Foggs Automotive & Suzuki

Excerpt taken from Winding Road Magazine, Issue 51. By Seyth Miersma
"We wouldn't have the slightest compunction about throwing Kizashi into a group test with a Mazda6 or a Subaru Legacy, and it'd be the hell out of a four-banger Camry. This is a car to pay attention to, which is good, cause it's got a name you're not likely to forget."


Article taken from time.com, 11/2009.
The Most Exciting Cars of 2010
#8- Suzuki Kizashi

"You no longer need to fork over fuel efficiency to get power or imposing presence. The best of the new 2010 models boldly say you can have it all - and at a decent price."

Known for small cars and SUVs, Suzuki makes its first foray into the heart of the U.S. market with the midsize Kizashi sedan. The exterior styling is fresh, and the interior packs cool features such as sporty seats and a nifty instrument cluster that give the car character. The Kizashi's key asset could be its power train, which includes a new 4-cylinder aluminum engine that can be matched up to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Kizashi won't go on sale until late fall, and the price is expected to be in the low-$20,000 range. Toyota and Honda better look over their shoulders, because the Kizashi makes clear that Suzuki intends to claim a share of the midsize market in the U.S.

 

"JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE KIZASHI'S EXTERIOR.  IT'S SPORTY FROM EVERY ANGLE" - RoadandTrack.com

"On the whole, it's pretty amazing how much Suzuki gets right with the Kizashi. This midsize sedan handles well, rides well and accelerates respectably. It's also attractive in an unconventional way and has all the features you'd expect in a mainstream car." - Insideline.com. Erin Riches

Compare for yourself- Suzuki Kizashi beats the competition in price, options and value!

#1 Available AWD

OPTIONS	2010 SUZUKI KIZASHI SLS AWD	2010 ACURA TSX 2.4 FWD with TECHNOLOGY	2010 AUDI A4 2.0T QUATTRO AWD
DRIVE TRAIN	ALL WHEEL DRIVE	FRONT WHEEL DRIVE	ALL WHEEL DRIVE
VEHICLE WIDTH/HEIGHT	71.7 IN/58.3 IN	72.4 IN/56 IN	71.9 IN/56.2 IN
EPA ESTIMATED	29 MPG	30 MPG	27 MPG
REAR PARKING SENSORS	STANDARD	NOT AVAILABLE	OPTIONAL
DRIVER SEAT HEATED	STANDARD	STANDARD	OPTIONAL
MSRP**	$26,749	$32,410	$33,550

*See dealer for details. Compare info from Edmunds.com.
**MSRP does not include destination or options.

Article taken from leftlanenews.com:
2010 SUZUKI KIZASHI

The Suzuki Kizashi sedan is the first of its kind for the Japanese automaker, offering all-wheel-drive and a large passenger area. The Kizashi features bold and sporty styling inside and out, and delivers a fantastic value compared to other sedans in the class.

The track-tuned suspension has been designed to compete with more performance-oriented rivals like the Mazda Mazda6 and Subaru Legacy. Suzuki even delivered high-end Akebono-sourced brakes and optional 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance rubber to really provide a sporty feel and function.

Interestingly, the all-wheel-drive system can actually be switched off to allow power to only go to the front wheels, presumably for a marginal fuel and wear-and-tear savings. Suzuki says the system is based heavily on its i-AWD system in the smaller SX4.

Inside, the Kizashi offers cloth or leather seats, as well as a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability. Eight airbags, ABS and stability control will be standard across the lineup.

The basic "S" Kizashi starts at $18,999, plus $735 for destination and handling. Standard features include a six-speed manual, eight airbags, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a nine-speaker audio system, EPS stability control, ABS, projector beam headlights, power windows, doors and mirrors, and ambient footwell lighting.

Upgrading to a CVT transmission brings the price of the S to $20,499.

The FWD Kizashi SE will cost $2,500 more at $21,499 and will include the CVT as standard, P215/55R17 tires on alloy wheels, power driver's seat with 10-way adjustment and three-position memory, and a leather wrapped parking break handle and steering wheel with cruise control.

The sporty GTS model, available in six-speed manual or performance tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters, starts at $22,499. This "hot" setup is good for a zero-to-60 sprint of just 7.4 seconds with front wheel drive.It includes a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth streaming audio capability, hands-free calling with voice command, P235/45R18 tires, fog lights and power moon roof. If you are looking for a sporty, technology-packed sedan on a budget -- this is likely the model for you.

The comfort-oriented SLS model, which starts at $24,399, includes leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror, a universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors with audible warning.

AWD is a $1,250 option available on every trim level, but is available only with the CVT transmission. The Kizashi is good for a zero-to-60 time of 8.3 seconds with the AWD and CVT drivetrain.

Across the lineup, motivation comes courtesy of a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The Kizashi's engine delivers 185 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with the manual transmission, and 180 hp at 6,000 rpm in the CVT transmission. Both the manual transmission and the CVT are good for 170 foot pound of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The Kizashi comes with a fairly wide-range of drivetrain configurations, and the EPA ratings vary accordingly. The FWD 6-speed variant returns 21 city, and 31 highway mpg with the standard wheels, and 20 city, 29 highway with the upgraded wheel choices.

The FWD CVT variant is good for 23 city, and 31 highway mpg, but drops to 30 highway with upgraded wheels.

Switching to the AWD, CVT variant will return 23 city, 30 highway standard, and 22 city, 29 highway with upgraded wheels.

