What was I expecting when the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi arrived for my two-week-long test drive? Well, not much, I'm embarrassed to say. I lecture my kids all the time on the importance of staying open-minded and forming your own opinions, so I'm ashamed to admit that I was harboring a lackluster view about Suzuki as a brand in general. With the introduction of the Kizashi, my hope is that my mind won't be the only one changed about the brand.
The Kizashi is a surprise indeed and has the ability to fill a niche of affordable-without-feeling-cheap smaller midsize sedans. The base Kizashi starts at $18,999. My test car, the SE trim level, cost $21,780.
This might be the only car I've driven with a continuously variable automatic transmission that didn't drive me crazy. It had plenty of zippy power, and the CVT didn't rev up too much and cause obnoxious interior noise. As a matter of fact, an average driver getting into this car wouldn't even notice anything different about the transmission, and I consider that to be a success of great measure. Add to that optional all-wheel drive and you've got yourself a great car for small families.
Cup Holder and Storage Area (if equipped)
Cup holders are provided in the center
console.
WARNING:
Do not use the cup holder or the storage
bin to hold cups containing hot
liquids or sharp-edged, hard or
breakable objects. Obje ...
Important Vehicle Design Features To Know
WARNING:
Your multipurpose vehicle has handling
characteristics that differ from
those of a conventional passenger
car. For the safety of you and your
passengers, please read the following
sect ...
Theft Deterrent Light
Theft Deterrent Light
This light will blink with the ignition switch
in the “OFF” or “ACC” position. The blinking
light is intended to deter theft by leading
others to believe that the v ...