2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Road Test
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2010 Suzuki Kizashi ▼
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- MSRP: $18,999 -$26,749
- Invoice: $18,239 -$25,679
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Our road test for the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi help you decide if a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
With the CVT, acceleration from a stop is leisurely, but power comes on more strongly when you get above 3500 rpm. Passing punch is competitive with 4-cylinder rivals. Using the available steering-wheel shift paddles improves the CVT's response. Manual models are a bit peppier from a stop and have smooth shifter and clutch action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a front-drive SE, which has the CVT standard, averaged 26.1 mpg. An AWD GTS averaged 24.8 mpg in city/highway driving and 27.0 mpg in mostly highway use. Kizashi uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Given its sports-sedan aspirations, Kizashi delivers a surprisingly compliant ride. There are no differences in suspension tuning among trim levels. The SE, with its 17-inch wheels, keeps things fairly calm over pavement irregularities. With GTS' and SLS' 18-inch tires, Kizashi still does a good job absorbing most minor pavement imperfections, but sharp bumps can intrude. No S models, which have 16-inch wheels, have been made available for testing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Handling is crisp and composed with little body lean in fast corners. Communicative steering is precise and well weighted. Available all-wheel drive increases the car's road-holding capabilities.
QUIETNESS
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Kizashi's cabin is well isolated, particularly in the SE, as the GTS' and SLS' 18-inch tires are prone to rumble on some pavement surfaces. The engine is less refined than most rival 4-cylinder mills under full-throttle acceleration; it is quiet while cruising.
CONTROLS
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Gauges are large and easy to read, though some drivers find the steering wheel partially obscures some readouts. Climate control and stereo buttons are easy to reach and use. The screen readout and navigation of music players connected to the USB port is not as clear or intuitive as we would like.
DETAILS
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Kizashi's interior has a surprisingly premium feel, thanks to high-grade fabrics and fine fit and finish. The dash top has no padding, and its texture looks a touch down market. The cloth seats look and feel nice, and the SLS' leather upholstery brings a more-upscale ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Despite small-for-the-class exterior dimensions, Kizashi's cabin is remarkably spacious. Headroom and legroom are excellent in the SE. The GTS and SLS have a standard sunroof whose housing steals quite a bit of head space. Visibility to the rear corners is compromised by thick roof pillars; large outside mirrors compensate somewhat. Standard fold-down rear headrests are a boon to aft visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Passengers up to 6-feet tall will be comfortable enough, though some testers find the seat cushions overly firm. Legroom shrinks significantly as front seats are moved back.
CARGO ROOM
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Trunk is fairly large and usefully shaped, though sickle-shaped hinges intrude slightly on cargo space. The split rear seats fold and have a convenient center pass-through. There's plenty of interior small-items storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Suzuki is positioning the new-for-2010 Kizashi as a penny pincher's premium sport sedan. The car is aimed at shoppers who aspire to upscale sporty sedans such as the Acura TSX or Audi A4, but may not have the budget. In terms of engine performance and overall refinement, Kizashi comes up a bit short of its goal. However, it delivers nimble, sports-sedan-worthy handling while maintaining a composed and relatively pleasant ride. Kizashi also offers surprising cabin accommodations given its tidy dimensions, impressive-for-the-price interior appointments, and a long list of standard safety and convenience features.
Total Score
| SE | GTS, manual | AWD GTS | AWD SLS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 62.3 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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