2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS (805)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS Front Wheel Drive 4-door sedan. What’s in a name? Well in Japanese Kizashi means A great thing is coming.

This comes from a car company mostly known in the past for making cheap and simplistic cars. One that comes to mind was the Samurai small SUV that I think Suzuki would like us to forget. It was introduced in the US and sold here beginning in 1970 through about 2005. Friend Rick had one back in 1980 and for his short commute it worked fine for him but many issues just couldn’t be overlooked. Suits and recall demands must have played a big role in the model being discontinued.

Be prepared to be surprised with Kizashi because the company is working hard to change the image in a world starved for new offerings that are inexpensive yet look good and handle well. This is a real move forward for Suzuki.

The company says interior materials and standard equipment levels rival an entry-level luxury car at a value price. An all-wheel-drive system is also offered which normally sends most of the power to the front wheels but can direct up to 50 percent to the rear wheels. The all-wheel-drive system can be turned off to help improve fuel economy. Suzuki has confirmed that a hybrid system developed with General Motors will be offered in the next two years. A turbocharged 4-cylinder or a V6 engine may also be added.

Opinion:

I would like to know your views on issues you think need to be aired. I tend to be strongly bent on raising awareness about highway and general driving concerns. But they are my observations and I’d like to hear yours. I receive emails for and against my views and I welcome your email communications. joe@atthewheel.com.

Handling & Performance:

Good power even from the 4-cylinder engine. The standard equipment includes high end safety features you’d pay much more for in a ‘luxury badge’.

Styling:

Some think this Kizashi resembles the Audi and Suzuki is pitting it against the Acura TSX. I like the style but the name is ‘foreign’ and not easy to attach to a high end car.

Fit and Finish:

Good.
Cost:

Competitive.

Conveniences and comfort:

A lot of the best stuff. And it occurs to me that technology has done a lot to level the playing field and give the much less advantage to the luxury badges.
Recognized Competition:

Suzuki Kizashi $19-27,000, Acura TSX $29-38,000, Audi A4 $31-34,000, Buick LaCrosse $26-33,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Chrysler Sebring $20-35,000, Dodge Avenger $20-22,000, Ford Fusion $20-28,000, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-25,000, Infiniti G Sedan $33-37,000, Kia Optima $18-23,000, Lexus ES 350 $35,175, Lincoln MKZ $34-36,000, Mazda 6 $18-28,000, Mercury Milan $22-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $22-24,000, Nissan Altima $20-30,000, Subaru Legacy $20-30,000, Toyota Camry $19-29,000, Volkswagen Jetta $18-25,000, Volvo S40 $26-31,000.

Good News:

New entrant to compete is a purchase advantage, decent fuel economy, attractive styling, excellent standard features.

Bad News:

None noted.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 185 hp 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Program, Traction control system, 8 standard air bags front, side and side curtain, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH system, foglights, security system with smartpass keyless entry and start, heated sport leather seats, power tilt and slide sunroof, climate control, Rockford Fosgate audio with MP3 and USB input, Bluetooth system, auto rain sensing wipers, reverse parking sensors, cruise control, tilt and telescoping wheel, 10-way power driver seat and power passenger seat, power mirrors, split rear seat with pass through and multi function trip computer.

Gas Stats:

$2.99/ Gal avg. March 29 ‘10
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

23 City and 30 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $24,449.