2012 Suzuki Kizashi: Value Priced Sport-luxury

We want good automotive value. We want good vehicle content. Let’s be frank – we just about want it all if we can get it! The automotive environment is competitive and competition (fierce competition) is what gives drivers more bang for their buck.

One vehicle that offers a sporty-luxury drive at a reasonable price is the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi. It is a mid-sized five passenger four-door sedan that does everything quite well.

The engine is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder providing 180-185 hp and 170 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a six-speed manual box or a (CVT) continuously variable unit that can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel.

An optional four-wheel drive system is available in conjunction with the CVT. The system automatically shuts off and goes to front wheel drive for fuel savings when the car is driven on dry pavement. However, when the weather turns bad, the system provides all-wheel drive.

The Kizashi’s 0-60 mph time is in 7.4 seconds. The car’s wheelbase measures 106.3 inches.

On the exterior this Suzuki is clean, distinctive and elegant. At the front the car has a modern and solid look. Three blacked out recesses (middle air intake and the outer two contain fog lights) are placed below the bumper with two amber indicators placed at the edges. From the side the car has high door sills and a sleek look. And at the back, it has a high trunk with large taillights that extend well into the rear fenders. The look is capped off with large somewhat rectangular dual stainless steel exhausts.

On the inside the materials are high quality and on par with much more expensive luxury vehicles. The sport seats provide good support and are comfortable for long trips. The instruments are clear and the controls are placed logically for ease of use. The rear seat legroom is adequate and the 40/60 rear seats fold down to expand the trunk’s 13.3 cubic feet area.

Standard equipment includes projector headlights, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, intermittent wipers, dual zone climate control, steering wheel audio controls, climate control vents in the rear, remote control entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 and seven speakers, security system, push button start, power windows, mirrors and door locks, USB port, two 12 volt DC power outlets, a LATCH system and more.

The brakes are Akebono four-wheel discs with ABS. The disc measurements are not specified but are assumed to be in the high 13 or low 14 inch range. The car’s 60-0 mph stopping is in a short 116 feet. The tires are 215 60 15 inch. Larger sizes are available on the upper models.

The car’s suspension consists of MacPherson struts, coil springs, KYB shock absorbers and anti roll bar at the front and a multi-link setup with coil springs, KYB shock absorbers and anti roll bar at the rear.

The suspension enables the Kizashi to soak up bumps and provide a smooth ride on the highway. However, on the track or on twisty back roads, this Suzuki provides very good handling with good steering wheel feedback and limited body roll. Overall, the Kizashi combines sports car handling with good ride quality regardless of the road surface. Simply put, the car inspires confidence all around!

Safety features include a class leading eight air bags (two front, two side curtain, and one for each door), stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, tire monitoring and more. Of note is that the 2012 Kizashi meets the 2014 safety standards.

The car’s has a 3-year 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 7-year 100.000 powertrain (engine and transmission) warranty.

The Kizashi with front-wheel drive is rated at 23 city and 30 mpg on the highway.

The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is priced from $18,239 to $26,447. However, as Suzuki has offered deals in the past, you can expect about a 5-8 percent discount or a starting price as low as about $16,900.

If you want content, sporty driving characteristics, luxury, value and good reliability, the Kizashi should be a must on your test drive list.

View the slideshow to see the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.


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