6:05 pm, June 29, 2011
Suzuki is dipping its toe in the D-segment with the Kizashi. JAMES BATCHELOR has driven it.
WHAT IS IT?
This is Suzuki’s attempt to break into the D-segment – and it’s doing it with a car limited to 500 units packed full of equipment normally reserved as extras on other makers’ cars.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The 500 units coming to the UK this winter will be
the Sport model with a 176bhp 2.4-litre unit mated to a four-wheel drive system with CVT transmission.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Because there’s only one model, it’s impressive. The spec sheet is vast.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
That 2.4-litre lump is pretty unexceptional and needs to be driven hard to get the best from it. But the ride is pretty good and it feels quite sure-footed.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?
Car Magazine felt the Kizashi is an ‘accomplished, if extravagant, all- rounder’ while the Sunday Times felt it ‘could have the last laugh’ if it snows this year.
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
Suzuki are trying their hardest to impress – and the Kizashi does just that. It looks good too.
