Author Topic: 2012 Suzuki Kizashi (Read 761 times)

Hammy · « **on:** January 10, 2012, 07:26:04 pm »

Local Suzuki dealership just got in a couple of 2012 Kizashi's so I figured I would go down for a test drive. All trim levels now come with AWD standard, bluetooth, dual zone automated climate control, keyless entry, push button start and a whole bunch of other good things. It handled REALLY well, better than any other sedan I have driven except the bmw 3 series. Price was 27,995 + pdi, delivery etc.... But for the price it was a really really nice car and 0.9% financing for 5 years.

Of course I have never seen anyone actuallly drive a suzuki sedan...ever. Besides for the poor dealer network, and the dealership here is a total dump, is it just the lack of brand name recognition or what? All levels have the CVT transmission at 180 hp so it is not a powerhouse but perfectly good for daily commute.

Anyone have input???

DKaz · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2012, 07:41:28 pm »

Nice car. I heard they may not get any 2012 models due to tsunami damage.

A shame the FWD Kizashi Sport with 6 speed manual never got a chance as a result of product shortage.

Karumba · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2012, 07:49:45 pm »

Yeah, this is the driver's car of the family sedans.

The CVT didn't really bother me either - just a bit slow off the line as it revs up. It's just priced a bit too high though. I'd consider a sport model without the leather as they have down below the border, but here the sport is essentially fully loaded without the CVT or AWD, and if I remember it was right over 30k. This and the lack of dealerships - I'll have to think a bit more to commit to a purchase.

mmret · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2012, 07:50:40 pm »

At least on paper, and according to the few reviews I have read, its a car that deserves a legitimate shot.

Looks good, drives well, AWD, priced nicely (IMHO). Most people will probably not care about the CVT and 180hp isn't really that bad, even by today's insane standards (Ford Fusion with ONLY 240hp?)

Mike · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2012, 08:02:35 pm »

I just drove this car last week, a review on it is coming to Autos.ca next week or the week after.

Any specific questions, PM and I'll let you know how it went. I also have a Suzuki SX4 sedan as our 2nd car.

Mike · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2012, 08:04:16 pm »

Quote

Yeah, this is the driver's car of the family sedans.

The CVT didn't really bother me either - just a bit slow off the line as it revs up. It's just priced a bit too high though. I'd consider a sport model without the leather as they have down below the border, but here the sport is essentially fully loaded without the CVT or AWD, and if I remember it was right over 30k. This and the lack of dealerships - I'll have to think a bit more to commit to a purchase.

Not anymore, the Sport only has a CVT and AWD now. $1000 price increase.

Karumba · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2012, 09:22:40 pm »

Quote from: mmret on January 10, 2012, 07:50:40 pm

Looks good, drives well, AWD, priced nicely (IMHO).

What I meant before was it was priced too high to get what I wanted. I'd seriously consider and would probably buy one for a bit higher than the base without the leather/sound system/sunroof but give me the big wheels and sports trim (it just looks so much more athletic). But no, you have to have "the works" with the sport model, and at that price there are other cars I'd want instead.

But this is one of the nicest cars to drive at this price point no doubt.

mmorriso · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2012, 09:30:25 pm »

hammy, you missed an opportunity to have one epic shoppping for a new car thread...it is not too late.

since you don't mind AT what about a 2012 Camry SE V6?

rrocket · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2012, 09:32:02 pm »

Quote from: mmorriso on January 10, 2012, 09:30:25 pm

hammy, you missed an opportunity to have one epic shoppping for a new car thread...it is not too late.

since you don't mind AT what about a 2012 Camry SE V6?

Great engine....and surprising handling.

DKaz · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2012, 10:54:55 pm »

I can confidently say that the Suzuki Kizashi is an Acura TSX competitor, without the TSX price. It's a premium small-midsize.

Karumba · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2012, 11:15:09 pm »

Quote from: DKaz on January 10, 2012, 10:54:55 pm

I can confidently say that the Suzuki Kizashi is an Acura TSX competitor, without the TSX price. It's a premium small-midsize.

The old tsx at that - the true driver's car, not the current one.

vdk · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2012, 02:51:58 am »

The Kizashi is what the new Jetta should've been.

Hammy · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2012, 07:17:54 am »

I just can't bring myself to get a Camry, I was thinking I want something that everyone else is not driving, which may be silly but that's it. They have good deals on the 2011 camrys now with $2,500 rebate and 0% financing, but I just can't get into them.

The Kizashi seemed a little small too me but it is classified as a mid sized, what does everyone think of the size?

airbalancer · « **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2012, 07:40:29 am »

Quote from: Hammy on January 11, 2012, 07:17:54 am

I just can't bring myself to get a Camry, I was thinking I want something that everyone else is not driving, which may be silly but that's it. They have good deals on the 2011 camrys now with $2,500 rebate and 0% financing, but I just can't get into them.

The Kizashi seemed a little small too me but it is classified as a mid sized, what does everyone think of the size?

To much for brand that will be gone from NA in 5 years

Hammy · « **Reply #14 on:** January 11, 2012, 08:04:47 am »

That would certainly destroy resale value!

Shnak · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2012, 08:17:01 am »

Quote from: DKaz on January 10, 2012, 10:54:55 pm

I can confidently say that the Suzuki Kizashi is an Acura TSX competitor, without the TSX price. It's a premium small-midsize.

Not with that engine...

DKaz · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2012, 08:20:25 am »

Both the Kizashi and TSX does 0-60 in 7.5 seconds.

Hammy, the new 2012 Camry is pretty nice though. The SE has a slightly stiffer sport tuned suspension and tighter steering.

Shnak · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2012, 08:39:27 am »

Quote from: DKaz on January 11, 2012, 08:20:25 am

Both the Kizashi and TSX does 0-60 in 7.5 seconds.

What about the more meaningful and practical 80-120?

2latecrew · « **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2012, 09:30:38 am »

I really like this car. I like the looks too. I'm OK with the engine and dealer network. But the loss of the manual is very unfortunate. The only model I would have any interest in now is a used one with a manual which hopefully one will come up becuase it would be a great deal.

Mike · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2012, 09:33:08 am »

Quote from: airbalancer on January 11, 2012, 07:40:29 am

Quote from: Hammy on January 11, 2012, 07:17:54 am
I just can't bring myself to get a Camry, I was thinking I want something that everyone else is not driving, which may be silly but that's it. They have good deals on the 2011 camrys now with $2,500 rebate and 0% financing, but I just can't get into them.

The Kizashi seemed a little small too me but it is classified as a mid sized, what does everyone think of the size?
To much for brand that will be gone from NA in 5 years

I'm not sure if it will go away, seems odd that the 8th biggest manufacturer in the world pays so little attention to our market. Maybe with cars like the iQ coming here, Suzuki will start to import some of their excellent micro cars?