Something great here …

Executives searching for a new set of wheels often turn to the German marques purely out of habit – a real pity, because there are some other pretty terrific options available …

One is Suzuki’s Kizashi. Available here for a little over a year now, we last drove it during the Car of the Year test (it widely impressed jury members and was a highly deserving finalist). It more than lived up to its name – which, incidentally, means “Something great is coming”.

In typical Japanese fashion, it takes the fight to some of its more “conventional” European rivals by offering a whole lot more for a whole lot less.

The flowing, fluid design gives the Kizashi a sporty yet business-like appearance. The bold radiator grille, pert rear end and 18-inch wheels add to the car’s sense of solidity. It’s the same on the inside too – the standard leather upholstery (including the steering wheel and gear-knob) and well designed, neatly integrated dash console come together to create a classy, comfortable, premium interior environment. There’s comfort and space aplenty …

Kizashi offers an almost endless array of standard features, allowing it to deliver a knock-out blow to the competition. These include: auto-on high-intensity discharge headlamps; auto-dimming rearview mirror; automatic windows; keyless entry and start; automatic dual-zone climate control with rear vents; eight-speaker CD/MP3 sound system with USB connectivity; 10-way electrically-adjustable driver seat with three-position memory; six airbags; ABS, EBD, BAS and ESP; ISOFIX child seat anchorages; hill-hold (CVT models); and front and rear parking sensors.

It is powered by a 2,4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 131 kW at 6 500 r/min and 230 Nm torque at 4 000 r/min. Coupled to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 7,9 litres/100 km and a CO2 emissions rating of 183 g/km are claimed. The engine provides spirited performance, returning 0 to 100 km/h sprints in 7,8 and 8,8 seconds for the manual and CVT respectively.

Looks, comfort, features and power – the Kizashi offers outstanding value for money and is a viable and desirable executive car option. Priced from a meagre R312 900 (including a three-year/100 000 km warranty, six-year/90 000 km service plan, and three-year roadside assistance), we’re baffled why it doesn’t achieve even greater sales figures.