2012 Suzuki Kizashi

The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is a midsize sedan, ranked among the best midsize sedans due to its stylish interior and inspired handling. It is also the first car of its kind from Suzuki offering all wheel drive and a spacious passenger area.

It faces a lot of competition from other manufacturers that have tossed their hats in the midsize sedan market.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $18,999.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gallons (63l) MPG: 21 city / 31 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 183.1 in. (465 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 58.3 in. (148 cm) Width: 71.7 in. (182.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 3241 lbs (1470 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. (14.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.4L 4-Cylinder DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.0: 1
Horsepower: 185 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Available Trims & Engine
Option:SE CVT MSRP: $22,449; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy
Option:SE Leather Edition CVT MSRP: $24,049; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy
Option:Sport GTS CVT MSRP: $24,549; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy
Option:Sport SLS MSRP: $26,349; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy
Option:S AWD MSRP: $22,499; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy
Option:SE AWD MSRP: $23,799; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy
Option:Sport GTS AWD MSRP: $25,899; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy
Option:Sport SLS AWD MSRP: $27,699; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy
Option:Sport SLS Nav Edition AWD MSRP: $27,699; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy

Engine & Performance

All 2012 Kizashi models will be offered with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that generates 185 hp when combined with the standard 6-speed manual transmission. This engine produces 180 hp when combined with the optional CVT. The base models are offered in front or AWD system, but all AWDs come with the CVT.

A Kizashi equipped with the manual transmission gets 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. When equipped with the CVT, this sedan nets a fuel economy of 23/30 mpg city/highway. The S model nets a fuel economy of 23/31 mpg with the automatic transmission and 21/31 mpg city/highway with the manual. Many people will also like this car, for its lively handling which beats most of its rivals. The Kizashi also offers compliant rides and precise steering.

Exterior

The 2012 Kizashi looks stylish, with a grille that looks similar to other Suzuki products. This sedan is offered in 4 trim levels: S, SE, the Sport GTS and the Sport SLS. The rear draws attention, especially because of the trunk lid that rises up in a curve, forming a solid spoiler profile.

Sport models come with a rear spoiler and a more muscular look at the front side. This sedan is fitted with standard 16-inch wheels, although some trims get 18-inch wheels. However, all trims get projector beam headlights, while the Sport SLS adds rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers.

Interior

The 2012 Kizashi’s cabin is made from upscale materials, making it more luxurious than its price suggests. The interior is spacious, offering enough leg and head room for the front seats. The rear seats are comfortable, although taller people might end up looking for more legroom. All in all, the cabin if fitted with upscale features such as push-button start and dual-zone climate control. Higher trim levels benefit from upgraded features like USB audio input, Rockford Fosgate CD stereo, leather seats, navigation system and Bluetooth. This car offers a cargo space of 13.3 cubic feet.

Safety & Reliability

All 2012 Kizashi models come with safety features that include: electronic stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, daytime running lights, child safety locks, brake assist and 4-wheel ABS.

Suzuki covers this sedan with a 36,000 -mile or 3 years limited warranty, in addition to the 7-year or 100,000 miles engine warranty. Road assistance is offered during the first 3-year or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Pros

  • Nimble handling
  • Upscale interior
  • Long powertrain warranty
  • Optional all wheel drive

Cons

  • Back seat lacks enough legroom
  • No v6 or turbo-4 engine options
  • Slightly underpowered engine

In general, the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi should be placed on a buyers’ list looking for affordable midsize car. With its long warranty, low base price and above average safety features; this car will definitely make an impact in midsize car market.

The Kizashi joins other Japanese models that include the Toyota Corolla (MSRP $16,230; 27 city / 34 hwy), the Mazda6 (MSRP $20,725; 21 city / 30 hwy) and the Honda Civic (MSRP $15,955; 28 city / 36 hwy) in this market segment.

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is one of the best among midsize sedans, but a limited dealer network has kept it out of the spotlight.”Edmunds

“The 2012 Kizashi shows its strengths on a curvy road, although its powertrain performance is just ordinary.”Car Connection

“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.”Consumer Guide

“The Kizashi is a sound and capable car. It has a snug cabin and tight rear seat. The ride is taut and controlled but a little stiff. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“On the road, the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi feels solid and relatively comfortable. Despite what those big tailpipes might suggest, the Kizashi is not fast…”KBB

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