2010 Suzuki Kizashi

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Forget everything you know about Suzuki. Actually, that should probably be easy, since aside from the old Sidekick, most Americans barely know the brand even exists. "Suzuki? Don't they make motorcycles?"

Well, Suzuki does make cars and it's just unveiled a midsize sedan that is radically different (and better) than anything it's produced in the past. The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is a bit smaller than most of the increasingly large midsize family sedans, but a little bigger than a Volkswagen Jetta. Actually, Volkswagen is a good reference point, because cover up its badges and the Kizashi is remarkably European in appearance and demeanor.

The interior is superb, a true revelation for a brand that up until this year rebadged Daewoos. The materials, construction and overall design could easily be found in a Volkswagen and in fact, seems nicer than the Jetta. The ride and handling is also notably European, with a solid effort to its controls that seems more upscale than its Japanese competition.

At the press launch in Portland, Oregon, Suzuki was confident enough to let journalists drive the Kizashi around Portland International Raceway along side the Audi A4, Acura TSX, VW CC, Mazda 6 and new Subaru Legacy. Indeed, the Kizashi can hold its own in this group in terms of handling, which may not be that important to most consumers in the segment, but Suzuki admits to not being interested in volume like Mazda was when it super sized the 6. Suzuki's going for a sport-oriented, premium niche with the Kizashi and in that way it definitely succeeds. Don't expect a premium price, though, as it starts at about $19,000 with a fully loaded SLS all-wheel drive model with navigation approaching $29,000. This may seem steep, but a similarly equipped competitors like Mazda 6 and Honda Accord are $1,000 to $3,000 more.

The only engine available is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces a healthy 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but it wasn't the most precise gearbox on the planet and most drivers will opt for the automatic option anyway. It's a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is indeed one of the better ones on the market, dipping into the torque-rich powertrain without the delay and loud droning typical of such transmissions. The paddle shifters that engage pre-determined gear ratios are rapid and responsive, providing a welcome amount of control when attempting a freeway merge or for downhill engine braking. All-wheel drive is optional and a powerful V6 and hybrid model are all but assured to be offered in the near future.

The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi represents a shocking leap forward for a brand that has been largely forgotten in this marketplace. Whether it makes waves in an increasingly crowded segment is yet to be seen, but it definitely deserves a test drive if you're in the market for a more sport-oriented midsize sedan like a Mazda 6, Ford Fusion and Subaru Legacy.