The exterior oozes appeal. Even the shape of the wheel covers and exhaust pipes sidestep the basics. Kizashi (pronounced Kee-Zah-Shee) has the look, but there is definitely substance to back it up and protection to keep it all intact. Given that this car is Suzuki’s first foray into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment, Kizashi provides an all-weather blanket via a variety of rust guards, including zinc-plated steel sheets, suspension mounting points draped in hot wax, and underbody resin panels. On the inside, Kizashi’s overall presentation is user-friendly. Some interior details are so-so (like the trip odometer’s location on the underside of the steering wheel), while other elements (like ambient foot-well lighting) are pitch-perfect.

Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm when mated to the 6-speed manual transmission (180 horsepower at 6000 rpm when mated to the continuously variable transmission/CVT). Sold in S, SE, GTS and SLS, all four trim levels include eight airbags as standard fare. Kizashi also benefits from good sight lines and when the rear seat is vacant, fold-down headrests further improve the rear view. MSRP for front wheel drive Kizashi and six-speed manual transmission is $18,999, while the all-wheel-drive Kizashi SLS with CVT is $26,749. Estimated mpg for the all-wheel drive car with the CVT and 16-inch wheels is 23 city/30 highway.