Suzuki Kizashi Review: Growing up

What we like:

Purposeful looks

well-equipped

well-built

seamless power delivery

refined engine

well-damped ride

sporty handling

What we dislike:

Not as spacious as the likes of the Camry inside

smaller on the outside than most of its competitors in a class where size really matters

no 2-litre option

To further help its cause against the class' big boys, he Kizashi is comprehensively equipped with luxuries like automatic Xenon lights, 18-inch wheels including a full size spare underneath the boot floor, keyless entry and operation, two zone climate control, factory stereo with controls on the steering wheel and iPod connectivity, cruise control, ESP, front and side curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lamps and so on.

In terms of pricing, the Kizashi is priced somewhere in between the 2-litre and the 2.4-litre Camry. The Kizashi performs better than the top spec Camry, drives better, looks more handsome and is as well equipped but what it doesn't have is the Camry's sheer size. Size usually does matter in the large family saloon class the Kizashi competes in - only time will tell if buyers can forego the Suzuki's lack of size and choose it over the class stalwarts for the way it drives and looks. A word of advice for those who won't consider the Kizashi for its lack of size though - ignore it at your own peril for it is a really impressive first time effort at a big saloon from Suzuki.

Credits: Story and Photos by Raymond Lai