2012 Suzuki Kizashi SE: Hiding Its Light Under a Bushel

When considering midsized sedans our minds go to thoughts of Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia but Suzuki….I thought they only made motorcycles. Not so, Suzuki has been marketing the Kizashi and before that a host of other vehicles including the Samurai in 1985.

While the market is glutted with midsized choices the Kizashi is a stand-out. But finding it may prove to be challenging. Due to its limited dealer network the Kizashi is hard to find, making it an elusive success in the midsized market.

In comparison to other midsized vehicles it is slightly short on rear legroom, but that doesn’t mean you will be cramped. Packing a 2.4 liter engine that isn’t shy on power the Kizashi, however, doesn’t offer a turbo, V6 or hybrid option. Beside these minor drawbacks, the Kizashi is a worthy contender in the midsize skirmish.

Trim levels range from an S, SE, SE Leather Edition, Sport GTS and Sport SLS; I road-tested the SE Leather Edition. Standard on this model are 17-inch alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel, a power driver’s seat with memory settings and lumbar adjustment, a keyless ignition/entry, USB port/iPod interface and of course the leather seats. My Kizashi was equipped with the optional CVT automatic transmission.

I found the interior of the Kizashi very attractive. Suzuki’s use of upmarket materials plus sophisticated design made the interior easy on the eyes. There is ample headroom and the seats are well designed, but taller backseat passengers might find themselves a little cramped. Also the trunk is a bit undersized with only 13.3 cubic feet of space.

Driving the Kizashi is a pleasure. The CVT delivers power without hesitation and the output from the four banger will get you where you want to go with zip. Steering is tight for those winding roads and you’ll get there without much bone jarring. Mileage is good at 30 miles highway and 23 in the city.

If you are in the market for a midsized sedan and you don’t want to see yourself coming and going it’s worth the extra effort to locate a Suzuki dealership and test drive the Kizashi.