2010 Suzuki Kizashi Lockhart TX

2010 Suzuki Kizashi By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor

DriverSide Overview 
Change. It’s a word that never ceases to inspire and to motivate. However, it’s a word that Suzuki hasn’t been very familiar with in the past. The Suzuki name – at least in conjunction with North America’s auto market – has remained in the same dim backlight for years now, overshadowed by compatriots like Honda and Toyota. But Suzuki is about to introduce a car that’s better than any they’ve ever released here: the 2010 Kizashi, and we’ve caught whiffs of major change taking place within the brand. Kizashi is literally translated as ‘something great is coming,’ and as unsubtle as that is, we’re not about to argue with that. The car is indeed great – and not just for the sub-$19,000 starting price. It features a drive that rivals the best in the segment despite only being equipped with a four-cylinder engine, and its performance is apparent on both urban streets and mountain roads. With an evolved exterior design that speaks to the sport-oriented customer and high-quality interior appointments that belie the low base price, the Kizashi has elegantly launched Suzuki into the 21st century. Welcome to the future, you’ll fit in just fine. 








What's to Like
Slipping into a skin that looks modern and eye catching is a bold and smart step for Suzuki. It’s a characteristic backed up by the best drive we’ve seen come out of a Suzuki ever. Pricing is hard to beat for the quality and standard features presented in the car. And, of course, it does come with America's best warranty.

What's Not to Like
Suzuki still has a way to go to gain respect in the American market. Many shoppers don’t even consider the brand when researching their new car purchase, which means they have their work cut out for them. iPod integration isn’t as straightforward as you may think, involving various unlabeled knobs and buttons to scroll through the menus.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The upscale exterior design and interior appointments may surprise buyers, but it is the drive that stands out for us. The only available engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, keeps power coming in droves – belying its proclaimed 185 hp. Power is channeled through a smooth shifting six-speed manual, which Suzuki expects to account for 15 percent of sales, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which reduces horsepower by five. Tuning has reduced pitch and roll, and the suspension is supple and compliant, meaning that the strong, sporting ride is still forgiving and comfortable. In corners, the Kizashi remains level and especially grippy in the all-wheel drive setup.

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