The Kizashi Sport midsize sedan is a zesty performer, and that’s a point that likely goes unnoticed by sports car shoppers who fail to put Suzuki on the consideration list. This four-door not only has a sleek exterior demeanor, but there’s attitude to match it. The car is essentially unchanged for the 2012 model year, but that’s not surprising since the Sport version only arrived in the U.S. marketplace for the 2011 model year. The test driven Kizashi Sport provided plenty of reasons to get attached, starting with terrific handling, an eye-pleasing interior, and zesty power.

Offered in front wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the sports sedan is powered by a 2.4-liter 4- cylinder engine. When mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the output is 185 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 170 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The horsepower dips to 180 at 6000 rpm when fitted with the continuously variable transmission. Kizashi Sport’s standard list includes push button ignition, eight standard airbags, split rear seats with a center pass-through, and tilt- telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. Estimated mpg with the manual transmission is 20 city and 29 highway. MSRP of Kizashi Sport GTS is $22,249.