The Suzuki Kizashi is one of the best compact sedans on the market. But as it is, many shoppers might not even think to put it on their list of prospective models. That's because Suzuki—and Suzuki dealerships—simply haven't made much of a name for themselves in the U.S. market. If you can see past that lack of brand cachet, the Kizashi shines as a premium, sport-flavored alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen Jetta or Chevrolet Cruze.
Even a couple of years after its debut, the Kizashi remains one of the better-looking sedans. It's more than a foot shorter than most mid-size sedans, but on the upper edge of what would be considered a compact, and the Kizashi strikes some great proportions, combining a rather traditional sedan profile with a dressed-up look and sportier stance. Inside, the Kizashi is feels a class above most other value-conscious four-cylinder compact or mid-size models, with a little bit of sports-car swoopiness in the two-tier instrument panel design, a large, hooded gauge cluster, and just a tiny touch of chrome to punctuate the look but not overwhelm. The sporty, upscale look and feel is enhanced by well-bolstered sport seats and quality coarse cloth or ventilated-leather upholstery.A gutsy 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine moves the Kizashi plenty quick, and provides spirited performance either with the available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or standard six-speed manual. With the CVT, the Kizashi comes either with front-wheel drive or the new i-AWD system, which is configured for enhanced cornering and managed via the stability control system; but of the combinations, our favorite remains the front-wheel-drive Sport model with the manual gearbox. Overall, though the Kizashi feels athletic, and excellent suspension tuning, body control, and grip give it a nimble, tossable feel. Brakes employ Akebono performance calipers, and they feel strong but a little touchy.
Gas mileage for this powertrain is one weakness; EPA ratings aren't that impressive, though ranging from 20 to 23 mpg in the city and 29 to 31 mpg on the highway.
Those who think of some compact models as a little too small but don't want the sacrifice in maneuverability that comes with a mid-size car will appreciate the Kizashi's 'just-right' size. Suzuki hasn't accomplished any magic with interior space here, though; the Kizashi is more of a compact sedan than a mid-size one on the outside, and the same rings true inside. But nice, supportive bucket seats provide a great driving position and plenty of support for taller folks. The Kizashi doesn't have a lot of space In the back seat, but you'll definitely be able to accommodate a couple of adults back there for a drive out for lunch.The Kizashi really shines in the details. Throughout the interior, materials feel a bit different than most other models in this class, with nicely grained plastics plus soft-touch and padded surfaces in most of the places you'd brush against. Ride quality is on the firm side, but you'll never feel rattled; it also damps out road noise surprisingly well considering that it favors sportiness over outright comfort.
Federal crash-test scores still haven't been given to the Kizashi, but the IIHS rates it 'good' in all but its roof-strength test ('acceptable' there). Eight airbags are standard, including rear side bags, which still aren't common in this class.
The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi continues to put its best foot forward in terms of features for the money. Even when optioned with that, a loaded Kizashi SLS Sport still totals well under $30k. Suzuki typically offers few if any options on its U.S. vehicles, instead including a strong list of standard features, and the Kizashi takes that to a new level with all Kizashi's including keyless entry and dual-zone climate control. GTS Sport and SLS Sport step up to a lowered suspension that rides 10 mm lower (but not really any harsher) than the base setup; a bolder, lightweight wheel design; a trunk spoiler; body sill extensions; a more aggressive front fascia; and a bolder, 'aero' look. Sport models also get snug, leather-trimmed sport seats with contrast stitching, plus a number of other extras. A navigation system is available as a relatively low-cost option and includes a rear camera system, real-time traffic, and iPod controls.
Sporty, classy exteriorNicely detailed interiorHandling and maneuverabilityQuiet, refined cabinPremium feel at a bargain priceEngine noise, particularly with the CVTUnimpressive fuel economy ratingsTight headroom with sunroofFlawed display with limited characters, reflections
We all learn at an early age you get what you pay for. That knockoff action figure at the dollar store just doesn't pack the same karate-chop action as the one on the TV commercials. And it's tough keeping up with friends on your $100 Toys "R" Us mountain bike when it weighs as much as your Labrador retriever and the wheels won't stay round. A few samples from our Kizashi's logbook: "Feel like a premium piece. Has the high-value/fun-to-drive bones that made the Civic famous." "Impressive for its price." "It's hard to believe this car only costs $24,000." Yes, our Kizashi tester wowed us with its value. For an as-tested price of $23,484, we got a spacious midsize sedan equipped with dual-zone climate control; a 10-way power driver's seat with memory settings; a tilting/telescoping leather-wrapped, button-laden, multifunction steering wheel; a 425-watt, 10-speaker audio system; Bluetooth connectivity; foglamps; eight airbags; and 18-inch wheels. Not bad."What really sells it for me and my heavy foot is that one can drive the Kizashi at full throttle all the time without doing super-illegal speeds," Vance scribbled. "The engine has just enough power to wind out on every hole shot, freeway ramp, or lane merge, and yet, doing so rarely puts you above the posted speed limit. Lots of fun."That fun character, combined with practicality (the Kizashi averaged 24.8 mpg during its stay), earned strong praise from executive editor Ed Loh. "For scooting around town and riding commuter traffic, the Kizashi is perfect," Loh noted. "The manual gearbox is good (not great), but sporty enough to encourage heel-toe shifting and other shenanigans. I enjoy wringing out the four-banger, and it makes me even happier to see mpg in the mid-to-high 20s when doing so."For as much as we loved driving the Kizashi, there was still room for some improvement. A blown fuse at 15,000 miles rendered the stereo and power mirrors completely non-operable, but the fuse was replaced at no cost under warranty. Service costs for our year and nearly 20,000 miles rang in at a total of $128.69 for two oil changes, tire rotations, and general inspections. Two no-cost recall services were also performed -- one to replace a dashboard compartment hinge, and the other to replace a defective drive belt pulley tensioner.All said, we were sad to see our Kizashi go after its yearlong tenure in the fleet. It might be easy to replace it with a more expensive vehicle, but it won't be as easy to find one with more charm. Associate online editor Nate Martinez summed up our final impressions. "Suzuki should be proud. The Kizashi is roomy and modern inside, has a handsome exterior, rides smooth, grips decently well, and returns respectable fuel economy. It's a shame Suzuki isn't selling more of these.""The more I drive the Kizashi, the more I like it. Especially when you consider that our well-appointed tester stickers for under $23,000, about what you'd spend for a similar Jetta. Of course, the Jetta now has a torsion-beam rear end -- fine for most, but the Kizashi is the better handler." 
This sedan continues to be a staff favorite, though underrated in the marketplace. Associate online editor Benson Kong notes, "This car should be the poster child for tip-of-the-fingers, effortless shifting. The steering, on the other hand, imparts a completely opposite sensation. It's direct, with a good amount of heft throughout the steering range." It's fuel-efficient, too. Kong continues, "The 2.4-liter engine may be more gas miserly than the EPA lets on. It's rated 20/29 mpg, but with a mix of city and highway driving and what I'd consider moderate applications of throttle, I easily did more than 200 miles with over half a tank to go. I only had to put in 7.24 gallons of 87 octane to top it off." 
