If you are planning on investing in a new car for your family, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is an excellent choice. As a matter of fact, some reviews say that this is the best car from the automobile manufacturer Suzuki to date.
Yes, it is a small sedan, but its sophistication and wonderful styling make it the apple of the eye of many reviewers and users. This vehicle is actually available in five trim levels so you actually have quite a number of options to choose from.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $18,999.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gallons (62 liters) | MPG: 21 city / 31 hwy |
| Length: 183.1 in. (465 cm) | Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm) |
| Height: 58.3 in. (148 cm) | Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 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 |
| Engine: 16-Valve DOHC Inline 4 | Displacement: 2.4 liter |
| Horsepower: 185 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 15.8 seconds |
| Option:Kizashi SE FWD/CVT | MSRP: $22,049; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:Kizashi Sport GTS FWD/CVT | MSRP: $24,149; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:Kizashi Sport SLS FWD/CVT | MSRP: $25,949; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:Kizashi S AWD/CVT | MSRP: $22,099; MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:Kizashi Sport GTS AWD/CVT | MSRP: $25,499; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:Kizashi Sport SLS AWD/CVT | MSRP: $27,299; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy |
Performance
Under the hood, you will find that the Kizashi is equipped with an engine with four cylinders. While this may not necessarily be the usual engine you will find in sports cars, the fact is a lot of reviewers actually say that this model is the sportiest car with four doors available in the market today.
This engine has a capacity for as much as 2.4 liters. For the manual transmission of 6 speeds, you can expect as much as 170 lb-feet of torque coupled with 185 horsepower from the Kizashi. On the other hand, if you want to go for the models with continuously variable transmission, you can expect as much as 180 horsepower.
Exterior & Interior
As for the exterior styling, a lot of reviewers and users say that the 2011 model of the Suzuki Kizashi actually falls somewhere between the safe and calm designs of midsize cars as well as the aggressive appeal of the sports sedans.
Actually, one of the assets of this car people love is the fact that it comes with finely tuned details. And these are actually the ones that make this car stand out as compared to average models. More than that, the manufacturers also made it a point to incorporate and tweak some of the assets of cars from other companies to add to the style of the 2011 Kizashi. While this may be a problem for some, there are also users and reviewers who appreciate the effort.
On the other hand, the interior design and styling of this model is another story. The cabin has been receiving great reviews. As a matter of fact, a lot of them say that the cabin is definitely stylish and upscale; thus, putting this model at a notch higher than the other cars in its class.
The materials used for the interior are definitely upscale, pleasing and comfortable as well. The surfaces are soft to the touch. The leather upholstery for its part is also considered as top-of-the-line. But when it comes to the seating capacity and space, some say that it may be too cramped as compared to the midsize sedans. The same is also true for the cargo. As a matter of fact, some reviews say that the trunk of the Suzuki Kizashi can be considered as among the smallest in its class or category.
However, when it comes to the interior features and technological devices, you will love the fact that the manufacturer made it a point to include a number of upscale features for more user convenience and comfort. However, some reviewers are still a bit disappointed with the navigation system of this model.
Safety
In terms of safety, you will still love the fact that the manufacturers made it a point to include the usual and expected standard features for safety of the vehicles from this class. For instance, all units from this model have electronic stability control as well as anti-lock brakes. Plus, this model is fully-equipped with 8 airbags that are considered as the leaders for this class.
Nonetheless, the result for reliability is a bit disappointing. In fact, it garnered only 4 out of a total of 10 in the Predicted Reliability Rating by J. D. Power. However, you can still be assured that the manufacturer gave the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi with a basic warranty of 36,000 miles or three years as well as a power train warranty of 100,000 miles or 7 years.
Overall Rating
77 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Kizashi is the best Suzuki car to date—a sophisticated and well-designed small sedan that’s a lot more fun to drive than most other compact sedans.”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 but not quite the bargain sports sedan Suzuki markets it as.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is one of the best midsize sedans on the market, but a limited dealer network has kept it out of the spotlight.”Edmunds
“If you prefer to exist (at least automotively) in relative anonymity, the Kizashi may generate too many questions at car washes, gas stations and high school reunions.”KBB
