2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara Video

The 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara may have greater off-road capabilities than any of its competitors, but this may not be the advantage it seems, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. Its lagging fuel economy puts it way behind the competition, and if you couple that with a dated interior, potential buyers have reason to pause. Check out Hanley’s video to see other pros and cons of the Grand Vitara.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Video

Car buyers may not have the Suzuki Kizashi on their radars, but Cars.com senior editor David Thomas explains in this video why they absolutely should. Despite a somewhat heavy price tag, the 2010 Kizashi features impressive handling, stylish looks and a functional interior that make it competitive with any midsize sedan competitor. Check out the video for more.

Suzuki Offers Free Gas to Lure Buyers

Customers who buy a select Suzuki model between May 1 and Aug. 31 will be eligible for the automaker’s “Free Gas for Summer” promotion. Buyers will get a stored-value debit card with which to buy gas.

Eligible vehicles include the new Kizashi sedan, SX4 SportBack, SX4 Sport sedan, SX4 crossover, Grand Vitara and Equator.

The cards will range in value between $280 and $442, depending on a number of factors. Apparently, Suzuki will take into account an assumed three-month time frame, the car’s EPA highway mileage, the national average price for a gallon of gas and the Federal Highway Administration’s estimate of 1,000 miles driven per month.

The promotion is especially tempting for buyers looking at the Kizashi because it’s a new vehicle without a lot of cash incentives attached.

If we have Suzuki’s reasoning right, you might want to wait until around July, when gas prices tend to peak. The higher the national average for a gallon of gas, the more money Suzuki will have to put on the debit card.

Bonus Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Bonus Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi We get a bonus reader review to highlight this week. “Prior Mercedes Owner” from Denver recently took the plunge and bought the brand-new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. The reviewer explains that after owning a wide variety of vehicles, the Kizashi still manages to impress. A few minor quibbles do not limit this driver’s enjoyment. Read the full review to find out what exactly makes the Kizashi stand out against “unnamed bland imports.” After you finish with the Kizashi, write your own review here.

Recall Alert: 2010 Suzuki Equator

In a recall that affects only 15 vehicles, Suzuki has notified the federal government of a defect in those select few 2010 Equator pickup trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall is due to a defect in the fasteners securing the front passenger seat’s airbag module as well as the ones securing the steering shaft positioning bracket, which may not have been tightened to the right torque specification.

During a crash, it’s possible that the trajectory of the front airbag might be affected when it deploys. If the fasteners come out of the steering column, they could also increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect both the steering column and front passenger airbag fasteners, replace any missing fasteners and tighten any loose ones to the correct specification for free. Owners may contact Suzuki at 800-934-0934 or the NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.

Suzuki adds Sport Trim to Kizashi

The Kizashi already surprised a number of Cars.com editors with its sporty handling, and now it offers a new option package looks to up the ante. The Sport package can be ordered to either the GTS or the SLS trim levels for the 2011 model year and adds a number of dress-up items including revised front and rear front ends with chrome accents; it also lowers the ride by 10 mm.

Suzuki says this will improve aerodynamics, grip and handling. The interior adds a sport steering wheel and unique leather seats when equipped.

We’re not sure how much better the Kizashi can get with these upgrades but the light-weight 18-inch wheels and other add-ons will likely be worth the package price. Unfortunately Suzuki didn’t mention an exact figure but said that it would be less than $23,000 for the GTS and $25,000 for the SLS when it goes on sale in August. There are more photos below so let us know what you think.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi with a Manual: First Drive

The last time we sat behind the wheel of Suzuki’s new 2010 Kizashi sedan, it was equipped with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. We recently got some seat time in the six-speed manual transmission counterpart that does a much better job of showing how dedicated Suzuki is to offering a sporty midsize sedan.

In this segment where larger cars like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion compete, you’ll mostly find manual transmissions offered on less expensive trim levels or not at all, like the Chevrolet Malibu. A manual is available in the base trim levels of the S ($18,999), GTS ($22,499) and most expensive SLS ($24,399). An automatic is standard only on the midlevel SE ($21,499).

I drove a GTS with manual transmission, front-wheel drive (manual with all-wheel drive isn’t available) and the largest 18-inch wheels that come standard; other Kizashis offer 16- and 17-inch wheels. Suspensions remain unchanged through all trim levels, so Suzuki does its tuning through wheel size, where the 18s are the cream of the crop for performance. The Kizashi’s sporty handling characteristics are naturally complemented with manual transmission. Plus, manual-equipped Kizashis have an extra five horsepower from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, adding up to 185 hp. 

Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, 2010 Kia Forte Koup

Some automakers use the letter K when they don’t need to, like Kia with its odd spelling of the Forte Koup. Others, like Suzuki, use it to inspire bellowing out a name, like with Kizashi. Cars.com editors David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder explain why both cars are remarkable in their own special way.  

You can download the podcast via iTunes here or click the play button below.

Cars.com Podcast #36

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Already crammed with popular vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the midsize family-sedan segment sees a newcomer in the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. What angle will Suzuki use to crack into the market? The Kizashi’s bargain-basement starting price is a good place to begin. Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder investigates if there’s anything more to recommend the Kizashi.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Review

Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Suzuki Equator

“Equator Owner” from Wichita, Kan., was in the market for a used truck but found a new 2010 Suzuki Equator with plenty of attractive incentives attached. He opted for the new Equator, but was it the right choice? Read his review to find out what annoys him about the Equator, and then post a review of your own vehicle here.