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2010 Suzuki Kizashi Photo

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Review

 
12 42,348 views October 15, 2009

The GTS trim adds a choice of paddle-shifted CVT or six-speed manual transmissions, 235/45 aspect tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, moonroof, fog lights, a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo and integrated Bluetooth calling and audio streaming. Finally, the range-topping SLS adds leather interior upholstery, three-stage heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, Home Link universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, a photochromic rear-view mirror and heated exterior mirrors.

Engine and Performance

All trim levels get the same powerplant, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 185 horsepower in manual models and 180 horsepower in the automatics. Peak power arrives at 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 170 pound-feet in the manual hits at 4,000 rpm. In spirited two-lane country driving, the Kizashi really enjoys hovering around the 4,000 rpm mark, jumping up from there in a lively and satisfying manner. Even when run all the way to the fuel cut at redline, the engine feels solid and balanced, with no reluctance or excessive vibration. Happily revving along, the Kizashi is good for a 7.5-second 0-60 mph dash.

The punchy little four-banger also sounds like it’s enjoying its work, especially when paired with the easy-shifting, though not sports car-precise six-speed manual. Front-wheel drive is the standard layout, though all-wheel drive is available in combination with the CVT. Whether on-track or off, the power level of the Kizashi felt just right for the front-drive layout, with the all-wheel-drive package coming off a bit heavier than necessary, though it would surely be a boon in tough winter states. In reality, the manual front-drive model’s 3,241 pound curb weight isn’t so much lighter than the roughly 3,480 pounds of the all-wheel-drive CVT model, but at this power level, every pound counts if you’re after performance.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

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Comments (12)

  1. By Google Yahoo Posted: 10/16/2009 3:42am PDT

    As I suspected this car also shares the same platform as the good looking Opel Insignia.
     
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  2. By  gazzed Posted: 10/16/2009 6:13am PDT

    I would have sworn this car to be the Golf/Jetta Mk5 if it weren't for the Suzuki badge..
     
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  3. By J.C. Posted: 10/16/2009 9:01am PDT

    Gazzed, It's funny you wrote that because, I thought the exact same the moment the pictures came up on my computer screen. The front fascia is so VW and the side profile is reminiscent of Audi but, the rear stands alone. Though, I must say the car is nicely equipped and attractive and I feel this car may very well help Suzuki in N.A.; IMO.
     
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  4. By  Cars for sale Posted: 10/20/2009 9:13am PDT

    This car is almost something I would considering buying. Which is amazing that it is a suzuki. They are an almost invisible car company. Mostly know for their sport bikes. If they put this kind of driving personality into a small cuv and a larg cuv I would be all over it
     
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  5. By courtmstr Posted: 10/23/2009 3:47am PDT

    This car will age really well. Good design.
    Btw, this car has nothing to do with the Opel Insignia, Kizashi is 100% Suzuki designed and is not sold by any other manufacturor under any other name. No shared platform either.
    One thing that this article didn't mention though is all the engineering that went into this car. There is nothing else like the Kizashi in this catagory of car on the road today!
    For starters show me another car in the segment that has: aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings, forged connecting rods, forged crankshaft, timing CHAIN (not a belt), balance shafts, hydraulic valve lifters AND coil-over ignition. There are none.
    If you don't know what all that means, trust me, it means this car will be a great performer and is better engineered than anything in its catagory and price level. The prices are going to start around 19k, and go up to 25k for a totally loaded version complete with AWD! To get anything even close to this car you will have to spend ATLEAST 10k to 20K more that you will with Kizashi.
    Suzuki tends to put it's money where you can't see it, unlike other brands that sell a fancy interior on a dinosaur chassis. Multi-link fully independent suspension too, no lame-o semi-trailing arms or torsion beams to be found on this car.
    Combine all those features w/ the AWD option and there's plenty to differentiate this car from Honda's, Toyota's, VW's and Subaru's, etc.
     
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  6. By RV Posted: 10/30/2009 11:25am PDT

    Please tell Suzuki to make the moon roof optional on the GTS trim. If I bought that one, which I plan to do, that is what I would want - GTS without the moonroof - I like plenty of headroom.
     
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  7. By  jay Casbon Posted: 11/2/2009 9:02pm PST

    I own a Suzuki SX4 and completely enjoy the car - excellent value! I also own a 2008 Jetta SE - another fine car. However, next year when it is time to trade the Jetta, I plan to test drive the new Suzuki. If the car is as good as the reviews indicate - plus the price point - maybe I will have two Suzuki's in he garage. This company is on a serious roll!
    Rhett
     
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  8. By Jason W Posted: 1/20/2010 2:00pm PST

    This is the first time I've read any reviews on this site. I did a google search for reviews on this particular vehicle and found this. First off, compliments to the author for a well written review.
    I first saw this car in one of the top three magazines and wanted to investigate further. I like the styling (yes, it will age well) and the content for the price is unbelievable!! I am taking a test drive tomorrow.
     
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  9. By B-Man Posted: 1/31/2010 9:51pm PST

    Wow! I will not allow myself to cheat on my wife and be with another woman, that's off the hook wrong. But, my wife and I own a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS that is loaded and hot, but, this 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is also loaded and so very hot that I am seriously taking a long look at a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi in Vivid Red, 6-speed manual tranny in FWD only, GTS model with sunroof and Rockford Fosgate 4250-watt 10-speaker stereo, foglights and cloth seats. This puppy is getting great reviews! Just like Mitsubishi had to perform in early 2007 to save their asses, Suzuki is in much the same predicament. This thing prices out to about $23, 200. My '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS priced out to about $22,300. But the '08 Lancer GTS is a compact and the '10 Suzuki Kizashi is a frickin' midsize model, albeit a small midsize, it's a midsize car! Anyone else see my excitement brewing from the SE Arizona desert here in late Jan.-early Feb. 2010? Whoo-hoo! I think I' fallin' in love, gentlemen! She'll probly talk me in-ta keepin' the '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, and that wouldn't be torture by any means, but I'm startin ta mount a case for buyin' a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi here!
     
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  10. By ash Posted: 4/22/2010 10:28am PDT

    wish it came with turbo, then I'd definitely buy one. Actually, i might still buy one, and the hyabusa too :)
     
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  11. By Lemonman Posted: 6/4/2010 6:09pm PDT

    I just test drove one today ... (they had a tent sale going on that if you bought one they threw in a 50cc scooter ... we stopped for the hey of it), and I have to tell you, this thing handles amazing on the road. I am usually a stiff, no frills driver, but within seconds of being in this car, I was completely at ease. The features, (like you said in the review), are really impressive given the price range. And above all else, It's A Freakin' Suzuki?!?! Who would have thought that earlier this morning I would be so excited about a car I wouldn't have give a second glance. This has become the top of my list for serious contenders in my new car shopping ... amazing ...
     
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  12. By Ilovemykizashi Posted: 11/9/2010 11:41am PST

    Bought the 2010 Kizashi GTS a week ago and I can't stop driving it. Just put in 1K miles within a week. and work is only about 20 miles back and forth. It is a great car and the dealership that i dealt with is awesome. They have been following up on me to ensure that I am having a blast with my new car. I would recommend this to everyone.
     
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