Suzuki Kizashi

To date, Suzuki’s effort in the midsize sedan segment has been roughly as resolute and effective as the Belgian war machine 70 years ago. Does the name Suzuki Verona ring a bell? This time around, however, Suzuki is bringing heavy artillery and a sophisticated battle plan. The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is the real deal, a family sedan unlike anything the brand has ever produced, and one that could easily be mistaken for something from Europe.

“In developing and naming our newest automotive introduction, the Japanese word ‘Kizashi,’ which tells that something great is coming, seemed appropriate for the vehicle,” said Kevin Saito, president, American Suzuki. The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows a similar design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles. The production Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is tempered by the vehicle’s overall mission to provide a strong, refined urban performance.

For now, the Suzuki Kizashi comes with only one engine: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A V6 is likely to arrive in the future, but the volume sellers in this segment are four-cylinder models, and the Kizashi’s four is certainly competitive. Our test car had a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual are available). In performance testing, the Kizashi accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, which is on par for the class.

Like many engines hooked to CVTs, the Kizashi’s emits a rather grating drone when you open the throttle. The Kizashi’s transmission can be a bit slow to react when left in Drive, but you can compensate somewhat by using the wheel-mounted paddle shifters that simulate conventional gears for additional control. Fuel economy is competitive at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined.

The brakes are excellent, with our test car coming to a stop from 60 mph in 114 feet — that’s sport-sedan territory. This athleticism translates well to the real world, where drivers will find an engaging driving experience highlighted by a well-balanced chassis, an abundance of grip and steering that’s a tad numb but nicely weighted. The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi has a lightweight-feeling liveliness to it that has largely disappeared from this class in recent years.

As you’d expect from such a sporty car, the Kizashi’s ride quality is on the firm side, but drivers used to European sedans or friskier Japanese ones should find it suitably comfortable. Rough pavement is swallowed with sophisticatedly muted thumps. Despite being smaller on the outside than its competitors, the Kizashi actually offers similar interior space. Kizashi’s expertly contoured rear-seat cushion is one of the most pleasant we’ve encountered. While the driver seat could use a slightly wider range of adjustment, it offers good support over long distances.