2010 Suzuki Kizashi Move Automaker Into Midsized Performance Market Page 2

By Marc Stern

Marc Stern

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2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Additionally, the 2010 Kizashi already meets some of the crash standards put in place for the year 2014, including rigorous side pole crash, rear offset collision, and European pedestrian protection standards.  Better visibility is achieved in the Kizashi with standard projector beam headlights, supplemental side mounted signal lights, fold-down rear headrests and available rear sonar and backup camera.  Enhancing driver confidence, the Kizashi also offers a reinforced rigid chassis for added stability and control

Kizashi drivers will find an exceptionally roomy passenger compartment that benefits from Suzukis extensive experience in small-car design. Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel such as standard sport seats in line with the vehicles on-road performance characteristics. 

Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashis sporty and elegant instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicles available leather seating and premium quality materials rivaling upscale competitors.  The Kizashi also offers extensive sound insulation to help suppress road, tire and wind noise.

Three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program for the drivers seat supplement the available premium leather. 

In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzukis attention to detail:  French seams, hard cover rears and high-density, low fatigue foam.  Other premium feel details include ambient overhead and footwell lighting, felt flocked glove box and center console storage tray, soft-woven headliner and a-pillars and leather door pull-straps, all standard. 

For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashis interior delivers by the megabyte.  Beginning with standard keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth. 

For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power pushed through an 8-channel, 10-speaker system, including a subwoofer and advanced digital sound processor.

Kizashi is available in four trim levels. Enjoying a standard level of equipment fully appropriate to its near-luxury aspirations, Kizashis base level S exceeds any traditional definition of base with standard push button start, sport front seats, steering wheel audio controls, automatic dual-zone climate control with passenger rear vents, stability control, 8 airbags and integrated-chromed dual exhaust tips.

Moving up a notch, the SE adds a standard CVT transmission, 215/55-17 tires mounted on alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver seat with 3-position memory, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and parking brake lever.

Opt for the GTS and you have your choice of 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions with paddle shifters, 235/45-18 tires on alloy wheels, one-touch moonroof, fog lights, a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system and integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming. 

Kizashis top-tier spec, the SLS, adds leather appointments to the interior, three-stage heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, HomeLinkuniversal garage door opener, windshield wiper rain sensor and rear parking sensors.  In addition, those focusing on where theyve been will enjoy exterior heated mirrors and an automatic day-night mirror, while those focusing on where theyre going benefit from automatic on/off headlamps.

Kizashi will offer exceptional value versus traditional mainstream, midsize sedans.  Its core models will be very well-equipped, offering everything from dual climate control to push-button start, a USB port, 17-inch alloy wheels and eight airbags, yet will still cost between $22,000 to $24,000 even with available all-wheel drive.  Along with Kizashis exceptional ride, handling and NVH control, this makes a premium sedan available to the public at a non-premium price.  For those who wish to spend even less, a well-equipped base model with many of the same features will start below $20,000.