Her and His Reviews
March 1st, 2010
2010 Suzuki Kizashi S
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Chuck Kerber, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| Anne | Chuck |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP:$22,650 as tested | MSRP:$22,650 as tested |
| Performance | |
| With this car, Suzuki enters a new class of cars. It's a step outside of the box, with the name (yea, I know, I had to say it a few times to 'get it right), but especially going into the mid- sized sedan class. Known for its high performance products, Suzuki is banking on this model entering this class and tearing up market share. With most models between $19,000 and a $22,000, the car enters a fairly competitive and already busy market with Honda, Toyota, Ford and Hyundai.
Begin with the performance - this 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder 185 horsepower engine has get up and go. It just requires some wait time to get up and actually go; I was expecting more punch. But, like Newton's law, like most things, once in motion, tend to stay in motion well. With fuel-injection with dual overhead cam; the independent suspension was lacking, as the ride was stiff and rigid on the not-yet-potholed roads of winter AWD on this model; electronic stability control is standard on all Also available in GTS sporty model, with 6 speed for under $24K |
Gas, In-line Four Cylinder
185 horsepower at 6500 RPM Maximum torque 170 LB. @ 4000 RPM Multi-Port Fuel Injection Dual Overhead Cam 4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Multi-Link Rear Suspension This is not a responsive car. Acceleration is slow and unresponsive. If you're looking to merge onto the highway...well, make sure there aren't any cars coming for a while. Handling was soft. The car felt "connected" to the road at times, however, those occasions were infrequent. The suspension transferred the bumps on the road to the interior of the car. Once up to speed the Kizashi did have its moments. On the parkway the car did ride well at higher speeds as long as there were no abnormalities in the road. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway | 22 City 29 Highway |
| The Car | |
| A good value from Suzuki, the word on this vehicle is not out yet
Interior functionality and aesetics are ample and easy to read/control Heated front seating is comfortable; seats five with no extra room for much. That said, 60/40 split folding rear seats with center pass thru and rear armrest with cup holders Power windows, doors and mirrors and seats- with 10 way adjustments with lumbar support. All are easy to set Good visibility and light; sunroof adds light at will Dual-zone climate control is great for mitigating feuds No fumbling required with the push-button keyless start made simple and ez Good storage space for the uprights and last minute take-alongs. Interior trunk release switch |
The Suzuki isn't exciting to drive, but is economical. This is a new model for the car company, and is supposed to be an attractive addition into this particular segment of the automotive industry. The Suzuki will be competing with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, and Nissan Altima. The interior of the car is average. Instrumentation isn't easy to read, and is often impeded by the steering wheel. Ample trunk room provides plenty of room for bags, golf clubs, and ski boots. Cup holders are abundant. The controls are within reach. The seats were average providing adequate support for about -town trips. There was no Navigation system in our model, but it is available. The Rockford Fostgate stereo system was crisp with plenty of bass. Steering wheel controls for the stereo added to ease of use. Power windows with automatic up and down Tilting and Telescoping Wheel, Sunroof with Tilt and Open |
| Safety | |
| Safety matters in this All-Wheel Drive; take a closer look. Complete with eight (8) standard airbags, advanced Electronic Stability control with traction assist and Anti lock brakes.
The vehicle is already compliant with 2014 Crash Standards - ahead of its class Tire Pressure monitoring system Rear door child safety locks and LATCH system for child seats Unlimited roadside assistance, and for three (3) years |
Anti-Lock Braking System
3-mode Intelligent All Wheel Drive
3- Way Seat with Pre-Tensioners, Force Limiter, and Height Adjustors Latch Seat Child Anchors Child Safety Locks Daytime Running Lights |
| Technology | |
| Bluetooth™ for hands-free calling
Wireless music streaming capability Sound can bust out with the AM FM CD XM capable audio system with 7 speakers and MP3 playback Driver Info-center in cluster provides average speed, average and immediate MPG and exterior temperature |
Integrated Bluetooth with Audio Streaming
Homelink Wireless Contro System Smartpass Keyless Ignition and Entry Power Outlet (12 Volts)accessory sockets Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror LED Ambien Interior Lighting Vehicle Security System |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| Let's start with the design - the outside is sassy indeed. The overall body design is urban and contemporary; a well fitted exterior topped off with four attractive 17" or 18" alloy wheels.
Coming from the self proclaimed Grill Girl, the Kazashi's front grill is aggressive - but not overdone - and offers a wide looking stance The interior is clean, understated, and comfortable |
The Suzuki Kizashi is a noticeable car. I'm not sure if it's a "good" noticeable. It does look a bit boxy, and the bulbous headlamps seem awkward. I can't really put my finger on any fluidity with the design; it's a love- hate thing. The variability in the lines of this car makes it difficult for permanent decisions as far as the aesthetics are concerned. |
| Warranty | |
| 3 year/36,000 Basic warranty
Drive train warranty is 7 years/100,000 Unlimited roadside assistance, and for three (3) years |
Basic coverage is 3 years, 36,000 miles
Drivetrain coverage 7 years, 100,000 miles Roadside Assistance, 3 years, 36,000 miles Rust Coverage 3 years unlimited |
| Non-tangibles / Other | |
| An interesting entry for Suzuki getting into the sedan market. Word is out. Check it out and make up your own mind. It's a great value from a monetary and feature/benefit perspective. | The Suzuki Kizashi is economical. It gets reasonable gas mileage, but has poor acceleration and a harsh ride. The instrument panel seems outdated, and the design of the car has a yet-to-be-determined feel. With all of the difficulties that Toyota has been having, this could be the perfect opportunity for Suzuki to increase its sales in this particular segment. |
