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Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 4WD Sport road test report

2.4 4WD Sport

The Kizashi is Suzuki’s first medium-sized saloon and, having been on sale elsewhere for the past 18 months with some 23,000 already sold, it’s soon to arrive in the UK. Refreshingly, the sharp-looking Kizashi will be available with just one engine, one transmission and one spec level from early 2012.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 4WD Sport

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

The Kizashi’s 2,393cc motor is a development of the Grand Vitara’s 4-cyl engine, and it’s connected to a continuously variable transmission with a 6-speed program that can be manually operated via either shift lever or steering wheel paddles. With 178PS and 230Nm of torque there’s no shortage of speed (128mph max), while acceleration is keen (0-62mph in 8.8secs). Although the engine is smooth and refined, the CVT’s ‘slipping clutch’ characteristic is something of an acquired taste, and the manner in which the Kizashi delivers its performance is deceptive as it’s actually faster than it feels.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

For the UK the Kizashi will come with Suzuki’s latest intelligent all-wheel-drive system (i-AWD) which improves traction in slippery conditions as well as enhancing cornering capabilities. In normal, dry conditions the i-AWD transmits most power to the front wheels only, but somewhat superfluously it can be switched to front-wheel-drive-only mode with minimum torque transmitted to the rear wheels. Conditions were dry for my test drive so it was difficult to fully assess these drive modes, but I can confirm that the sporty Kizashi grips tenaciously, has communicative and responsive steering, a taut, nicely balanced chassis and, equally importantly, a compliant and refined ride.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 3 stars

Suzuki hasn’t performed well in recent JD Power UK customer satisfaction surveys, and its performance isn’t improving. In 2008 it came 19th equal out of the 28 brands surveyed, in 2009 23rd out of 29, in 2010 25th out of 27 and in 2011 27th out of 28. According to JD Power in the US, the Kizashi rates as average for overall initial quality, just above average for overall performance and design, but just below average for predicted reliability. All this aside, and based on my brief time with the car, the Kizashi appears to be well-built, well-finished, refined and effectively beyond criticism.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

There are no Euro NCAP test results for the Kizashi, and due to its relatively low numbers in Europe (500 are destined for the UK in 2012) there aren’t likely to be any. However, in the US the model was awarded the full 5 stars for safety by the NHTSA in 2010, and, by scoring 34.8 out of a max of 37, it also picked up the full 5 stars in the Australasian ANCAP crash test program. One major plus point is that Kazashi buyers won’t have to agonise over what safety-related options they can afford, as there are none: seven airbags, 4WD, ESP, ABS with EBD, foglamps and automatic high-intensity headlamps all come as standard, as does keyless ignition, deadlocks, an immobiliser and an alarm.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

The Kizashi is billed as a D-segment, or medium-sized, saloon and so lines up with cars like the Insignia, Laguna. Mondeo, Passat and 508. However, with a slightly shorter length, width and wheelbase, it’s dimensionally closer to an Audi A4 or a BMW 3 Series. There’s no shortage of space or comfort in the front, and there’s ample head- and leg-room in the rear. The 461-litre boot is generously proportioned, and loadspace can be increased by folding the rear seatbacks forward. Comfort and convenience is enhanced by powered and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, cruise control and lots of cup holders and storage, all as standard.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

The Kizashi’s UK price is soon to be confirmed, but it’s likely to be circa £22,000, or around the same as an entry-level, option-free, 2WD, 120PS Audi A4. This will include an 8-speaker audio system with USB port and Bluetooth – the Kizashi’s only optional extra being an integrated touch-screen satnav – thus making the purchasing process so much simpler than has recently become the norm. (You want paint? That’ll be £500…) A CO2 figure of 191g/km isn’t brilliant (one g/km less than a 265PS, 3.2-litre V6, 8-speed Multitronic Audi A4), and at 34mpg combined, nor is fuel consumption (0.4mpg less than that same A4), but the Kizashi is nonetheless a fine-looking, sweet-handling, well-equipped and attractively-priced proposition.

Submitted: 22/11/2011 09:05:17

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