Meet Swift's bigger brother

The Kizashi feels predictable and well planted, even in the wet. Photo / Geoff Osborn

Suzuki's execs seemed almost embarrassed by Swift's success - and unsure they could replicate it. Now they're bullish about Kizashi's prospects in a new bracket. Is their confidence warranted? An initial waterlogged drive suggests it is.

What's new
Everything; Kizashi is a new entry into the mid-size market for Suzuki, supplying a step up for Swift and SX4 buyers who currently only have the Vitara SUV to choose from.

No wonder it benefited from the most extensive development plan the brand has ever conducted; Suzuki invested double the dollars paid out for the Swift. The result is a smart new body, sitting atop a new platform. The 2.4-litre engine's developed from the Grand Vitara's, its 131kW/230Nm supplying stronger performance and, at 7.9l/100km, better fuel economy.

There's a six-speed manual entry car, though the nicely-adjusted CVT is likely to prove most popular.

The company line
Kizashi is phase three of what Suzuki calls a product revolution, with Swift, Vitara and SX4 the "sporty" phase one, Alto the "family" phase two, and Kizashi the "status" car.

Suzuki marketing GM Tom Peck says: "The challenge for us is this is an unknown product and most buyers don't associate Suzuki with mid-size cars or premium build."

What we say
Suzuki should cut back on the "power of an athlete" tag lines and draw fewer Audi comparisons. Kizashi is not a sports car, nor an Audi-beater, and too great an emphasis on talents it lacks may cause punters to overlook its advantages.

Kizashi is smart enough from most angles, though I'm not sold on the rear view. I do like the cabin. All the materials feel pleasant to touch, fit and finish seems excellent, and clever use of line suggests a strong spine to the dash that gives the cockpit a touch of character.

Meanwhile, spec is generous for the $35,990 start price. Keyless entry and push-button start is standard; so is dual-zone climate air with rear seat air vents; "enough cup-holders to keep the largest coffee addict happy"; six airbags, ESP, and ABS brakes.

The $42,990 CVT auto Ltd adds the likes of heated leather seats with 10-way power adjust, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, rain sensing wipers and auto lights.

Kizashi sits somewhere between Mazda3 and Mazda6 in size, and could compete in either bracket.

On the road
Suzuki's attenuated test loop gave us little opportunity to develop an impression. However, the lumpy tarmac suggested excellent ride compliance, we confirmed a willing engine - and good cabin ergonomics. We look forward to a more extended test.

As for our track exercises, held in heavy rain and designed to underline this car's safe chassis-ESP equation, both the GLX base model and its Ltd sibling impressed. They felt predictable and well planted, with minimal body roll either during extreme swerve manoeuvres or our slalom test. Both stopped well in the wet; no surprise then that the same manufacturer also supplies brakes for the bullet train.

Suzuki brought along an equivalent Mazda6 and Toyota Camry to trial against its new car. As expected, there was plentiful body roll from the Mazda - yet it remained well planted and pleasant to drive. Also as expected, the Camry was shown up as a dynamic wallflower in this company.

Why you'll buy one
It's a nice-looking car inside and out, a capable driver and well priced.

Why you won't
You hate after-market Bluetooth kits yet need your phone.