Kizashi Club

Hello ! Im a newbie!

After years of Mercedes, Bmw etc Ive got a Kizashi, brand new, full warranty.. Im on my 2nd day.

Im Astounded. And love this car.
A really great purchase, I feel. I dont see many of these around on the road in the UK (which is a good thing) - but could be an 'indicator'???
***First 24 hours***
Anyway, all round to sum up TONNES of plus points but so far there are a few minuses for me personally...just niggles.

(i) the speedo dial. No colour changes on max MPH points (for example some UK cars have a little red line at 30, 50 and 70mph common road limits)
(ii) the compartment where the ipod USB is - a bit impractical to store 'bits' in other words, no real little 'bucket' trays - soI am using the cup holders for coin storage and lipsticks
(iii) the digital display - now by this point you might already have decided Im super fussy but It would have been lovely to be able so have a digital speed display mode in the centre, that shows big speedo numbers in the middle and then options for a big digital centre clock display, rather than a tiny clock time display in the corner. (you know, on that display that flashes suzuki and says "PRESS BUTTON TO START") **DUHHH** who do they think I am dumb & dumber??? Ok Ok hands up, I admit, Im blonde, the dealer must have known
Finally red backlights on switches in the dark.. hmmm would have preferred white
(iV) The boot takes a bit of force to shut it, it does bounce back sometimes.

I know I have yet to 'read the manual' so, Im sure that Im just splitting hairs here.

I wont go down the route regarding CVT and upchange sounds yet. I realised that this could be a gripe, but I will live with that moan! I know it does take some getting used to - a car that floats like a swan, rather than paddle like a duck!!!

Wondering whether to remove stock alloys and put into storage and put on aftermarket ones (regarding others experience of rim discolouration)

Welcome Missdeeblue, I'm a an owner of only 5 weeks now and loving most aspects of my Kizashi. I agree there are a few things that could be changed or added, ( I'm pretty particular too!) But I think they are one of the best value for money mid-sizers around.
I dont know what price they are in the UK compared to other mid-size models but here in Aus. we get a car packed with all, or more, of the goodies you'd get in European models for many, many thousands less. (Euro cars are massively more expensive here to buy, service and for parts!)
I agree it's surprising there aren't more around...nice to be in an exclusive club though!!
Regarding the wheels and the problems we all have with brake dust, there are a lot more cars out there that get dirtier rims more quickly than the Kizashi. Regular washing is obviously the answer to that but I don't think changing your rims, particularly if you chose light coloured alloy again, would alleviate the problem.
Like a few of the other owners on this forum, I'm considering having mine powder coated to dark grey or black. They are a pretty good looking rim, I'm happy to hang on to them...cheaper too!!!
Anyway, I'm just loving my car and keep looking for reasons to take it out for a spin...but I guess everyone on this forum feels the same way...

Hey Cocos3
Thanks so much for your warm hello
And for taking the time to reply!

My purchase was a part ex.. I was happy with the deal. New in the UK is approx 21 to 22 thou GBP. Sadly though we are limited to white, grey or black. I think my first choice would have been red over cream, if available Mine is black over black.

I agree its a hell of a lot of car for the £

I recently read that changing rims to non-stock was frowned upon as this might invalidate warranty and make the tire pressure sensor gadget (housed within stock alloys) useless .. so best to stay as she is I guess, which isnt a bad thing, wheels pretty smart. Powder coating...interesting. I think I will stay safe and abide by the rules. Im sure Suzuki will find some excuse to say I invalidated my warranty if I did any tweaks! But I await 3 yrs time... OMG hello induction hood and dark alloys

After having had only coupes, the two 'spare' back seats will most probably be untouched, but then Im sure my relatives will use the excuse to change Kizzy into a cab! "oh she has 4 seats now"

p.s. Id be really interested to find out your mpg feedback

I decided my first tank ever will be recorded with AWD set permanently. The second full tank, set back to i-awd , then I plan to check the consumption difference

Welcome. You will soon become accustomed to all the Kizzy-isms. Get the boot looked after by the dealer, though.
As far as fuel economy, I personally have not noticed much difference between 2WD and AWD, so I usually leave it on AWD. It drives so much nicer in AWD. In my experience, fuel economy improves after a few thousand miles. The quality of the materials inside and out is first rate, and you will find it stands up very well with time. Enjoy!

I have the 2wd model so not really the right comparison...

With 2600klms on the clock it's running at 8.3 l/100ks (28.3mpg). Has been on 8.2 here and there too. A friend here in town (also 2wd) has 30,000k's on hers at 11 months old and is running 7.6 (30.9mpg) most of the time, sometimes lower. She said it took a while for it to settle in but it does happen!

Welcome~! For the backlight, you can switch them to white if you want. It just takes time and effort. If you have the dough, you can always get the shop to do it for ya;)

As far As mileage goes, the best I have ever gotten was around 9L/100KM. Mind you my car is AWD model.

Nice to see you made it over here from Suzuki Forums.

You'll quickly find there's a lot more to like (than loathe) in a Kizashi. About the only thing I wish they had standard was auto door locking/ unlocking. The remainder I've been able to add on to my bottom spec Kizashi.

Hi and welcome to the Kizashi lovers forum! I to have only just purchased my Awd sport and I love it too. I test drove over 20 cars, then test drove the Kizashi and was really impressed. I like the fact that there is this site and people are friendly and able to give you advice and feedback. I have never bothered joining any other forum with previous cars, but this is so great for information. (Mind you my boyfriend is rolling his eyes at me asking me how long before I start looking at things I can add on) heheh.

Welcome to the club.

I'm also new to the car, only got my sports AWD 2 weeks ago.

Loving the car, but I do agree with you on the LCD screen located in the instrument cluster. Would be great to have a few extra mode to select from.

But I do like the red illumination on the dash.