The Suzuki Kizashi is a medium passenger car by Australian FCAI classification, which is approximately equivalent to the mid-size class (US EPA) and D-segment or large family car category (Euro market segment). The Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation manufactured it from 2009 through 2016.
The four-door sedan was launched in 2009. It started selling after that, reaching Australia and New Zealand in May 2010. Suzuki has long penetrated the Australasian market with its small cars and 4WDs. However, this was the very first time that it ventured into this market with a medium-size car.
The four-door sedan displayed a powerful and distinctively sporty look with its lowered ride height, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, and overall sleek and refined shape. It was aimed to pit with fairly serious competitors—the Mazda6 and Subaru Liberty. In 2016, however, the Kizashi was discontinued barely seven years after its launch.
Technical specs and description
The four-door sedan was available in standard front-wheel and optional all-wheel drivetrains and came powered by a 2.4L J24B I4 engine rated at 138 kW peak power and 230 N⋅m peak torque, paired up with a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Four trim levels were available for buyers in 2019, and these were: base, SE, Sport GTS, and Sport SLS. In Australia, three-variant trim levels were presented to buyers in 2010, which were the entry-level XL, flagship XLS, and the Sport AWD. In the following year and through the final year (2016), these trim levels were renamed Sport Touring, Sports Prestige, and Sport AWD.
The Sport Touring trim was available in both 6-speed manual and CVT gearboxes, while the Sport and AWD variants were available only in CVT.
The Sport AWD package, which was based on the Sport Prestige, included the following: 12V power socket, 18-inch alloy wheels, 7-speaker radio/CD, auxiliary/USB outlet, airbags (dual front, knee driver, side, head), anti-lock braking system, auto climate control/dual temp zones, remote control anti-theft, ambient temp display, emergency brake assist, Bluetooth capability, bottle and cup holders, cruise control, dome lights, multipurpose centre console, central-locking remote, child seat anchor, dust and pollen filter, dusk-sensing headlights, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability program, fog lights, adjustable headrests in all seats, engine immobilizer, keyless entry and drive, leather steering wheel and upholstery, multifunction steering wheel, audio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, power windows and mirrors, power sunroof, reversing cam, xenon headlights, spoiler, sensing wipers, satellite navigation, full-size spare alloy wheel, trip computer, and many more.
Awards and Recognition
While it had a relatively short stint in the market, the Suzuki Kizashi did not go unnoticed. It received acclaim from the following:
1. New Zealand Automobile Association – 2010 AA Motoring Excellence Supreme Award
2. The NZ Herald – 2010 Car of the Year Award
3. AutoPacific, USA – 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for mid-size cars
4. AutoPacific, USA – 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for mid-size cars
5. Consumers Digest – 2011 Best Buy
Safety
The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) gave the Suzuki Kizashi a safety score of 5/5. Its standard equipment and features included anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, emergency brake assist, traction control system, child seat anchor points, full airbag package, and the rest of its safety features.