Weeks go by between my stints in our long-term 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS, and every time I get back into this midsize sedan, I ask myself why don't I drive this car more often, because it's really quite good to drive.
But in spite of that, I just haven't grown attached to our Kizashi.
I really don't know quite why, either. I like the way the six-speed manual transmission swaps gears -- the shifter is slick between the gates, the clutch easy to manage. Heel-and-toe downshifting is satisfying.
The handling is good, especially considering this is an unassuming, front-wheel-drive commuter car. The suspension feels soft at first, but rises to the challenge if you want to take a corner, or two, or three, with some enthusiasm.
So I've come up with three possible explanations for why I'm not a Kizashi supporter:
1. The engine is very smooth, but devoid of personality. I like shifting a lot, so slow(ish) cars don't usually bother me, but there's nothing happening with this powerband. It feels flat and I have little interest in going to redline.
2. The steering doesn't have enough feedback. Effort levels are good, but the steering feels more distant and electric than I'd like.
3. There's quite a bit of road noise. Possibly this has increased as the 235/45R18 94V Dunlop SP Sport 7000 tires have aged. A noisy ride doesn't usually bother me that much (see Mazdaspeed 3), but maybe it bugs me more in the Kizashi.
So that's my list. And, no, I won't be driving the Suzuki this weekend.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 19,345
felonious_monk says:
11:13 AM, 02/25/11
I'm with ya there: I've test driven the car like 6 times now, and I always come away impressed, but I just can't pull the trigger for some reason. I keep using the excuse that my current commuter shitbox isn't dead yet, but if I really dug the Kizashi I'd quickly find an excuse around that excuse. For some reason I can't put a finger on, I'm just not buying it.
I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll test drive a Focus SE sedan with the sport package and end up buying that instead.
super_ongoy says:
11:13 AM, 02/25/11
What's missing? Hot babes in bikini.
stovt001 says:
11:19 AM, 02/25/11
super_ongoy, somehow I don't think that's what Erin finds missing...
super_ongoy says:
11:26 AM, 02/25/11
well she should.
ergsum says:
11:37 AM, 02/25/11
1. Front license plate.
2. A driver.
greenpony says:
12:04 PM, 02/25/11
Why? Why?? Why would you test drive a car SIX times???
Erin Riches replied to comment from ergsum
12:09 PM, 02/25/11
1. If a car has a distributor tag in back, as the Kizashi does, it doesn't need a front plate in California.
2. Yep. Unless I was cloaked at the time this photo was taken.
felonious_monk says:
12:20 PM, 02/25/11
"Why? Why?? Why would you test drive a car SIX times???"
Because, as I mentioned, I can't make my mind up about it. I like the car a lot, and it fits all of my requirements nicely, but there's something missing that keeps me from buying it. Something doesn't jive and I keep hoping I'll figure it out one way or the other. I'm just gonna have to accept that, for whatever reason, it isn't the car for me.
Besides, keep in mind that those six drives have occurred over the course of a year and a half and I always test drive any car I'm interested in multiple times in as many conditions as possible. I suggest everyone else do the same. It gives you a clearer picture of the car and it's compatibility within your life.
Erin Riches replied to comment from felonious_monk
12:41 PM, 02/25/11
Another issue that's always in the back of my mind (and which I've brought up here ad nauseum) is Suzuki's limited dealer network in Southern California. I could certainly use an indie shop for basic maintenance (oil changes) that I'd rather not do myself, but we had a warranty issue with our old SX4 (airbag light... http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2009/09/2009-suzuki-sx4-airbag-warning-light-resolved-again.html ) and it was a real pain to get it addressed. Yeah, I could move to a less expensive part of the U.S. that would have more Suzuki dealers, but I don't like the Kizashi enough to rearrange my life around it.
ergsum says:
12:48 PM, 02/25/11
Do we have to guess how many lug nuts are missing in the photo?
ed124c says:
01:50 PM, 02/25/11
A year and a half? That's how long the Kizashi has been out? Oh, dear. I still have not seen one on the road. I don't live in the sticks, either-- I live in a metropolitan area of about one million people.
