By CHRIS REED, UPP Contributor—

Suzuki kicked off 2010 with the introduction of a new player in the midsize sedan segment, the Kizashi. This is a bold move on the part of Suzuki because the Kizashi enters a world where competition is steep, and time-honored favorites abound. However, it seems Suzuki isn’t trying to dethrone the more mundane midsize sedans such as the Camry, Sonata, and Accord. The Kizashi has in its sights such vehicles as the Mazda 6, Acura TSX, VW Passat, and Nissan Altima— all sedans meant to lure the enthusiast by offering a more dynamic driving experience. It will take a lot for Acura or Mazda followers to cross the fence into Suzuki territory, but after some one-on-one time with the Kizashi, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do.

Doug Smith Suzuki of American Fork graciously provided me with a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS for the purpose of evaluation.

Style

The Kizashi’s exterior styling gives a good first impression. Its stance, projector headlights, low-profile tires, spoiler-like trunk lid, and standard dual exhaust give it a sporty look. Gaps between body panels are tight, and the overall look and feel is high-quality.

Comfort

The interior is equally high-grade, and very comfortable. Run your fingers over the interior surfaces and you’ll find that soft-touch materials abound; cheap, hard plastics are not as prevalent as they used to be in midsize sedans. Four adults can be seated comfortably, and there is room for three occupants in the rear if the center occupant is smaller. The layout of controls is simple, and pleasing to behold. The rear seat is 60/40 folding-style, and it has a center armrest with pass-through for long objects, such as skis. Even the base model $18,999 Kizashi S is equipped with standard amenities such as power side mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with XM compatibility and USB audio input, tilt and telescoping steering wheel adjustment, power windows and locks, ambient cabin lighting, the list goes on.

If you want more luxury, opt for the $24,399 Kizashi SLS and the list of conveniences expands to include 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, automatic rain-sensing wipers, rear sonar parking assist, Bluetooth wireless audio with hands-free connection, leather-appointed interior, 10-way power driver’s seat with three memory settings and 4-way power front passenger’s seat, heated front seats, and a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo that employs 10 speakers and a built-in subwoofer. During my evaluation I observed that the high-power Rockford Fosgate stereo put a smile on my face, no matter what CD I inserted.

Driving Impressions

Upon leaving the parking lot and heading out onto the road, I find that the Kizashi delivers on its promise of dynamic handling. Body motions are controlled and the suspension does a great job of soaking up the bumps. The Kizashi corners with confidence. Road and wind noise are minimal thanks to a low drag coefficient and extra sound damping material applied to all the right places. The standard, Akebono four-wheel disc brakes are responsive, bringing the Kizashi to a halt in short order. Steering is pleasant and responsive.

Performance

Thrust comes via a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. This is currently the only available engine, and this motor is very refined. Cruising at 70 mph in sixth gear the motor is spinning at a barely-audible 2500 rpm. When idling, it seems from inside the cabin as if vehicle were turned off—no hint of vibration, and no noise.

The 2.4-liter is powerful and provides pleasing acceleration, but throttle response is a little lethargic for my tastes. For example, when you are in neutral and you try to rev the engine, the motor doesn’t respond immediately.

Keeping the enthusiast in mind, Suzuki offers two transmissions: a CVT automatic with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, or a slick six-speed manual. I tested a Kizashi equipped with the six-speed manual and found this engine/transmission combination rewarding to drive.

It seems as though Suzuki had Utahans in mind when they decided to offer the Kizashi with a high-tech all-wheel drive option called 3-Mode Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, or i-AWD. This new system allows Kizashi drivers to select either 2-wheel drive for maximum fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive for rainy days, or 4-wheel drive for maximum traction on snow and ice.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy ratings for the Kizashi are high. An options-loaded, front-wheel drive Kizashi with the six-speed manual transmission will achieve 20 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway. A loaded, CVT automatic-equipped Kizashi will achieve 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway. Add all-wheel drive and fuel economy drops just slightly to 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

Safety

The Kizashi is full of standard safety features, such as eight standard air bags that help it receive the NHTSA’s highest five-star safety ratings for both frontal and side impacts. Other standard safety features include: LATCH child seat anchors, daytime running lights, electronic stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a vehicle security system.

Warrantee

Another plus, the Kizashi comes with a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty that has no deductible, is fully transferable, and includes a 24-hour roadside assistance package.

Final Note

I really like the Kizashi. It looks great, feels great, and it’s as safe as any midsize sedan on the road. It’s fun to drive, and it’s fuel-efficient. The price is right in my opinion, and I hope those in search of a new midsize sedan will do themselves a favor, think outside of the box (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, etc.) and consider the Suzuki Kizashi amongst their options. It’s not just a good option, it’s a great option.

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