Kizashi Club

Hi,

I'm interested in getting Kizashi, but my local dealer only carries automatic. I was wondering how smooth the manual transmission is. Is it comparable to Honda's or Mazda's? Or, is it more like Scion Tc's, Kia, Hyundai? Or, does it feel like something completely different?

Thanks for your help!!!!

I have a 6 speed manual and like it. It's comparable to the Mazda 6 I test drove, but with a good bit more power. The Hyundai manual tranny is a steaming pile of poo, just about anyone's manual is better than the two Sonatas I test drove.

I have the manual but haven't tested the cars listed. I will say over all it is the smoothest manual I've ever driven though.

I had the same problem as you, no dealer within about 400 miles had a manual, so took the gamble and won

I have the '10 "s" with 6 spd. I love this car. Previously, I had an '07 Reno with the standard 5-spd. As you would guess, there isn't much comparison between the 5 and the 6. There may be a better manual out there somewhere, but I don't need it; this one will do...

It's almost like old-man Suzuki himself came to my house and measured my arm for this transmission. The 2/3 shift is perfect. All the shifts are good, but the 2/3 is like a hot knife through butter. I don't know how it could get any better.

My only Honda experience is too dated to be of any value to you. I had a '97 EX 5spd Accord for a couple of years; that's where my love of manuals began. This Kizashi is better.

When it comes to Hyundia/Kia, I drove the base Optima with 6 spd. I can only echo what Smed said: "...a steaming pile of...". I didn't think much of it, and wouldn't buy one.

Just to show you I'm not completely biased on this, I would like it if Reverse were moved to Left and Up rather than Right and Down. Each of the other manuals was that way, L and Up. Other than this, I'm happy as a clam.

I also own an MY10 S 6sp.... and I think the transmission is lovely! Very smooth, precise, decently short thows and the gears are perfectly spaced. Much better than the Mazda 3 (haven't tried the mazda6), better than the Altima, better than any Ford sedan, better than the previous gen civic (haven't tried a 2012). You will love it!

Honda manual transmissions remain the (affordable) bar.
BMW and Porsche both offer slightly better feel.
Mazda isn't close, but it reminds me of a Kizashi.

Yes it's just my opinion.....

I like the clutch in the jetta better. It has more area to cover when pressing the clutch. That makes it easier on starts on a hill. In the Kizashi, I have to use the hand brake (I know this is the proper way though). And this also makes me stall it less

The stick is better in Kizashi then the Jetta. Even Jetta's stick is very smooth, but Suzuki just took it up a notch. Now I feel like I am using "force" to switch gears in Jetta.

Overall, the Suzuki wins because upshifts and downshifts are smoother.

I have a Honda Fit. It's shifter is a little more precise feeling but I grind gears occasionally. The Kizashi is smoother and feels a little more mechanically insulated. I rarely grind gears with it and it generally feels better.

Incidentally, my father's 1999 BMW 3 series felt sloppier at 80 k miles, although it is not actually sloppy.

I love my Kizashi S with manual transmition. I think is one of the best I ever tried. Very smooth. Most of the passengers are they dont feel the shift as in other manual transmition cars.

i like the 6spd, its smooth, even when down shifting too