Suzuki Kizashi XL 2010 Long-term review - 2

After a worry-free six months, we've handed back the keys to our long-term Suzuki Kizashi XL. The brand's new midsize front-wheel drive provided Carsales Network's Melbourne team with competent and reliable transport during its extended loan, with not so much as a niggle reported.

The complaints list is slight: some staffers noting pangs of discontentment where Kizashi's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is concerned; but otherwise the car's across-the-board ability and overall quality impressed even the harshest CN critic.

The CVT foibes are evident, especially when overtaking from 80km/h where a less than gentle approach is required to summon the required motivation. Persistence does pay off, eventually, though one can't help but wonder if this engine (and the car overall) wouldn't benefit from a standard six-speed automatic. Around town, however, the CVT as smooth as silk...

Spending the final week at the wheel, this writer noted a balanced ride/handling compromise and, taken as a whole, a well assembled package utilising above average materials ...For the price.

Similarly, and despite many manufacturers claims that CVTs reduce fuel economy, Kizashi couldn't meet ADR combined results during our loan with nearly all staffers reporting averages north of 9.0L/100km (for reference, the official figure is 7.9L/100km).

Tyre wear was negligible but consistent in that no uneven wear was noticed, Kizashi's front-end alignment remaining true throughout (Kizashi was fitted with Yokohama tyres). By the same token the brake pads had plenty of meat left after we run up 10,000 un-Miss Daisy kilometres.

Family buyers would do well to look at Kizashi. Grown-ups will appreciate the more refined feel of the car's decor, generous standard equipment list and ample safety equipment while lanky teens will warm to above average rear legroom and spacious 461-litre boot. Upholstery, interior plastics and carpet held up well to less-than-fair treatment while all switchgear remained tight and completely functional. Headlamp clarity and range was also better than expected.

The audio package is better than you'd expect too in this price bracket, as is the climate control system which keeps a diligent watch over cabin climes. Interior lighting offers an acceptable level of clarity at night, even if the instrument panel's twin gauges could have provided more concise incrementing.

Finally, Kizashi's steering presents well to the driver with a decent turning circle and level of assistance to make parking a non-event. Visibility is fine for the most part, though some shorter drivers would be well advised to opt for acoustic rear parking sensors thanks to Kizashi's higher rear end.

At the end of the day, the Kizashi rates well against same-class competitors and as Suzuki's first foray into the sector deserves more than an honourable mention.

It's a tight package, a great drive and, when all's said and done a bargain to boot. Now if only we could get a double clutch gearbox and turbodiesel option, Kizashi could well top this list.

For our launch report of the Suzuki Kizashi, click on this link
To follow the Suzuki Kizashi long-termer's progress, click on this link and here for even more
To read about the new Suzuki Kizashi Sport AWD, click on this link

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