First impression: Suzuki Kizashi

“Does the world really need another family sedan?” During a visit from Suzuki, this was the opening line of the execs’ presentation—not a question we asked them.

The marketing rationale follows the assumption that the potential Kizashi buyer wouldn’t want a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord—that was their parents’ car. And that the “Euro-inspired” handling, compact size, “interior design,” and optional AWD will also appeal to a new generation of buyers. Volume expectations are modest, according to Suzuki. Pricing spans roughly between $20,000 and $27,000.

The Kizashi is a pure Suzuki design that doesn’t trace its roots to GM or Daewoo. It was designed to be sold in world markets and adapts the D-segment size standard, which means it straddles a Corolla and Camry in terms of dimensions.

We briefly drove a high end Kizashi with 18-inch wheels and all the bells and whistles. Bottom line: We were not impressed. The 2.4-liter engine mated to the CVT isn’t the most cultured powertrain out there. The ride is rather stiff, and the steering, in our judgment, has very little European inspiration, if at all. The interior is nothing special, but the cabin has a pleasing appearance and decent seats.

We’ll have more details on the Kizashi in the coming months when we put it through our battery of tests on our track and publish a full review.

The Kizashi will join the Subaru Legacy and Ford Fusion as the third AWD mainstream family sedan. It goes on sale by the end of 2009.

—Gabe Shenhar

Comments

[Cale]

I'm a fan of this smaller family car segment. But your initial impressions signal that Suzuki might have hurt the segment with this offering.

If the engine/drivetrain lacks "culture", is it safe to assume those comments echo the comments that appeared in the blog "Ode to the Outback"? (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/09/2010-subaru-outback.html) There you said, "...when you push it hard, the CVT spins up the engine and leaves it hanging at high rpm until you let off the gas. And the Subaru boxer isn’t happy or pleasant at high revs. It’s coarse and loud.

That sounds like two strikes against AWD family sedans with the 4-cyl/CVT powertrain choice. Let's hope it shines in fuel economy tests.

The comments about steering are also very disappointing. Why is it so hard to design steering that is nicely weighted and offer good feedback? A family sedan shouldn't have to compromise on steering feel.

[kizashiclub]

Owch... I sort of hope you were having a bad day when you wrote this, and it seems a little strange they didn't let you test the manual transmission car. I look forward to more information from you, but hopefully the car isn't as bad as you say. I had a lot of hope for this car.

Anyone know if the manual transmission car is going to have available AWD? I have seen several places that only the CVT will get the AWD. It will be quite disappointing if that is the case.

[Pharmboy]

Such a better looking car than the TSX! So much potential...

First they tempt us by saying it will have a class leading +200 hp, only to find it is 185/180 hp. Same thing for the still unapproved V6. At first it was 300 hp in the show car, but now talk of 260hp? Other similar sporty cars have 270-300hp, so Suzuki comes up short again.

If Suzuki wants to compete, the performance/numbers has to be competitive. We know that the GM sourced V6 is capable of 306hp on regular gas in the CTS, so if Suzuki just takes the XL-7 into the Kizashi, then they don't approve their image at all. This does not bode well for the car company in the US.

I just don't understand how the parent company can develop the fastest road motorcycle (Hayabusa) and yet can't make a decent car engine. Hello, Honda & Yamaha can do it, and Yamaha don't even make cars! They have a beautiful car with a weak heart (engine). So, do they want their new car to have a heart like the Chevy Malibu (252 hp) or that of the CTS (306hp)?

This car has the perfect dimensions, similar to the 328/A4/TSX, but they need an practical image car.

Another point to Suzuki, put the XL-7 v6 into the Grand Vitara. Where the hell did they come up with a modern 3.2L v6 with less power then a defunct Isuzu Rodeo. Look at what happened to Isuzu...

[fishbowlfire]

How is it that Volkswagen/Audi can put "European inspiration" in to the steering of everything from the high end Audi to the Rabbit and most other manufacturers can't? It must be magic euro-steering-fairy-dust. Actually, it seems to be the non-euro manufactures (most including Suzuki) seem to think they have a better idea about how to "improve" the tried and true rack & pinion from Germany. They don't.
Also, the CVT seems to be the constant here in underwhelming power delivery. Not to mention the CVT also requires special, expensive fluid to withstand the heat and pressure, and more frequent oil changes. In fact so far the CVT has no performance, economy or reliability advantages over conventional transmissions.
The Kizashi CVT, Subaru CVT and Ford's new 500 with the CVT are just more "beige" in the color pallet of CVT. CVT has potential but so far ergonomics is the only category it wins. Remember the ergonomic kneeling chair?
As a member of the the Generation who's parents drive a Camry I can tell you the Kizashi is not the answer. Here's a hint: Look at the styling of Scion, Audi, and Mercedes, add the drive train of Subaru's WRX, and an engine from Honda. Now my curiosity is peaked...

[coolcar]

Do we really need another midsize sedan, considering how crowded the segment has become? Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Chrysler Sebring, Pontiac G6, Nissan Altima, Mazda6... the list goes on!

[flacksaw]

Wow, your negative comments on the Kizashi are about the only poor review I've seen this car get. I hope CR tests the manual version as well as the CVT. From what I've read the manual is much better. The FWD manual is the car to test and not the AWD CVT version. The point of this car...driving FUN. CR seems to think that everybody wants to drive a rolling appliance and not real road-cars. Those people can buy a schnooze-fest Camry, this car is for DRIVERS.

According to other reviews from reputable sources many consider the new Kizashi to be the best car in the segment. From everything I've read it has great handling, steering and braking along with a quiet and luxurious interior. The engine has higher output/liter than any competitors and still delivers over 30MPG highway. I expect it's emergency handling to beat anything else in the segment. It's quite simply a standout value.

Engineering features that also make the Kizashi a standout value:
1) Timing chain rather than belt means lower long-term maintenance costs.
2) Coil-over ignition, no spark plug wires to replace.
3) Forged pistons and connecting rods and crankshaft are a rare feature at this price and make for a smooth-revving engine.
4) Multi-link rear suspension is rare for this class, no lame-o torsion beams or semi-trailing arms on this car.

I hope that CR isn't holding the fact that this car is a Suzuki against it but that seems to be the case. Please note that this is a REAL Suzuki too, not some re-badged Daewoo forced upon them by the GM alliance (Reno, Verona). That means this car will run forever without a glitch. If you're looking for a drivers-car for around $20K this is the one you'll want. If you want a transportation appliance that will lull you to sleep on your way home get a Camry.