After a brief online search, it appears that Kizashi has no meaning. Anyway, let's move on to what the Kizashi really is.
This is the car that will save Suzuki in America. Suzuki elsewhere (like Japan) is a highly profitable company with an array of small cars and other eccentric modes of transportation. Worldwide they are known for their motorcycles. In America? Most folks will have no idea they even sell cars in the US. However, take the badges off of this new Kizashi in, say Georgia, and it's likely you'll get an "Infiniti" or "Lexus" response. With that alone you'd think Suzuki had nailed it. But not quite.
The Kizashi is a great car. It doesn't have a V6 option, and the optional CVT automatic transmission is sluggish. The top of the line 185 horsepower 2.4L isn't necessarily quick or extremely fuel efficient either. Still, this Camry-sized contender is one of my favorite cars on our car lot right now. The interior is excellent with the optional leather seats and Rockford Fosgate sound system. The keyless ignition, being the gimmick it is, creates the illusion that this really might be a luxury car. Plus, it's one of the few cars in its class that offers an all wheel drive powertrain, making it perfect for snow-combating northerners.
There's no doubt that Suzuki came a long way creating this car. It's beautiful to look at. The wheels, the flared arches, and even the tail lights are pleasantly shaped and perfectly proportioned. So why isn't the Kizashi taking off like a rocket? It's affordably priced, and well-equipped, and gorgeous. The 7 year 100,000 mile warranty isn't bad, either. In a word, it's Suzuki's fault; not the Kizashi's. I have seen little to no advertising of the Kizashi anywhere. The name might not be a great choice, either. Even "Suzuki Kamikazi" might have sounded better. Petty things aside, I think the Kizashi has what Suzuki needs to make their US market successful, in the same way that silver bullets are exactly what a vampire hunter needs. Unfortunately, that vampire hunter left his gun at home.
Thanks for reading.-Biggs
