The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is a versatile small sedan that is easy on the eyes, easy to drive, and easy on the budget. The name “Kizashi” roughly translates from Japanese to “something great is coming.” But in this new Suzuki something great has arrived.
Built at the Suzuki car factory in Sagara, Japan, the 2012 Kizashi is equipped with a clean, fuel-efficient gasoline-fueled 2.4-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 185-bhp and 170 lb-ft of torque.
This peppy engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox, or a performance-tuned CVT automatic, which is enhanced by paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. The Kizashi delivers a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience, validated on Germany’s Autobahn and the legendary Nürburgring. But it was the streets and freeways of Southern California that were driven for this test, and I found the car to be overall a sweet package with zero complaints.
Suzuki is pretty good at making small cars, and that expertise is evident in the interior proportions that reward you with comfort and roominess. It’s a contemporary, upscale interior feel in line with the vehicle’s on-road performance. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi’s sporty, elegant and informative instrument panel, while drivers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle’s available leather seating and premium quality materials rivaling those of upscale competitors.
It’s a very well-done, quiet interior that is also high-tech, including SmartPass keyless push start system, iPod connectivity, optional streaming audio via Bluetooth, and all models have a USB port that can also keep your music player charged.
There are lots of models and trim levels to choose from. The Kizashi’s base S model includes push button start, sport front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control with passenger rear vents, electronic stability control, eight airbags and integrated chrome dual exhaust tips.
Kizashi SE offers a standard CVT transmission, 10-way power driver seat with three-position memory program, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and parking brake lever. New for 2012 is the SE Leather Edition, which includes heated (front) power leather seats.
The “Sport” model includes a more muscular front fascia with chrome accents and lower grille, body accent, trunk mounted spoiler, and custom lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels. On the interior, Kizashi Sport models get a distinctive sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip.
The Sport GTS (the model tested), offers either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic, Sport alloy wheels, fog lights, a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system pushed through an 8-channel, 10-speaker system, including a subwoofer and advanced digital sound processor and available integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling with audio streaming.
Kizashi’s top-tier model, the Sport SLS, brings newly-added standard navigation, as well as leather appointments, three-stage heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, HomeLink universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, outside heated mirrors, auto-dimming center mirror, automatic headlights, and XM Satellite Radio.
Pricing starts at $18,999 for the base model. Our fully-equipped Sport GTS with AWD window-sticker price was $26,404.00. Fuel economy ranges from 21-mpg up to 30-mpg depending on model, driving conditions and methods. The Kizashi is backed a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited factory warranty. For more information, see your local Suzuki dealer, or visit SuzukiAuto.com.
A true “global” company, American Suzuki is based in Brea, CA and was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corp. headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan. It currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of about 250 dealers and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 47 states. Globally, Suzuki is a diversified car, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer, selling more than 2.5-million new cars and trucks and more than 3-million motorcycles and ATVs a year. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, Suzuki has operations in 193 countries.