they will be forced to pull out of the US Market (They will pull out in 2 years if sales do not improve), or they will be bought out by WV, and GM will get Crumbs.

Its got all the tools to compete with the New Hyundai Sonata (Appearing Q2 2010), New VW NMS, or Buick Regal (Opel Insignia), in terms of fit and finish, but the engine tech is outdated compared to a Sonata, or the VW.  The Kizashi only gets 30 MPG.  (US) Which for a D Car is not impressive anymore.

 Its equivalent to the Buick though.

I dont know Suzuki's track for Europe, but the Kizashi is advertised on the American website as the beginning of true affordable luxury that will raise the entire Suzuki Marque to that standard.

 So, I guess Suzuki is following Hyundai and VW upmarket?

"You can go late, hard and deep into a bend and the Kizashi is still there with you, strongly resisting understeer or body lean, staying resolutely on line." Just need to add....... Piling in hot to a particularly damp switchback I lifted off smartly, felt the back end go light, enjoyed the fertile budding of a full on slide. I simply gave it a dab of oppo and I was away. The Suzuki SX4 1.6 SLX saloon is a bitch. And I spanked it.

Squonk61:

I think we'll add "eurocentric" to that. Yuk.

 

I'm not quite sure what you are getting at with that comment.

The car is not suited to Europe with a large petrol engine. It needs a diesel and a smaller trubo'd petrol engine to compete.

But I would just add that when I read 'Motor Trend' or 'Road & Track' I expect them to be written in English with US spelling. When I read 'Auto Plus' I expect it to be in French, with French spelling. When I read 'Mi Coche' I expect it to be in Spanish with Spanish spelling.

When I read 'Autocar', a British based magazine and website, I expect it to be in English with UK spelling. Seems perfectly reasonable to me.