SUZUKI FAN

Suzuki is setting its sights on bigger things – the hotly competitive mid-sized sedan segment to be specific. This category accounts for about 20% of the market in Canada and the Japanese automaker believes it can grab a chunk of that action with its all-new Kizashi sedan.

The brand is doing well with its compact cars (Swift and SX4) and Grand Vitara SUV, but Bill Porter, vice-president of sales and marketing, says his company needs a product Suzuki owners can move up to when they’ve outgrown their small cars. However, even Suzuki engineers – who have demonstrated an expertise for building smaller products – were skeptical about creating the company’s first foray into the larger, mid-sized segment. They needn’t have worried.

Although it’s a class already crowded with choice, Suzuki has managed to bring a couple of features to the table that will set the Kizashi apart. First, when the Kizashi arrives in Canadian showrooms next spring, it will come with Suzuki’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. It’s a next-generation version of the system that has been proven in its current products and should be an attractive feature for Canadians, given the wide range of driving conditions we encounter.

Suzuki has also built a sporty flavour into this car, with a stiff unibody chassis that’s fitted with European-grade ride and handling. Although some may find the comfort level a bit firm, I liked the stability the suspension delivers. On a variety of roads up and down the Niagara escarpment, the Kizashi’s independent front system and multi-link rear setup were compliant enough to soak up bumps without jarring my teeth. And when it came time to toss the car around on some twisty gravel roads, the car hunkered down and responded without a fuss. Its 18-inch alloy wheels with P235/45R18 all-season tires add to its handling prowess.

To really put a spotlight on its handling, Suzuki set up a series of tests on closed runways at the Niagara regional airport, pitting the Kizashi against competitive products such as the Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord. The results were impressive, with the Kizashi outshining the opposition by a wide margin.

Suzuki says much of the design work on this car was handled by its research and design facility in Germany, with evaluations conducted on the autobahn, twisty Swiss Alpine roads, cobblestone rural routes in the United Kingdom and track sessions at the Nürburgring. That European DNA is readily apparent when you start pushing the Kizashi hard.

The Kizashi’s engine is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, similar to the one powering the Grand Vitara. Revisions to the intake and exhaust systems, however, have resulted in a 15- to 20-horsepower boost. The final horsepower rating is expected to be 180 ponies, with 170 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The pre-production, U.S.-spec cars we drove here were all fitted with a Jatco-designed CVT (continuously variable transmission), similar to units found in Mitsubishi and Nissan products. Unfortunately, although it comes with shifter paddles standard, this powertrain didn’t allow the car’s performance to match its handling prowess. The typical wheezing wail of a four-cylinder wound to the max left much to be desired in the performance department. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard and will hopefully create more excitement when the driver tickles the accelerator.

A bit more power would also help, but Suzuki says there are no plans at the moment to add a V6 to the Kizashi’s engine lineup. However, it did note a hybrid powertrain is in the works for this car some time in the future.

The styling of the car is not unlike its competitors – clean and functional, but nothing groundbreaking. It does come with a pair of large chrome exhaust tips peeking out from the rear fascia, which hint at its sporty flair. They’re hooked up to a dual exhaust system with oversized mufflers to reduce back pressure and enhance performance, but the twin pipes only exist from the catalytic converter back. The interior is comfortable, with well-placed gauges in front of the driver that are easy to read. A 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system is standard, along with a full list of comfort and convenience features, including automatic dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats, pushbutton start and stop, a tilt and telescopic steering column, Bluetooth connectivity, XM satellite radio, power sunroof and a full suite of power items.

Safety features include dual front air bags, dual front and rear seat-mounted side air bags, dual side curtains and stability control.

Suzuki has not announced pricing for the Kizashi, but Porter says the goal is to sell it for less than $30,000. He also expects a single, all-in model will be offered.

While gaining a foothold in this segment will be a challenge, the Kizashi’s all-wheel drive and impressive handling make it more than just another mid-sized sedan – and that’s exciting.

Graeme Fletcher via nationalpost

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