Suzuki Kizashi test drive since 2009 sedan
Suzuki kizashi test drive: Samurai in the snow
Suzuki's debut in class D initially seemed at least courageous. While the rest of the manufacturers master budget compacts and inexpensive crossovers, the Japanese dare to step on the field, where key players have long earned their authority, and newcomers have not many chances. But Kizashi is not at all hopeless, and Kolesa.ru was convinced of this, having experienced a Japanese sedan with a snowy St. Petersburg autumn ... Yes, the class in which Kizashi decided to perform is not the most popular on the one hand, and on the other, its buyers are generally demanding, and accustomed to certain standards. No, it was clear that the manufacturer would satisfy all standards technically, but whether the potential client can get used to the fact that Suzuki is not only qualitatively and relatively inexpensive
The appearance of the manufacturer in a new class for him is always a test and an experiment with an unclear ending. The result can be absolutely successful (for example, VW Touareg) and relatively unsuccessful (say, the Pointer model of the same German brand).
It seems to us that Suzuki has almost the most amazing model range of foreign companies represented in Russia. The manufacturer himself often calls the golf class (SX4) the B-class compact (SWIFT) is not massive, but rather with exclusivity claims, the frame SUV (Jimny) is not far from the most dimensional crossover (Grand Vitara). But Kizashi turned out honest. A real D-class, a middle-class car with an eye on business. More precisely, on business people who are not averse to driving their car on their own, slightly in a million.
There are two options for configuration: the first for cars with 2.4 and mechanics, the second with the same engine and a variator with front or all -wheel drive. As a result, the starting price of the Suzuki middle class sedan 995,000 rubles, and our test version (with front -wheel drive and variator) costs 1,175,000 rubles. The most top is different from our only all -wheel drive, for which you will have to pay 80,000 rubles.
On the street, the stove was silent and windy to check the stove. After 2 minutes, the result is evident, you can remove the jacket and begin to be placed with comfort. The previous Suzuki did not pamper the owners with a high-quality interior. But the Kizashi salon pleases at least its severity. Here, as before, there are no frills, nothing more. But the materials were used pleasant, but the plastic torpedo could be softer.
Two screens on the central console look rich, but only until you turn them on; Then it turns out that there is nothing like that, on the contrary, an ancient monochrome picture. But the Kizashi style is visible precisely as a result of some asceticism.
The driver’s chair, even if it will not force the owners of Audi and BMW, but still has sufficient side support and decent ergonomics. And the presence of electro -regulations undoubtedly adds comfort. But it seemed to us that the adjustment range is not quite enough for high -tall drivers: in particular, I would like to raise the steering wheel a little higher and stretch out so as not to sit with bent knees or not to reach for it forward.
But there could be more places behind, after all, the level of the spaciousness from the back is more comparable to the golf than with the middle class.
To make sure Kizashi, Suzuki conducted at least 100 crash tests. The Japanese sedan is regularly equipped with 7 airbags (including the knees of the driver), the ESP exchange rate stabilization system, and a set of assistance systems for braking. It sounds good, at least it puts Suzuki on a par with the best representatives of the segment.
The 2.4 liter motor cannot be called insanely powerful, but on snowy streets and it is redundant. But Suzuki does not exclude the appearance of V6 in a year or two is pleasant that the car lives vividly to the gas pedal and accelerates the same briskly that from 20 km/h, which is 120 km/h.
Classes Class! Let the steering wheel not be the most informative (not to make an electric power altitude so far is given not to every automaker), but how obediently Kizashi follows the trajectory and reacts to the desire of the driver to make a maneuver cannot but rejoice. Of course, Suzuki could be softer, but for European modification, such settings will seem optimal to many. It is worth noting soundproofing: slightly unnecessary sounds in the salon penetrate a little, thanks to the sufficient number of insulating materials. Even winter ships do not particularly buzz on the asphalt at least, it seems so from the salon
In winter Russian conditions (you will understand what we are talking about when you look at our report on snow removal on the streets of St. Petersburg) You are especially happy about the stabilization system. If the experienced driver can give constant drifts even some pleasure, then inexperienced motorists a monoproding car in the snow can pretty much spoil the nerves.
So the result turned out to be very curious. Of course, counting on sales comparable to Mondeo and Passat sales, Kizashi will not be easy: for this, Suzuki does not have a budget version with engines up to 150 hp. But take the client from versions of comparable power - why not? Kizashi is not more expensive than top versions of other manufacturers, and at the same time quite original and reliable.
We liked Suzuki Kizashi
Dynamics, variator efficiency, handling, noise insulation
We didn't like Suzuki Kizashi
Comfort for rear passengers, suspension rigidity, lack of cheaper versions
Competitors Suzuki Kizashi in the Russian market
Nissan Teana
Renault Latitude
The car was provided by Laura-Kutchino, the official Suzuki dealer.
Authors: Alexander Korobchenko, Philip Berezin
Photo: Roman Ostanin
Source: Wheel magazine [November 2010]
