| Pros |
 |
| The 2011 Suzuki mid-sized Kizashi takes direct aim at the market-dominating Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Altima. It's well-suited for those looking for performance in a family sedan and it's a new direction for Suzuki, featuring both European-inspired handling and design. Suzuki offers a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty. Base prices range from the S front-wheel drive at $19,744 to the truly impressive Sport SLS at only $28,024 with a vast array of luxury features included. |
|
| Model Highlights |
|
| The Suzuki Kizashi now comes in four trim levels: S, SE, Sport GTS and Sport SLS. All are fitted with a 2.4L 4-cylinder that features twin balance shafts and variable intake valve timing, producing 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. With the exception of the SE, all are available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic. Suzuki expects the SE to be its top seller and it's only available with the CVT. An available all-wheel-drive system features a clutch-pack-type center differential that can be run in 2-wheel-drive mode to help save fuel and is only offered with the CVT.
Handling is sharper in the 2011 Kizashi, with its independent suspension on all four corners. The Sport model's ride-height is 10 mm lower and tuned to give precision control while still maintaining a comfortable ride. The standard electronic stability control has been tuned to not be obtrusive during spirited driving. The manual-equipped S has been rated at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, with other trims achieving 23/30 mpg with the CVT and front-wheel drive and 22/29 mpg with the CVT and the available all-wheel-drive system.
The Kizashi measures out at 183.1 inches nose to tail, riding on a 106.3-inch wheelbase with a track width of 61.6 inches. It's slightly smaller than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but is larger than the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta. Trunk space measures in at a healthy 13.3 cubic feet and a folding 60/40 rear seat adds extra space for longer items or luggage for longer road trips in the Kizashi's upgraded appointments.
The basic S model comes with 16-inch wheels standard, keyless entry, push-button start and dual-zone climate control. When fitted with the CVT automatic, the S is fitted with cruise control and a leather-covered steering wheel. The SE adds 17-inch wheels, cruise control and leather-covered wheel and an 8-way power driver's seat with memory. The Sport GTS gets 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters with the CVT, sunroof and a 10-speaker Rockford-Fosgate stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming. Finally, the top of the line Sport SLS comes equipped with rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, leather upholstery with heated front seats, power passenger's seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror. All-wheel-drive adds heated side mirrors to all trim levels.
Optional equipment includes Suzuki's i-VSP intelligent vehicle stability program on all-wheel drive models only and an available rear-view camera and touch-screen GPS on Sport GTS and Sport SLS models. |
|
| Model News |
|
| The Suzuki Kizashi adds a Sport model to familiar GTS and SLS models for 2011. The Sport represents further movement upscale for Suzuki's lineup, moving the much-admired Kizashi nearer its European competition with a luxury feel with a high quality interior, inspired handling characteristics and a long list of standard features. |
|
| Value Writeup |
|
| Strong standard feature list; excellent handling; available all-wheel drive; good value |
|
|
|