Suzuki Kizashi: For Spring in Canada; Sport in America

The Canadian debut of the Suzuki Kizashi seemingly had to wait till 2010 before it was to be unleashed on the unwary Canadian public.

The Kizashi has been available in the U.S. for months and is available in multiple trim levels, the base as low as $19,000.  However for the market to the north Suzuki has decided we are deserving of only the top trim model with AWD and a CVT transmission.
Since we have a lineup of 1, the Kizashi is available with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine making 185 hp and 170 ft-lb of torque, at the moment.  This is only mated a continuously variable transmission or CVT.  The CVT has paddle shifters to try to simulate a flappy paddle gear box sensation.

Also standard is iAWD which is a welcome sight in Canadian winters.  This has a three-mode setting which enables the driver to select either FWD, adaptive AWD for rainy or inclement weather and a full four-wheel drive to give you full grip on a fresh sheet of snow, or to outrun devious snowmen.

Also standard are:

• Bluetooth for phone.  It isn't clear whether the system will sync up to an .mp3 player.
• Cruise control
• Dual zone climate control
• Power
• Locks
• Steering
• Windows w/express up and down
• Sunroof
• Heated Mirrors
• Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio System: AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player (9 speakers plus subwoofer)
• Smartpass keyless entry and start button system
• Tilt and Telescope steering wheel
• 10 way power driver's seat with 3 position memory (fore, aft, front/rear height, recline, lumbar support)
• Heated Leather Seats
• Stability Control

I'd say that I'd prefer the choice of this model over just a base model.  But a full lineup similar to the U.S. market Kizashi would be preferable where you can choose a 6 speed manual if you only want FWD.  Mileage figures are impressive for a car with AWD at 9.3/6.8 city/hwy.

At the New York Auto Show this week Suzuki announced a 'Sport' model.

Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president American Suzuki Automotive Operations says the Sport model offers, "A more muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille, body side sill extensions, lower body side molding with chrome accents, a trunk mounted spoiler, custom light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride height for a combination of better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity for enhanced grip and sharper handling.


Inside, the new Kizashi gets a distinctive designed sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip and contrasting stitching on the leather seats, shifter boot and emergency brake boot (when equipped with black leather interior). Interior upgrades speak to the Kizashi's sporting intent, with form-fitting sport seats and driver-centric cockpit.

No word yet on if the Sport model will be offered on our Army-of-One model of the Kizashi.


Esthetically I much prefer this car to other cars in its segment although it is a tad bit smaller.  It has a solid stance with fantastic styling and a great interior.  It may not have the name of a Honda or Toyota behind but I would give it a shot, it might surprise you.

Lastly, we are only offered 4 colours, albeit enthusiastically named; Bright Red, Snow Flake White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic.  I'll take mine in Bright Red please.

The last 3 pics show the Sport Model in action.