2010 Suzuki Kizashi — Japan’s Forgotten Sports Sedan
2010 Suzuki Kizashi — Japan’s Forgotten Sports Sedan
The Suzuki Kizashi (meaning "omen" or "sign of great things to come" in Japanese) was Suzuki’s ambitious attempt to break into the mid-size sports sedan segment. Unveiled in the US in July 2009 and launched in Japan in October 2009, it was a bold departure for a brand best known for small cars, kei vehicles, and SUVs.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L J24B inline-4 |
| Power | 131 kW (185 hp) |
| Torque | 230 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | ~7.8 sec (manual) |
| Top speed | 215 km/h |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD (i-AWD) |
| Weight | 1,470 kg |
| Fuel consumption | ~8.2 L/100 km |
The Kizashi used a more powerful version of the engine found in the Grand Vitara, paired with either a sweet 6-speed manual or a CVT. The AWD system was borrowed from the SX4. Braking was handled by Akebono-sourced calipers, and the car rode on 17- or 18-inch alloys.
Suzuki Kizashi in South Africa
The Kizashi launched in South Africa in 2011, and at the time was Suzuki’s fastest production car ever sold locally. It was offered in two trims: the 2.4 SLX and the 2.4 SDLX.
South African reviewers praised the Kizashi for its sharp styling, high standard specification, and surprisingly sporty handling. The interior was a highlight — soft-touch materials, leather seats, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, and a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system were all standard or optional depending on the trim.
But it faced an uphill battle:
- Petrol-only — No diesel option in a market that loved oil-burners for long-distance cruising
- CBU import — Imported as a completely built unit from Japan, which pushed the price past R300,000 at launch
- Brand perception — In 2011, Suzuki was still establishing itself in SA (having only opened local operations in 2008). A R300k+ Suzuki sedan was a hard sell against established players like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Mazda6
As a result, the Kizashi remained a rare sight on South African roads. Today, used examples with mileage around 100,000 km sell for roughly R100,000–R180,000 — a bargain for a well-specced, reliable Japanese sedan that stands out from the crowd.
Why It Failed (and Why We Love It)
Globally, the Kizashi was a commercial flop — but through no fault of the car itself. In Japan, only 3,379 units were sold between 2009 and 2015, and a quarter of those went to the National Police Agency. The car was subject to heavy taxation due to its 2.4L engine, and Suzuki simply wasn’t seen as a premium sedan brand in its home market.
In the US, Suzuki sold 6,138 units in 2010 and 6,942 in 2011, but the Great Recession and Suzuki’s eventual withdrawal from the North American market in 2013 sealed its fate. Production ended in December 2015.
What makes the Kizashi special today is its rarity and its character. It’s a genuine driver’s car with a high-quality interior, engaging handling, and distinctive looks. It’s the sedan that Suzuki should have been known for — but never was.
Sources:
- Suzuki Kizashi - Wikipedia
- Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 SLX Review - Cars.co.za
- Suzuki Kizashi pricing - AutoTrader SA
Did you ever see a Suzuki Kizashi on South African roads? Would you buy one as a used bargain today?