Graham Smith reviews the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Suzuki Kizashi as a used buy.
Suzuki produced a mid-size sedan that keeps living up to the maker's reputation for engineering and quality.
New
Suzuki was once regarded as something of an oddball in the car world with its almost microscopic cars and four-wheel drives that had relatively limited appeal. That's changed in recent times as the company unleashed new models with much broader appeal, such as the Swift and Grand Vitara.
The Kizashi, launched in 2010 as its entry in the mid-sized market, was immediately acclaimed for its refinement and on-road manners.
There were three variants of the sedan, the front-wheel drive XL and XLS, and the all-wheel drive Sport. The XL and XLS were superseded by the Touring and Prestige a year later.
On the road the Kizashi was impressively quiet and refined.
The styling was pleasant and appealing, the lines neat and proportions well balanced.
Inside, it was quite roomy for four adults and was well appointed with ample features.
The sole engine was typically Suzuki, a jewel-like 2.4-litre four-cylinder that put out a decent 131kW/230Nm. It was smooth and delivered plenty of punch when needed.
The standard gearbox was a continuously variable transmission and there was an optional six-speed manual for the front-drivers.
The Kizashi can be bought with confidence there won't be serious problems.
On the road the Kizashi was impressively quiet and refined, with excellent road manners and well balanced handling. It was an all-round impressive car.
Now
Owners tell us they are in the main happy with their Kizashis; few report any issues at all. Typically the earliest examples will have up to 100,000km, which makes them prime prospects for used car buyers.
Given Suzuki's well-earned reputation for engineering and build quality, the Kizashi can be bought with confidence there won't be serious problems.
One issue raised relates to the paint, particularly red, which appears to be soft and chips quite easily. Check for stone chipping, and perhaps ask the seller to repair it before signing off on the deal.
Suzuki engines, though highly regarded, need good care to produce their best, particularly over the long term. Check the car you are thinking of buying has been well maintained and serviced as per Suzuki's recommendations.
As a CVT, the transmission doesn't drive like a conventional auto and its foibles can put some people off. When test-driving, make sure you are happy with the way the CVT operates and note, for example, shuddering when taking off or accelerating, hesitating etc.
Suzuki Kizashi 2010: Sport AWD
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.4L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.4L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $8,360 - $11,770 |
Verdict
Smithy Says
Refined, reliable and rewarding mid-sized sedan now in the prime of its life.
Owners say
Joe - The Kizashi is very solid and very well put together and I've never had a worry with my 2013 Sport.
Ron Hyams - I have had more pleasure from my 2012 Sport than any of the four Mazdas I owned. It's comfortable, feels safe, the interior is all class, and I love the ease of selecting all-wheel drive for extra safety on wet roads. I've never had a CVT before, but it's great.
Ron Stott - Our 2011 Sport is the best car we have owned in 40 years of driving many local and European brands. It's fun to drive in AWD. It is perfectly balanced through the driveline, has adequate power, is quiet on road and has a quality interior with great supportive front seats for long trips. The fuel economy is in the low to high 7.0L/100km range. The car hasn't had an issue in 60,000km.
M. Mathew - I bought a 2010 XLS in early 2011 and it has not missed a beat. I have replaced only the battery and tyres and it has done well over 90,000km. It's a bit sluggish off the mark and I wouldn't mind better fuel consumption, but it feels solid.
Chris Darby - I bought a 2012 Kizashi with the CVT and to date I am very happy with it, although it has only done 60,000km. It performs OK, is good on fuel, is solid, safe and handles well. It appears to be of good quality except the paint, which chips very easily.
Jennifer Hill - I own a 2010 AWD model and overall I love it. It looks good and handles beautifully on country drives with the AWD. Everything about the driving position works well for me; the seat is comfortable, the steering wheel's audio and cruise control etc. are all easy to use without taking my eyes off the road. The rear legroom isn't great but my main complaint is with the CVT, which I particularly dislike. I would have preferred a manual, but it was not available in the AWD model. Even though it is well cared for it has developed rattles around the dash and doors.
Hugh Wilkinson - My 2012 Sports has never let me down. I have been most impressed with its reliability. I enjoy driving it and have never had problems with the CVT. I can do no better than 11.8L-12.4L/100km in town, and 7.7L-8.4L on the open road. The windscreen pillar obstructs vision and took a little getting used to.
Kevin Connell - I've owned a manual Touring sedan for almost three years. It has exceeded my expectations in all areas and I could not be happier with it. The build quality, performance, handling and comfort are all excellent. It has a very solid feel about it and is effortless and very quiet on highway trips. I consistently get 6.5L/100km or better on long trips. Best of all it has been utterly reliable.
Peter Mayne - I've had my XLS auto almost six years and have covered 92,000km. Nothing has gone wrong with it. There have been no replacement costs apart from the battery. We are on the original tyres, brake pads and brake rotors. The handling, braking and general comfort are excellent, and the CVT has immediate response on acceleration when needed.
Glen Morgan - My parents are very happy with their Kizashi and would not hesitate to buy another one. Of the 10 cars he's owned, my father says this is the best by far, the general quality and finish is good, the engine has enough poke, especially on winding, uphill roads.
Barry Johnson - I own a 2013 Kizashi, The build quality seems very good, with no squeaks, rattles or problems of any sort. The fuel economy is 7.5L- 8.0 L/100km in city traffic and 5.8 L/100km freeway. The 2.4-litre motor has heaps of herbs for me, although the CVT tends to sit and spin a lot and hence acceleration is muted. The steering is very direct and the handling is amazing, with cornering speeds well above the average family sedan. CVT apart, the only issue is that servicing is more expensive than many other Japanese vehicles. I intend to keep it for many years
At a glance
Price new: $30,490-$39,990
Price now:
XL $9500-$12,500;
XLS $11,500-$15,000;
Sport $13,500-$25,500;
Touring $10,500-$20,000;
Prestige $13,000-$24,500.
Safety: 5 stars
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 131kW/230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed man, CVT; FWD/AWD
Thirst: 7.9L-8.4L/100km
Also consider
Subaru Liberty 2010-14 - 4 stars - Roomy sedan or wagon with fuel-efficient engines and AWD is hard to beat. Pay between $10,500-$40,000
Mazda6 2010-14 - 3.5 stars - Great on road, with diesel engine option, well worth a look. Pay between $8500-$41,000
Honda Accord Euro 2010-14 - 3.5 stars - Well built, well equipped, the cabin is roomy, and it drives a treat. Pay between $10,500-$32,000
Coming up
Do you own or have you owned a Volkswagen Jetta? Share your experience with other CarsGuide readers by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah. smith@bigpond.com or write to CarsGuide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW 2010.
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