Kizashi is a Japanese word that literally means ‘a prelude to something good.’ So, with the Suzuki Kizashi, does the Indian market really have something to look forward to? I belive that the two Kizashi’s showcased at the Maruti Suzuki display at the Auto Expo certainly had people thronging to see it. And, it must be said, on the surface, the Kizashi is very impressive indeed. So, let’s take a closer look from behind the wheel.

With the Kizashi, Suzuki aims to shed its small car image and really take on the big boys. In fact, in their US marketing material, Suzuki pits the Kizashi directly against the Audi A4. Now that’s raising the bar! And it’s refreshing to see that the Kizashi is being benchmarked against some very capable machinery indeed.

We tested a US specification Suzuki Kizashi in and around the San Francisco Bay area, as well as the winding mountain roads leading to Lake Tahoe – along the border of California and Nevada. And, I’m happy to report that, with the Kizashi, Suzuki has really upped its game, and has a car that not only looks good, but one that’s also practical and fun to drive!

In the US, the Kizashi comes with a 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder, engine that puts out 185 horsepower, and 170 lb/ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or an available six-speed automatic that has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). An optional all-wheel drive system, which is based on the i-AWD system featured in the American Suzuki SX-4, is also available.

Our test car was a six speed manual SLS model that includes leather, heated power seats, an auto dimming rear view mirror, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and rear proximity sensors with an audible warning. Also included is a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability. Now, that’s a fair bit of equipment. And the starting price of a base Kizashi is a very reasonable $19,000 (Rs. 9 lacs). Our test car, with all its bells and whistles, is also priced at a competitive $24,400 (Rs. 11 lacs).

From the Outside



With its clean lines, short overhangs and aggressive front end, the Kizashi’s styling is bold and sporty. Its silhouette seems reminiscent of an Audi A4, which is not a bad thing at all. In terms of size, the Kizashi seems benchmarked against German sport sedans – at 183.1 inches, the Kizashi is 1.8 inches shorter than an Audi A4, and 2.5 inches longer than a 3 series BMW. With its flared arches, large headlamps, and wide low-profile tires, the Kizashi has a squat, aggressive stance. The rear three-quarter view is dominated by the twin exhaust outlets surrounded by attractive angular trim pieces that are a welcome change from the traditional exhaust pipe appendages. The nice 18-inch, multi-spoke wheels add to the sporty appearance.



All told, with an aggressive front end, as well as moulded boot spoiler and dual exhausts at the rear, it’s certainly a purposeful looking car, which clearly reflects a new styling language from Suzuki.

From the Inside



Slip into the drivers’ seat, and you’re immediately impressed by the quality of the interior materials. The electrically adjustable seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position. The steering wheel is thick rimmed, and is adjustable for reach and angle. It has integrated controls for the audio system, Bluetooth and Cruise Control. The dashboard is well laid out with large buttons for the climate control and audio system – all of which are within easy reach. Plus, there’s sufficient storage space in the dash, center console and armrest, as well as molded beverage / map holders in the doors.

There are also some nice details, such as a gap in the center armrest cover that provides space to run a cell phone or computer cord to the power plug. USB audio input and power plugs low in the dash, behind the gearshift lever, serve iPod and/or MP3 players. And Suzuki’s innovation and attention to detail is once again evident in the design of the sunshade that incorporates a useful extension that helps block the sun in the area between the B pillar – where a regular shade normally ends.

At the rear, the seats are comfortable, and there’s plenty of headroom to accommodate three adults. The front seatbacks are moulded for extra legroom, and you also get AC vents in the rear. Additionally, the trunk is spacious, and the folding rear seats add additional cargo room if required.

On the Road



Suzuki engineers have been working on the Kizashi for over four years, and all their hard work very clearly pays dividends when you get behind the wheel of this car. The way the Kizashi handled the twisty mountain roads leading to Lake Tahoe was impressive indeed. The car exhibits slight body-roll through tight corners, however, the grip levels are so impressive that you feel compelled to push harder. The Nurburgring developed suspension setup, combined with aggressive all-season Dunlop SP Sport 7000 tires (235/45R18 94V), give the Kizashi excellent handling characteristics.

Unlike most front-wheel drive cars, the Kizashi doesn’t understeer at every corner. In fact, the handling is surprisingly neutral. The Kizashi has an electronically assisted steering that provides good feedback, and is well weighted off-center. The Kizashi also comes with stability control, which was kept on its toes when driving on the snow and ice of the Sierra Mountains. Of course, when on a dirt track, or when your urge to drive sideways in rally mode kicks in, the stability control can be completely disengaged. Plus, the brakes on the Kizashi instill confidence, and don’t show any signs of fade – not surprising, since they’re made by the same company that provides stopping power to Japan’s high speed bullet trains. On the comfort front, the Kizashi rides well on Californian freeways. Nevertheless, Suzuki will likely offer smaller wheels in India to compensate for the varied road surfaces.

The 2.4 liter, four cylinder engine, which puts out 185 horse- power, gives the Kizashi impressive acceleration – with a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds. There is good low and mid range torque on tap. However, the engine does seem to run out of breath before it reaches its redline of 6,500 rpm. The Kizashi’s six-speed manual gearbox has long throws, but shifts with precision. The clutch feels light, the pedals are well spaced and encourage heel and toe downshifts. The drive, on the whole, is very much in keeping with its appearance – aggressive and sporty, but well refined at the same time.

The 2.4 liter engine is quite frugal as well, and returned 29 mpg (13 km/l) on the highway, and 23 (10) in the city. Plus, Suzuki’s also developing a V6 for the Kizashi, which will be offered with all-wheel drive – a combination that should make for an even more formidable machine.

Verdict

So does the Kizashi really give the Audi A4 a run for its money? Well, that’s a bit of a stretch – the 2.4 liter engine isn’t as smooth as the German power-plants, and the interior materials are not quite there yet, and that’s without getting into the brand value associated with premium German and Japanese brands. However, when you pit the Kizashi against its more relevant Japanese competitors, it presents a compelling argument.

The Kizashi is the ideal choice for buyers who feel that the Honda Accord is too big and soft, but are still looking for something bigger than a Civic. Plus, and here’s the kicker, the Kizashi provides a greater sense of luxury, and superior driving dynamics as well. In the Indian context, of course, the Kizashi’s future will be dependent on how well Suzuki is able to manage its pricing. If it’s able to provide SX4-like value, there’s no doubt that the Kizashi will be a huge hit.

All in all, it’s a very competent package, and a big step up for Suzuki. In keeping with its name, the Kizashi certainly is a game changer, and something indeed to look forward to.