Article taken from autos.msn.com:
First Drive:  2010 Suzuki Kizashi
Japan's forgotten automaker rolls out a game-changing midsize sedan.
By Kirk Beli of MSN Autos

The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is offered in four trims: S, SE, GTS and SLS. Standard features on the S include cloth upholstery; dual-zone automatic climate control; power windows, door locks and mirrors; push-button starting; an AM/FM/CD stereo with USB port; and 16-inch tires on steel wheels with wheel covers. The SE adds a 10-way power driver's seat with memory, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels. The GTS comes with fog lights, a sunroof, a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with Bluetooth audio streaming and cell phone connectivity, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Standard on the top-line SLS are leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 4-way power front passenger seat, a universal garage door opener, rear park assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and automatic headlights. Options are light. They include a navigation system with a rearview camera and the all-wheel-drive system with heated outside mirrors.

Standard safety features across the board include dual-stage front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side-curtain airbags for both seating rows, a tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control.

 Under the Hood

At launch, the Kizashi offers only one engine with a choice of two transmissions and front- or all-wheel drive. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 185 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm when paired with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, or 180 horses (with the same torque) when teamed with the available continuously variable automatic transmission. The CVT comes with steering-wheel shift paddles and six preset gear ratios on the GTS and SLS trims. The all-wheel-drive system, which is available only with the CVT, uses an electronic clutch pack that normally sends most of the power to the front wheels but can transfer up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels when needed. Although it is a full-time system, AWD can be turned off with a dashboard switch to increase fuel economy.

Fuel-economy ratings vary by equipment. A front-drive Kizashi with the CVT and 16-inch wheels is rated at 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway. The manual with 16-inch wheels is rated at 21/31 mpg. The AWD version with 16-inch wheels is rated at 23/30 mpg. Depending on the transmission and drive system, choosing the 17- or 18-inch wheels can cost up to 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway.

Suzuki has confirmed that a hybrid system developed with General Motors will be offered in the next two years. Turbocharged 4-cylinder and/or V6 engines also are likely.

Inner Space

Hop in the front seat of the Kizashi and your first thought will most likely be: "This is a Suzuki? I thought they only built economy cars." With its mixture of soft-touch surfaces, sturdy plastics, tight tolerances and careful assembly, the Kizashi's cockpit is richer than the class norm and worthy of an entry-level luxury car. There are even some details that surprise and delight, such as the little bits of chrome trim on the controls and around the CD changer, and the electroluminescent gauges with white graphics on a black background. The controls move with precision and are simply arrayed on the center stack.

The Kizashi also offers some upscale features and amenities; iPod connectivity is standard, and buyers can opt for a powerful 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. Heated seats are offered, and so is a navigation system with access to information on the weather, traffic, stocks, movie listings and fuel prices. With or without these features, the interior looks and feels classy.

Reviews

Small-items storage is just adequate, with a 2-tiered but small center console, a handy slot at the base of the center stack, and six cupholders. The sport bucket seats are nicely contoured, with enough bolstering to keep spirited drivers in place during daring maneuvers, but we found the seat bottoms didn't raise high enough, especially at the front, to offer sufficient thigh support. We had plenty of room, but very tall drivers will probably want more seat travel and headroom.

Given the car's tight proportions, it's surprising that the rear seat has enough room for average-size adults. Rear-seat comfort is aided by a fold-down armrest with a pair of cupholders that leads to a ski pass-through.

The trunk is also surprisingly roomy, with 13.3 cubic feet of volume. Fold the seats down and it's easy to get long items inside. Like many cars today, though, the Kizashi won't swallow large boxes because the trunk aperture isn't that big.

  On the Road

A turn behind the wheel reveals the Kizashi to be a pleasant and sporty car to drive, with a balance of handling and ride quality that is positively European. Drive the car into the first corner and you notice that it feels planted and composed. It stays very flat in corners, with no unwanted bobbing or swaying. While it steers into turns nicely, the steering feel is a bit light and disconnected. Compared with the slushy larger cars that lead the midsize sedan category, however, the Kizashi is simply a pleasure to pilot.

 Even with the optional 18-inch wheels, we also found the Kizashi to be forgiving over broken pavement, without the wheel patter that often accompanies today's ever-growing wheels. That type of ride and handling balance can be achieved only through a sturdy and rigid body structure, which is the first sign of a quality car. Suzuki didn't make models with the base 16- or optional 17-inch wheels available to drive, but the ride and handling will certainly be softer the smaller you go.

 The only engine offered at launch is a smooth 2.4-liter four cylinder. It doesn't feel as strong as Suzuki's claimed 7.5-second zero-to-60 mph time with the manual transmission, but it runs smoothly and is a match for any of the fours powering today's midsize cars. The manual transmission is easy to shift, though the feel is somewhat syrupy. While the CVT is usually responsive, we found that it retained low rpm in some 25- to 35-mph cruising situations, making the car chug along for a bit. It happened only occasionally, and the problem can be easily remedied by using the steering-wheel shift paddles to choose one of the lower gear ratios.

The real issue, though, is the lack of a more powerful engine. The midsize class is replete with powerful V6s that turn up the straight-line fun. There are also a few turbocharged fours that add excitement without the weight of a six. Given the Kizashi's sporty aspirations, a turbo four with about 250 horsepower would make it a truly fun little burner. Suzuki is experimenting with a V6, and company executives seem open to the idea of a turbo four, so we wouldn't be surprised to see a new engine option or two within a few years.

 

Right for You?

Offered only with 4-cylinder power, the Kizashi is appealing as a fun-to-drive sedan with some nice equipment for the dollar and enough room for a family. Available all-wheel drive is another plus. Suzuki calls it "premium without the premium," but the Kizashi lacks a premium engine or the premium size of its top competitors. If you don't want the extra power or need the extra space, the Kizashi is the first midsize Suzuki that we would recommend.