Up until a few months ago we had two Suzuki dealers, now we have one. And that is probably the biggest reason Suzuki doesn't sell more cars. If you owned a car that had only one dealership within 80 miles, wouldn't you get a bit antsy? So, most people just stick with the tried and true brands with a dealership on every corner.
My brother always laughs when I say I have road tested a new car. He was a car salesman for many years, and he had his share of would be buyers who only wanted a brochure and a drive around the block-- more like a hobby for them.
I used to do that, but unless the salesman insists I drive the car, I will refrain. I only drive them now when I am actually in the market. And I try to drive them back to back on the same day, which is the biggest reason why I chose Subaru over Honda the last two times I bought new. Road testing a car is like testing speakers-- if you don't test the speakers the same day, your ears can't remember how good or bad the last speaker sounded. Same with cars, but with a different part of the anatomy.
felonious_monk says:
02:16 PM, 02/25/11
Erin Riches replied to comment from felonious_monk
12:41 PM, 02/25/11
"Another issue that's always in the back of my mind (and which I've brought up here ad nauseum) is Suzuki's limited dealer network in Southern California. I could certainly use an indie shop for basic maintenance (oil changes) that I'd rather not do myself, but we had a warranty issue with our old SX4 (airbag light... http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2009/09/2009-suzuki-sx4-airbag-warning-light-resolved-again.html ) and it was a real pain to get it addressed. Yeah, I could move to a less expensive part of the U.S. that would have more Suzuki dealers, but I don't like the Kizashi enough to rearrange my life around it."
That's not a major concern for me as there are no less than two dealers in my metro area. No, the "something" that's keeping me from buying has more to do with a lack of overall personality, I think. It's a great car that does everything well, but it never seems to be enthused about any of it. Maybe if, as you suggested, the engine was a little more "alive" or the steering a bit more communicative I'd feel that spark, but it just ain't there. Perhaps I've spent too much time around old cars and bikes, but I just can't get used to adequately competent cars. I suppose I need some quirks or eccentricities or exuberances in my rides.
ruckusrider says:
02:27 PM, 02/25/11
I don't live anywhere near an expensive part of the US.(Cleveland, TN), and the closest Suzuki dealer is 2 hours and 45 minutes away. It doesn't help that they refuse to update their online inventory.
ruckusrider says:
03:32 PM, 02/25/11
On another note, I would make the 2 hour and 45 minute drive without a care about dealer services and repairs if I could get this in wagon/hatchback form.
cheechmo says:
04:13 PM, 02/25/11
ruckusrider beat me to it...
What's missing? How bout a hatch?
bassrockerx says:
04:23 PM, 02/25/11
i think i can solve this: get an aftermarket exhaust. i think this car has alot of soul but it is just hidden by resonators and super quiet mufflers to try to apeal to the most number of people.
this will solve two of your complaints. it will give your car more excitement with a great sounding exaust it will really make shifts more satisfying and driving fast exciting. it will also drown out a little bit of the road noise. also 2-5 couldent hurt.
then buy new tires/ (and rims maybe) more expensive tires will help the steering feel more direct and rduce noise alot of people really complain of dunlop's OEM tires as of late
litewerk says:
05:00 PM, 02/25/11
Was looking at the new and lightly used Kizashis on AutoTrader.com earlier. There's at least 2 that have the RoadRace body kit mods installed. Gives the car more personality and makes it loook awesome! Let's not forget, if you really want more go, there is also an aftermarket turbo for this car.
prpatal says:
06:32 PM, 02/26/11
Wow, so it has 235's on all 4 corners?
Pretty impressive for this class of car...
tigerbangs54 says:
04:01 PM, 02/27/11
"Wow, so it has 235's on all 4 corners?
Pretty impressive for this class of car.."
Try it: the car has amazing grip for a front-wheel-drive sedan.
tigerbangs54 says:
05:48 PM, 03/ 5/11
What's missing? there in't a damned thing that's missing, it's just editorial ennui. The Kizashi is a great car in absolute terms, and a steal at it's price! It may not everyone's cup of tea, and that's OK: some people are not used to spicy food, either, and that's why there are Camrys and Chevy Malibus out there. If you need a sports car, then you need something without 4 doors and a back seat. If you need 4 doors, a back seat, and a little fun in your driving, and you don't want to break the bank with car payments or gas bills, the Kizashi dies great!