Here's That Matte-Black Kizashi That Could Have Turned It All Around
The Kizashi was perhaps the best four-wheeled Suzuki ever built, and in certain trim and equipment levels it represented a real alternative to expensive near-luxury sedans. It’s no longer for sale here, of course, but in one rather unique market it’s been given a fascinating last hurrah.
Our friends in Malaysia report that the Kizashi is being sent off with a special matte-black edition:
Besides the matte black exterior shade, the car gets a new 2-Din audio system with touchscreen, navigation as well as a HD reverse camera with night mode. Standard kit includes leather seats, six airbags and ESP, bi-Xenons and push-start ignition and, in the case of the Sport, 18-inch alloys wrapped with 235/45 rubbers.
No changes to the mechanicals, the Kizashi continuing on with the J24B 2.4 litre four-pot with 178 PS at 6,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm for output; likewise, the six-speed CVT ‘box. The car comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty.
Total net price is about 130,000RM, which is basically forty grand in US money. Or slightly less than a Focus Titanium costs in the same market.
The Kizashi put the lie to the idea that good product always succeeds in the American marketplace. The question is: could some razzle-dazzle marketing have saved the car? How about some matte paint?
More by Jack Baruth
Comments
Join the conversation
A good car unloved by anyone except enthusiasts. Suzuki's biggest sin was the hookup with GM. It did not better the breed to be in bed with GM. I opened the door to a gently used and fully loaded XL-7 with leather, 3rd row and all the toys this weekend while car shopping. Looking at the GM sourced switch gear and mentally seeing the same basic switch gear in my mother-in-law's Torrent... well let's just say the V6 AWD 2010 Highlander SE across the lot seemed even nicer than it had when I test drove it. Suzuki should have stood on its own two feet and been un-apologetically Japanese. Hopefully it could have at least found a niche that way.
I would never buy another Suzuki, even if I could here in the States. I had an 08 SX4 that I bought new and had to have the engine replaced under warranty with 65,000 miles on it. Anything that broke was expensive to fix because there is no aftermarket for it. 50k later engine was acting up again but had no warranty. The engine appeared to be a common problem as dealer new exactly what the issue was. I lked the car up until the engine went.