The Kizashi has been in our long-term fleet for almost a year now. And if you've been keeping up with the posts, you're no doubt aware that we've written a lot of positive commentary on this overlooked sedan. I was reminded of this last week when I took the key to our Kizashi. It had been more than six months since I had last driven it, but all the things that I liked about our car instantly came back, including the refined ride quality, upscale interior and attractive styling. It's just a really cool car.
I also realized it just feels right in terms of size for what I envision a sedan being for my family (wife, 3-year-old, baby on the way). The Kizashi's not big and bloated like a lot of new family sedans. Yet there's still enough room in the backseat for kids and most adults to be comfortable. Interestingly, the Kizashi is just a tad bigger than the typical small sedan. I ran a comparison on Edmunds versus the Civic and new Focus; you can see the compared specs here.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 19,583 miles
moreau says:
02:24 PM, 03/ 7/11
I completely agree with you, but for most families (mine included) this is heresy. A kid? You need a mid-sized SUV, but it might be a tight fit. You should definitely be thinking of upgrading to a minivan. Wait, TWO kids? You're going to need a full size SUV, maybe even a four row van for that mammoth task!
I really don't get it. People feel the need to drive excessively big cars for little to no justification. It almost borders on neurosis with some families. I don't really care that they drive large cars, but they usually go on to act incredulous whenever you try to put 4 people in a sedan. They, of course, will never put more than 4 people in an SUV unless it's an emergency, but whatever.
Just don't bring up how their Durango has less middle row passenger room than a 1996 Camry's rear seats...
atomic13 says:
06:41 PM, 03/ 7/11
@moreau: heh, perfectly said. It's funny, my family will have me, my husband, 6-yr-old son and (hopefully) a little one on the way sometime next year. I'm trying to find small cars that will fit car seats with no issues because I can't stand SUVs or vans. I'm hearing great things about the rear seat space in the GTI =)
f1fannewyork says:
05:28 AM, 03/ 9/11
I have the Kizashi on my shortlist, how's the CVT? I've hired a couple of Nissan's from Hertz that have had CVT's and can still remember thinking "never ever would I buy one" - is this the same ?