Introduction

The Suzuki Kizashi is a name that may not ring many bells, but for those looking for a unique, sporty, and all-wheel-drive sedan, this might just be the perfect choice. Suzuki, known mostly for its small cars and SUVs, entered the mid-size sedan market with the Kizashi, a car that combines sharp styling, impressive performance, and all the features you’d expect from a more premium brand—without the premium price tag. In this review, we’ll explore why the Kizashi, despite being a rare choice, is one worth considering.

Sleek Design with a Sporty Edge

At first glance, the Suzuki Kizashi impresses with its sleek, muscular design. It’s a sedan that stands out from the usual suspects like the Volkswagen Jetta and the Volvo S40. The wide front grille, sculpted body lines, and flared wheel arches give the car a bold, athletic stance. The aggressive design is complemented by sharp, high-intensity headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels, which come standard on the sport trim available in the UK.
While the Kizashi competes in the D-segment, home to cars like the Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat, it’s actually slightly smaller, positioning itself more closely to the Jetta or the Volvo S40. This size makes it nimble and easier to handle, especially in urban environments. The exterior features, like stainless steel exhaust tips inspired by Suzuki’s motorcycle designs, give it a distinctive and polished look.

Performance That Surprises

Under the hood, the Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter petrol engine producing 178 brake horsepower and 213 Nm of torque. This engine, borrowed from Suzuki’s Grand Vitara SUV, gives the Kizashi enough grunt to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 127 mph. While these numbers may not blow you away, the real charm of the Kizashi lies in its balance between performance and control.
Where the Kizashi truly sets itself apart is its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The intelligent AWD setup allows the car to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive depending on the road conditions. With the press of a button, you can engage AWD, which is a significant advantage on wet or icy roads. For drivers in areas with challenging weather, this system provides peace of mind, ensuring stability and control when you need it most. While many rivals only offer AWD at much higher price points, Suzuki includes it at a reasonable cost.
The Kizashi’s handling is impressive for a sedan of its size. It delivers a tight, controlled driving experience, especially when cornering. The body roll is minimal, thanks to a well-engineered suspension system that strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness. For a sedan, it feels more agile than many larger, heavier competitors, making it a fun car to drive on winding roads.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the Kizashi, and you’ll find a cabin that exudes understated luxury. Leather seats come standard, and the sport seats offer excellent lateral support, making long drives comfortable. The dashboard is simple yet elegant, with soft-touch materials and chrome accents that add to the premium feel. While it may not match the interior quality of luxury brands like Audi or Mercedes, it’s more than sufficient for its price range.
The driver’s seat is height adjustable, and both front seats are heated and electrically adjustable. The steering wheel, wrapped in leather, adjusts for both reach and rake, allowing drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable position. The instrumentation is straightforward, with two cylindrical meters and a central information display showing fuel consumption, range, and other vital information.
Rear-seat passengers might find legroom slightly limited, especially if taller adults are seated up front, but the Kizashi still offers enough space for two adults to sit comfortably on shorter journeys. The trunk provides 461 liters of storage, which can be expanded by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats, giving the Kizashi more versatility than many of its direct competitors.

Tech and Safety

Suzuki packed the Kizashi with a range of features that enhance both convenience and safety. Standard equipment includes a premium eight-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start. The lack of a built-in navigation system is noticeable, but it can be added as a dealer-installed option. Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls round out the infotainment offerings.
On the safety front, the Kizashi comes with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Electronic stability control, traction control, and ABS ensure that the car remains planted on the road in all conditions. Suzuki’s intelligent AWD system enhances safety by providing additional grip when needed, especially in adverse weather. Isofix child seat fittings and a suite of driver assistance features make the Kizashi a practical and safe choice for families.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

One of the few downsides to the Kizashi is its fuel economy. The 2.4-liter petrol engine returns a combined figure of 34 miles per gallon, which isn’t bad but lags behind more fuel-efficient diesel competitors. However, if you’re not covering long distances regularly, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. The CO2 emissions are rated at 191 g/km, which is higher than most rivals, but still acceptable given the AWD system and the car’s sporty performance.
Service intervals are every 9,000 miles, and the car comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. Suzuki’s reputation for reliability should provide further reassurance, as their cars tend to be dependable and low-maintenance. The Kizashi’s insurance group rating of 26 reflects its sporty nature, but considering its unique combination of features and performance, it remains a competitive package.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Kizashi may not be the first car that comes to mind when shopping for a mid-size sedan, but it’s certainly one that deserves more attention. With its sporty design, all-wheel-drive capability, and impressive list of standard features, it offers a unique proposition in a crowded market. While its lack of a diesel engine and somewhat high emissions may deter some buyers, those looking for an engaging, comfortable, and well-equipped sedan will find plenty to love here.
The Kizashi is a rare gem, offering a blend of performance and practicality that’s hard to find at this price point. If you’re looking for a sedan that stands out from the crowd, handles well in all weather, and doesn’t compromise on comfort or features, the Suzuki Kizashi is worth a closer look. For a deeper dive into what makes this car special, check out the full review here: Suzuki Kizashi 2012-2014 IN-DEPTH REVIEW.