Suzuki Kizashi

By Tim Saunders
 
Sashimi, sukiyaki and sushi.
Three words associated with Japan and foods that appeal to those with a taste for the unusual.
Now there’s the emperor sounding Kizashi to add to the list. But this is a Japanese delicacy of the four wheeled variety. Where Vauxhall Insignias and Ford Mondeos are the cod and chips of every day motoring, the striking Suzuki is the more invigorating oriental dish that will spice up any mundane commute. 
It’s an attractive vehicle that when looking at the rear doesn’t look too far removed from the BMW 3-series. A rear spoiler and low front bumper hint at its sporty credentials – 0 to 60mph in under nine seconds. Chrome edged exhausts cut into the back bumper create further impact. This curvaceous beauty incorporates a good amount of chrome on the doors and the grille, which is quite unusual these days and very effective. 
Initially the sleek and compact exterior makes you think it’s only probably a 1.6-litre and perhaps a 2-litre at a push. And so it’s surprising to learn that there’s a 2.4-litre 177bhp lump under the bonnet. 
More surprises come on entering the cabin where you find heated and electrically adjustable front leather seats, air conditioning, all round electric windows and even a glass sunroof - equipment levels that begin to encroach upon BMW and even Jaguar territory.
The Kizashi, with its blacked out rear windows and roomy interior, offers an enjoyable relaxed drive thanks to its smooth six-speed automatic. Thrill seekers will enjoy the paddle shifts and the all-wheel drive function for faster more challenging driving. 
This is an excellent car that covers 500 miles on a tank – not bad for a petrol.
Parkers, the car experts, say: “On looks alone Suzuki’s new Kizashi saloon shows promise. This slick four-door is the Japanese manufacturer’s first UK foray into the so-called D-segment currently dominated by the Ford Mondeos and Vauxhall Insignias of this world.”
The Suzuki has surprised me in every respect.
 
New price:
£21,995
 
Need the used price
 
2.4 Sport 4x4 4d CVT
Economy: 34mpg
Top speed: 127mph
0-60mph: 8.5secs
 

 

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