2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS AWD - Drive Time review

[cubanboy1981]

This car sounds alive man. it sounds so beautiful. How come you are saying it is very noisy? I just can't get. That is what this car is supposed to sound.

[rcopa1]

Yea this review is way off...........this car is a blast to drive.

[DjKing4Life]

i looooooooove this car

[LeadHammer]

Actually, what I would really like to have learned from this video - and I did not - is how effective the AWD system is, because I've read elsewhere that Suzuki's AWD is one of the worst available on the market, but on the other hand I saw some videos of the SX4 on snow and it did not look that bad. Can anyone owning Kizashi with AWD comment on this?

[JetBlueIce]

@LeadHammer Unlike most AWD systems, Suzuki's iAWD ('i' for intelligent) doesn't just react to wheel slippage, it anticipates it. Sensors monitor variables such as road surface, accelerator pedal position and front wheel steering angles to transfer torque to the rear wheels before front wheel slippage occurs. A simple push button on the dash allows you to select FWD only or activate the iAWD.

[JetBlueIce]

@LeadHammer Synergistic Vehicle Dynamics Control monitors steering wheel angles and yaw rates (the car's pivoting motion) and adjusts the iAWD and power steering systems in sync with the ESP to ensure stable, surefooted handling and directional control on rough and slippery surfaces. This level of technical sophistication is usually found only in much more expensive vehicles.

[JetBlueIce]

@LeadHammer Add four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) plus power-assisted rack and pinion steering and you have one of the most complete dynamic packages on the road. For the driver, it translates into a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride with light, precise steering and a sense of being glued to the road at all times. Think European sports sedan.

[LeadHammer]

The whole point of CVT is to keep the engine at max power when you floor the pedal and to drop revs when you want you cruise. So the engine droning is a good thing, not bad. It shows that CVT works effectively. If you don't like high-rev droning then get a car with twice the engine size. And those paddle shifters - they are stupid, they are totally not needed on a CVT-equipped car. The only thing one needs is a "low" setting for engine braking when going downhill.

[cygnusx555]

TURBO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!JKAkjsd

[MySonIsAdorable]

I will say this much, I drive a 08 Suzuki sx4 and and my car is now close to 4 years old. I do not take care of it as well as I should lol. My car feels new and drives like new everyday I drive it and everyday I look at it. I love my car and I am a past Honda and Acura lover nothing else would please me. I was amazed when I first drove the Kizashi and I will be purchasing one very soon. Even though my Sx4 was only 16k it had all the features I wanted and an amazing warranty.

[heartlessvietboy]

In my opinion, the Kazashi is a Good Looking car.

[glenlackey2]

Just test drove a SLS Red AWD with 3Way Memory Seats, Duel Climate, Leather, Sunroof, Navigation, Backup Camera's, Push Button Start, Keyless Entry, Rain Sensitive Wipers, Auto Lights, Ambient Lighting, 425 Watt stero, 29mpg, 180hp, bluetooth, mp3 and wireless, auto gas cap lock, 18" wheels, 5 star crash rating, F1 paddle shifting, No timing belt to change either. I am buying it for $26,548. Done deal.

[cdn071]

I might just be speaking for myself here, but when watching any review of a car, I feel like they're talking to a race car driver! I don't care how fast it can get to 60, how much torque it has, how much horsepower, how heavy the steering is, or what brand it is. I care about fuel economy, safety, price, and style. Oh, and I'm not some old guy, I'm 20, and I would have this car in a heartbeat.

[rowsdower12]

Looks really nice in red. Too bad Suzuki is bruised and has a bad wrap from GM selling rebadged Daewoo cars under the Suzuki brand. Hopefully people will see the real Suzuki and know they are a great company. They already make great bikes and motorboats. Now they must prove to the lemmings that they make great cars as well, starting with this one.

[JetBlueIce]

@rowsdower12 yeah red is one of its best colours I agree. Although I think Suzuki already has been showing they can make great cars like their SX4 crossover which year after year has beeen getting alot of recognition such as best buy awards and coolest cars under 20k etc. And ofcourse the new Swift has also been getting awards all over the world and even car of the year awards in several countries.

[rowsdower12]

@JetBlueIce I wish they had the Swift here. They are missing out. I seriously thought they would bring it here for the next (current) gen. With new small cars from Ford, Hyundai and even Fiat, come on Suzuki! Well sales are down and yes I know its the auto market but even this year its down. I hope Suzuki doesn't pull out of the market, I know they will stay in the bike market but car is up in the air.

[racers115]

@rowsdower12 The Swift is due to arrive in the U.S. at the end of 2011. It was delayed because of the tie up between Suzuki and Volkswagen. Suzuki has no plans to pull out of the market. That is the last thing they would do considering they just brought the Kizashi here and are about to launch the Swift as well as the next generation Grand Vitara.

[rowsdower12]

@racers115 Hey, thanks for the info? Do you work for a dealership? Regardless that's good news even if I have to wait a year. I suppose they have to spec it out to U.S. standards anyway. Thanks for the heads up. I guess I'll blame VW. I certainly hope they don't pull out of the market. They made it this far. I'm rooting for them, cause they are niche' and unique. And strive to be different, which I like. Plus great cars for the money. Can't wait!!

