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Suzuki Kizashi

217 messages,  Last post on Apr 12, 2013 at 10:32 AM

You are in the Suzuki Kizashi Forum.

What is this discussion about? Suzuki Kizashi, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 15 of 22

#138 of 217 2012 model changes by rktbrkr

Jan 28, 2012 (6:52 am)

An all-new model for 2011, the Suzuki Kizashi slims down to a single configuration for 2012. The front-wheel drive and manual transmission previously available have been discontinued.
 
Given the sales levels they slimmed down the transmission offerings, the FWD version was lost in a sea of competition, the AWD sedan has some relative advantages against Subaru and much more expensive AWD choices.
 
This low snow winter in the northeast and midwest has to be impacting AWD sales

#139 of 217 Re: 2012 model changes [rktbrkr] by gregg_vw

Jan 28, 2012 (5:09 pm)

Replying to: rktbrkr (Jan 28, 2012 6:52 am)
It was all new for 2010. This is its third year out. Suzuki lists 14 Kizashi trim levels for 2012, including manual transmission and FWD models. As for its advantages against Subaru (Legacy), they are pretty evenly matched in terms of AWD, power, and gas mileage. The Subaru may be a tad slower, but mpg will be a tad better than the Suzuki. The Legacy is a bit longer and roomier. The Kizashi splits the difference between the Legacy and all new Impreza sedan. For most people, the Subaru is the better bet: many more dealers and better resale value. I'd say the Kizashi is better looking, and perhaps a better handler, but when you have to drive over 100 miles to the nearest dealer, then Subaru is the choice.

#140 of 217 Re: 2012 model changes [gregg_vw] by rktbrkr

Jan 29, 2012 (2:22 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Jan 28, 2012 5:09 pm)
The AWD only info was posted here on Edmunds. IMO the name is a killer sounds like a Japanese disease. I think it would sell well rebranded and sold as a Kia, GM etc but the dealer network is another killer, they should have been able to pick up a lot of disenfranchised GM dealers but I guess they didn't!

#141 of 217 Re: 2012 model changes [rktbrkr] by gregg_vw

Jan 29, 2012 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: rktbrkr (Jan 29, 2012 2:22 pm)
No, instead they closed dealers in 2010 like it was the end of the world. It was a stupid idea to consolidate dealers in order to move more units per dealer. You need to have dealers close by, or people won't buy. Here in WI, they closed every Suzuki dealer in the northeast quadrant of the state. Sales plunged in that area. It didn't take a rocket surgeon to predict that.
 
I loved my loaded SX4, but am just as glad to be rid of it. This company is in deep trouble with its US arm. And now the Kizashi is already in its third year. No powertrain changes, no significant updates of any sort. Kizashi was a decent entry in 2010. Today, it is not keeping up with the competition. Where are they going to get the funds to renew this model in the next two years?

#142 of 217 Re: 2012 model changes [gregg_vw] by rktbrkr

Jan 30, 2012 (9:56 am)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Jan 29, 2012 6:32 pm)
The US sales levels don't justify updating the models, only about ^K annually for Kizashi, I don't know their total global sales.
 
Total US sales of all autos is about 25K only one quarter of what they were selling a few years ago (mostly rebranded thru GM). Amazing they didn't sign up a lot of GM dealers who lost GM dead brand franchises.
 
I think their products are fine, esp Kizahi, but they can't continue with this dealer network.

#143 of 217 pulled the trigger by kizashiowner

Feb 19, 2012 (4:36 pm)

After 4 month of none stop research and test drive others , I bought the SLS AWD Sport 2012 in Black Metallic. drove 100 miles in the highway and WOW 35 MPG, didn't expect that as it is listed 29MPG. love the design turning so many heads already, interior Audi quality, they didn't spare any details, check out the quality of every part used in the car from the break to the tires to the leather all the way to the engine amazing quality. Best of all I don't feel I am a part of the herd, the AWD and the tire makes me corner with joy, be careful as you drive thinking you are doing 55 but you are at 85 smooth and quiet, amazing quality, perfect design. Love it.

#144 of 217 kizashiowner... by iluvmysephia1

Feb 19, 2012 (8:25 pm)

indeed, I test drove one in April 2010, yes, the original U.S. Suzuki Kizashi for sale in the States, and the automatic CVT did not disappoint. I wanted a red 6-speed standard transmission Kizashi, went in to negotiations but didn't get the deal I wanted. When I look back the dealer was just trying to make a bit more of a profit, for the amount of beautiful car I was getting we both would've walked away winners and happy at the same time. But I ended up walking away with our '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, and I still love our Lancer GTS, so that is cool.
 
But wow, I loved that Kizashi and would not hesitate later to buy one. You're right, smooth driving experience, quiet in the cabin and solid build quality. I figured I needed to buy the red Kizashi, this car is amazing.
 
So there ya go, kizashiowner, ya done good! If you don't mind please come on back here and week-ta-week or month-ta-month give us your Kizashi update as far as the driving exerience goes, fuel economy, dealership experience, etc. That way us Kizashi droolers can get our fill about what we're missing, OK?

#146 of 217 Re: kizashiowner... [iluvmysephia1] by kizashiowner

Feb 27, 2012 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Feb 19, 2012 8:25 pm)
The car has been great so far, true fun to drive. There is active community kizashiclub check it out as there are so much information from Kizashi owners.

#147 of 217 kizashiowner... by iluvmysephia1

Mar 01, 2012 (1:29 am)

excellent tip. Thanks! I'll check it out.

Messages Page 15 of 22

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