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.
If the Engine Overheats
The engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
...
Anti-Theft Feature
Anti-Theft Feature
(1) Power on/off knob
(2) Track up button/Fast forward button
(3) Preset buttons (1 to 6)
The anti-theft feature is intended to discourage
theft or the audio system by preven ...
Exterior
From the center roof pillar forward, the SX4 Sport sedan is a dead ringer for
the SX4 Crossover, featuring the same stylishly assertive face with creased
bodywork. The SportBack ditches the Crosso ...