Road Test : Suzuki Kizashi Sport AWD

Review by Jay Williams - 05/July/2011

Suzuki has always been well known for manufacturing small cars and compact 4x4 vehicles. Well, it was, up until 2009 when it started the production of the Kizashi. 

The Kizashi is the first mid-size Suzuki sedan to be sold in Australia, initially, two variants were offered the Kizashi Touring and the Kizashi Prestige each with different levels of specifications.

A few months later Suzuki added another model to the Kizashi range with the launch of the Kizashi Sport AWD.

Boasting an all-wheel drive system and new styling cues, the Kizashi Sport AWD was poised to lift the high dynamic driving ability of its mid-sized sedan to new levels.

So, how does the Suzuki Kizashi Sport AWD drive?

Let's find out!

Drive: 3/5

The most notable feature on the Kizashi Sport AWD is the inclusion of an all-new version of Suzuki's intelligent AWD system (i-AWD).

Drawing on more than 40 years of engineering expertise, Suzuki has developed an active all-wheel drive system designed to maximise grip, cornering performance and safety.

As an everyday driver the Kizashi Sport AWD is a solid car to drive and is also reasonably priced. It still features the some what underpowered 2.4-litre four-cylinder that is only available with Suzuki's CVT auto box, but it does the job.

The intelligent AWD system works well with the chassis set-up, providing the Kizashi Sport AWD with a well balanced and predicable drive. The intelligent AWD system anticipates oversteer or understeer and can split drive to either the front or rear wheels for peace of mind driving.

The steering of the Kizashi Sport AWD is solid and direct, and responds to the slightest of tugs on the steering wheel. 

The suspension sits 10mm lower than the standard models, this aids in keeping the Kizashi Sport AWD flat through most corners. Despite being 10mm lower, the suspension doesn't feel rock hard and is very comfortable, but there is a little pitch and roll present.

Overall, the Kizashi Sport AWD is a smooth and fun car to drive but, as I mentioned earlier, the engine feels like it could use more power and the option of a manual transmission.

Engine: 3/5

Powering the Kizashi Sport AWD is a 2.4-litre in-line four cylinder engine, which is shared across the entire Kizashi range.

Based on the engine that made its debut in the 2008 Grand Vitara, the engine has been updated for the Kizashi with tweaks made to the intake valve lift and an improved exhaust port shape.

Those improvements boost power to 131kW at 6000rpm and 230Nm at 4000rpm while using just 8.4-litres per 100 km.

Kizashi Sport AWD comes standard with Suzuki’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).

While a traditional automatic transmission has a set number of gear ratios, the CVT can constantly change the relationship of engine to car speed, resulting in an infinite number of speeds.

By controlling the width of two pulleys on input and output sides, CVT enables the engine to maintain its most effective revs for a range of vehicle speeds.

The CVT offers a more comfortable ride, as there is no dramatic rev fluctuation that often occurs with conventional automatic gear shifting.

In addition, CVT minimises the chances of a temporary speed loss in shift up or unintended kick-down when going uphill.

Acceleration is smooth, because the engine revs are ideally adjusted in accordance with the pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Because the engine revs are constantly adjusted at an ideally low rate, in cabin noise is kept at minimum levels, making the ride more comfortable and quieter.

The CVT is perfectly matched to the specific speeds of the Kizashi engine, however the choice of a manual transmission would be good.

Exterior: 3.5/5

Visually, the new Kizashi Sport AWD sets itself apart from the rest of the model range with 10 spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, sports mesh lower grille, sports front bumper, sports side skirts, and chromed bodyside highlights and fog lamp bezels.

From the front the Kizashi features a large grille that wouldn't look out of place on a German car, sleek headlights and an aggressive front bumper that has integrated fog lights.

The profile of the Kizashi is sleek and low, giving the mid-sized sedan a modern European look which is a welcome move away from the traditional 'conservative' Japanese design.

From the rear, the Kizashi displays a more athletic design that is accentuated by the lowered ride height, boot lip spoiler and triangular shape rear tailpipes.

The Design of the Kizashi Sport AWD is inspiring, if only it had the power to match its good looks.

Interior: 3/5

Inside, the Kizashi Sport AWD features a leather wrapped steering wheel with chrome highlights and Bluetooth wireless connectivity (audio streaming) with steering wheel mounted controls,leather seats, handbrake lever and gear lever that are highlighted by silver stitching.

The spacious interior has enough room to carry four adults comfortably over a long distance journey. Leg room offered in the back seats is quite good, people over six-foot might begin to feel cramped, but there is more than enough room for the kids.

The 10-speaker 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system is excellent and the Bluetooth audio streaming (which allows wireless transmission of music from your iPhone/Mp3 player) means there is seamless connectivity between your music library and the Kizashi. However, there is no option for an LCD screen with satellite navigation.

The Kizashi Sport AWD also comes standard with dual zone climate control, heated electric front seats, keyless entry and start system, rain sensing windscreen wipers and auto dimming rear view mirror.

There is also outstanding safety levels, including six airbags, ESP and Traction Control, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and dusk-sensing HID headlamps.

Overall: 3/5

The AWD Sport Kizashi comes with a lot of standard equipment for the price. It's a comfortable and smooth car to drive with plenty of room inside. It also offerers modern styling that breaks away from the norm and makes it stand out from its competitors.

Suzuki offers up a convincing package with its Kizashi Sport at an affordable price too. The only thing that lets this car down is the lack of power to match the great chassis and intelligent AWD system (i-AWD). Add in the option of a manual transmission and this car would be cracking.