[strelok5831]

there fourwheelers are beast!

[DaedalusZero]

A heavy dose of refinement for the CVT in a Sub-$30k car? I've personally driven the SLS with the flappy paddles and for a CVT, it was a brilliant drive. The shifts were quick, very smooth and the car sounded like it was breathing just fine. If I had $30k to spend on a nice daily car, I'd have bought one the day they came out. Suzuki has really turned it around with the Kizashi.

[bradkali1966]

Steve blocked me because he doesnt take critique very well. My wife wanted an SX4 and so we went to suzuki, She saw the kizashi and said thats your car. We test drove it and I bought a SLS AWD loaded. Based on my experience driving the car, the steering does not feel heavy, and the CVT did not sound noisy for a CVT. If you want a car that goes 0-60 faster to the gas pump, this car isnt for you. If you want style and value. this is the car. Its better than my 2007 G35. Better Steve.

[ejuoi]

steering heavy??? I nearly fell out of my chair. This has got to be the lightest and most precise steering out there, the car will turn 90 degrees with no effort at all. by the way the paddle shifters on this car are not meant to be used seriously, they will actually raise the 0-60 time because it forces the CVT to lower the RPMs each time you shift vs continuously keeping it high if you were in D mode.

[Sykarus]

Steve, WAY too negative on this review because you fail to mention the value Suzuki offers with AWD. I mean you compared it to a Hybrid Lexus without mentioning the cost difference? Really? You FAIL to mention that this car costs less than a Prius. I think Suzuki did a great job and the Kizashi AWD handles way better than a Jetta or Subaru Legacy. I felt it handled the same as an Audi Quattro albeit with less power of course. I don't think you gave a fair or accurate review at all. Sorry

[fantikerz2]

Tom is just jelous because his Camry isn't as good as the KAZASHI

[kizashi12]

boooooo....kizashi rocks

[DualofChaos]

I see a lot of people praising this car. Its good, it looks amazing and is quick considering its low output and weight. The only problem I can see that stevehammes also talks about is the CVT. But has there really ever been a good CVT? they all suck. Apart from that its awesome. Much better than its rivials, and as rare as a Lambo too. I think the only car that comes close is the Ford Fusion, but other than that the rest are all way uglier or cheaper looking.

[txagmedstd]

WOW! Did this guy even drive the Kizashi? Kizashi is everything he says it isn't. Down is up; up is down. It's like watching Alice Through the Looking Glass. I have owned this same model Kizashi, but in platinum silver, for nearly four months. I am not ashamed to say that it handles and performs just as well as my previous 2005 Mercedes C-Class 240 4matic. That's saying alot, because I loved that car like it was my first born child.

[kizashi12]

this guy is funny he getting kickbacks from the name brands i question his credibility...kizashi is a great car..as an owner i could say that...you get so much more for the money how is it expensive...suzuki not paying him..hes a fraud for years if you dont agree with him he blocks you

[valetdabess]

i don't get the cvt with paddle shifters... cvt doesn't have gears

[supermaniac5]

pretty damn sweet for a suzuki. i would shave the emblems off so nobody knew what it was. black it out and turbo it

[fyahside]

forget you steve hammes this car rocks...stop kissing the big car names azz...theres a lot of bang for the buck..

[DJFG85]

They can thank their recent failures on GM, who rebadged a few DAEWOOS and sold them as the Suzuki Verona and Suzuki Forenza. GM will fail in a matter of months.

[hb4fun22]

Yeah I agree, I would really take this reviewers opinion with a grain of salt. Or perhaps with a pound of salt. Alot of the stuff he criticizes are the same things that most other reviewers praise about this car, such as the sporty feeling of the steering and how well all the components of thd drivetrain mesh together. If you want to read a way less biased opinion on Kizashi type "Kizashi hard to forget for several reasons" into google, and read that article.

[Zook16V]

Steve... You're fired.  Are you having your period? This car is incredible.

[Shishizurui]

i test drove one they're nice, but to me it would be hard to convince me to buy anything "new"

20,000+ to me is sports car teritory

[1tb4life]

The Kizashi is remarkably sporting, dare we say shockingly so. Because frankly, we were expecting some sort of "already also-ran Camry competitor". Instead, Suzuki gifts the automotive world with an inexpensive five-seater than can embarrass cars costing 150% as much, if not more.

- Autoblog Review, First Drive -

[rbolo29]

I want to stick and bury my head in the sand for owning a Suzuki Grand Vitara. It feels insufficient next to the grown up big boy brands like Chevy and Toyota.

I knew they probably didn't do much better on this vehicle either.

[benjaminlately]

He failed to mention the fact that the car starts 18,999 and that it is only the top model gets close to the 30,000 price point. In addition to being slower the CVT also cuts 5 hp off the top.

Google "Kizashiclub" if you want to see what real owners have to say about the car, or if you are an owner join the club. :-)

[devkamal]

whao.. thats some heavy negative review..

[lavakava]

@devkamal

obviously what do you expect from americans? :P

[coolerdude44]

this review seems to remind me of the nissan altima, save the heavy steering.

[tommypickles09]

Its a step in the right direction...however its a little on the slow side for 185hp, and the price seems a little steap..mabye 23-25 grand MAX should be the prince point