When I first laid eyes on the Kizashi at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010, the car seemed to be just another bland concept with a minimalist design approach, which most Suzuki cars adhere to. However, when I drove India’s first luxury Maruti Suzuki vehicle last week on a short trip to Chandigarh, it really rocked my world. The Kizashi, with its 2393cc DOHC 4 cylinder petrol engine, can churn out a very fun and exciting 175bhp @ 6500rpm. The ride quality was exceptionally smooth because of the car’s marvelous suspension and the comfort of the interiors was sufficient enough for the long trip. The car is quick, in fact it’s mighty quick, and can easily zoom from 0 -100kmph in under 8 seconds. This, my friends, is something totally new from Suzuki and this car may very well be their trump card to gain entry into India’s booming luxury segment.
The Kizashi also comes stacked with features such as ABS, driver and passenger airbags, Immobilizer and traction control. It also comes stocked with a nice audio infotainment system and a USB port, which is essential if it wishes to capture the youthful and tech savvy customer. What it could really use though is a sunroof.
Ride quality and engine power aside, the only thing that separates the Maruti Suzuki Kizashi from the likes of Skoda and Toyota are perhaps the dreary interiors. The plastics are of a cheaper material and the finishing touches come no where close to that found in a Laura or a Camry. Another point in mind for Indian customers is that nobody wants to spend Rs. 28 lakh on a Maruti. The brand perception of big spenders does not suit Maruti Suzuki, which could definitely see Kizashi sales getting hit hard, especially when you can get a Beemer for the same price. But I must say, putting brand value aside, in my opinion the Kizashi is a whirlwind car and it is fantastic indeed. A real driver, who likes to drive and doesn’t care about his so called image, really should look into the Kizashi. If I had the money I wouldn’t even think twice before buying one, and that’s how brilliant I think this car is.
