ROAD TEST~ 2011 SUZUKI KIZASHI

As the builder of stout, well-priced, but otherwise ordinary vehicles, the Kizashi is a bold departure for Suzuki.
The name, in Japanese, translates to "something great is coming" and in many respects I agree with their assessment. And if not "great," at least "very good."
From the outside, the Kizashi is like nothing else in the lineup, particularly the short-lived and nondescript Verona, Suzuki's last entry to the mid-size segment.
Suzuki describes the Kizashi's exterior as the "melding of European style and Japanese craftsmanship." I won't disagree, as it does look more like the VW Jetta than any of its Japanese competitors.
Kizashi wears an aggressive look with its wide stance, lowered body and protruding wheel arches over 18-inch alloys. The bold mesh grille is flanked by wraparound, projector-style headlamps, giving the front end a sporty look, complemented by the distinctively bobbed rear end.
Here, the arched trunklid rises to a subtle lip spoiler, and along with the integrated exhaust finishers, speaks to the car's athleticism. The exhausts, in particular, would not look out of place in vehicles much higher up the pricing ladder.
Although Suzuki speaks of the Kizashi as being mid sized, it falls somewhere between Corolla and Camry or Civic and Accord. Consequently, so does trunk space with only 378 litres versus 425 for Camry and 397 for Accord.
Rear seat legroom is also a bit tighter than some of these family-sized vehicles, but unless you're travelling with a bunch of six-foot-plus passengers, it should be ample.
Overall, I like Kizashi's trimmer proportions.
Mid-size cars have become bloated over the years, and many of today's "compacts" are anything but. In this sedan, Suzuki seems to have found the right balance between size and agility.
All of that aside, the interior is everything I'd expect in a premium sedan and certainly a step up for Suzuki. As part of the Kizashi's fully-loaded, single trim level, the cabin is well appointed with high-quality materials and superb fit and finish - not out of line with what you'd see in an entry Lexus or Acura.
The leather-trimmed seats are constructed of low fatigue foam and with high side bolsters, making them both comfortable and grippy in the corners. The perforated seating surfaces and double-stitched seams complement the upscale look and feel.
The heated driver's seat is 10-way power adjustable and, unexpected at this price point, also includes three-position memory. The heated front passenger seat is four-way power adjustable.
Up front, you also get a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, chrome accents around instruments and controls, metallic inserts and loads of soft-touch materials throughout.
Other standard features include dual zone automatic climate control with micron air filter; Rockford-Fosgate nine-speaker (plus subwoofer) AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB input, speed-sensing volume control, steering wheel controls and Bluetooth; tilt and telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters; rear parking sensors; power glass sunroof and rain sensing wipers.
In back, you get a 60/40 split folding rear seatback with folding centre armrest that includes cupholders and trunk pass-through.
The list of standard safety and handling technologies is more than I'd expect at this level, including Daimler's electronic stability program, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, and Suzuki's synergetic vehicle dynamic control, which aids in driver control with minimal intrusiveness.
The Kizashi also gets a class-leading eight airbags.
Also unexpected is Suzuki's sophisticated i-AWD system as standard equipment. A switch on the dash activates the rear wheels, taking it from front-drive to all-wheel-drive, providing better cornering during spirited driving and enhanced traction in winter weather.
The Kizashi offers a single engine, a 2.4-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder that provides 180 hp and 170 lb/ft of torque. This is routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Despite Suzuki referring to the Kizashi as a "sports sedan," I wouldn't say its powertrain delivers that kind of performance. Power is certainly in line with other four-cylinder, mid-size sedans, but lacks serious oomph. I would suggest adding a turbo option, or at least offering the six-speed manual that is available in other markets.
That being said, launch is a bit sluggish, but the CVT gathers steam as you climb in revs. It moans when pushed hard, as these transmissions will do, but gears down readily when you press the accelerator or tap the paddle shifter.
Ride is firm, but not unpleasantly so - like many European or Japanese sports sedans. The chassis is nicely balanced, and handles well on twisty roads.
You can tell that Suzuki has put a lot of thought into the Kizashi's driving dynamics.
At $29,995, it's a little less expensive than top-tier, four-cylinder Accords and Camrys and is even better equipped, with AWD as standard.
And if that's the kind of car you're weighing against the Kizashi, this Suzuki flagship compares well in terms of driving dynamics, content and style.
It's not likely that a small player like Suzuki will become top dog among the many strong Japanese, European and domestic mid-size contenders.
But this company has, in my mind, raised the bar in a very competitive segment, and now offers an interesting alternative in a very closely matched class of vehicles.

BODY STYLE: mid-size sedan
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, all-wheel-drive
ENGINE: 2.4 litre DOHC, 16-valve 4 cylinder (180 hp; 170 lb/ft of torque)
FUEL ECONOMY: 9.3/6.8 L/100 km 30/42 mpg (city/highway)
PRICE: $29,995 (not including freight and taxes)