The issue is that Americans classify cars and more notably, how much they should cost by size. The Japanese and most of the world don't exactly follow this logic. Keep in mind that the Kizashi is a global car and the same size car is sold around the world. The Accord and Altima as Americans know them don't exist in Japan despite being Japanese brands. Japan and many other countries have different sized models even if called the same name. For example, the Euro Accord sold in Japan and Europe was sold in the US, but was called the Acura TSX. It was smaller and more upscale than the midsize Accord sold in America.SamirD wrote:Exactly, especially when a land yacht sized Accord or Altima was in the same price range with similar features.Sluggo wrote:I don't feel most people would spend the money for the Kizashi.
People thought of Suzuki as a cheap car and just wouldn't spend
30 grand for one. I think your right, too small and to expensive in peoples minds.
USDM cars like the Accord and Altima were specifically designed for the US market and were sized larger than their international counterparts. They aren't only made in the US, they were made for the US.
The thing that surprises many people about the Kizashi is the level of refinement it has for the price and size. This is why the Kizashi appeared to cost a bit much for the size. Size-wise, many compared it to the Chevy Cruze, VW Jetta, and others like it but didn't realize that the Kizashi was a tier above in quality and refinement.
That being said, Suzuki was always at a disadvantage because they are known world-wide as a small, cheap car brand. Hence, despite them making the finest car they ever built, most consumers just saw the Kizashi as a cheap car with a hefty price tag (when fully loaded). It did not help that Suzuki's marketing was also dismal and poorly portrayed what the Kizashi was actually intended to be: Suzuki's debut as a broadening brand with a higher level of refinement. Suzuki even named the car "Kizashi" which means omen or harbinger in Japanese to represent this intention of going upscale. As we all know, it was a complete failure worldwide and Suzuki has apparently given up on it and is now doubling down on their strengths which are subcompacts. This is why I have repeatedly said that there is very unlikely to be a next generation Kizashi. Suzuki has apparently given the Kizashi fleet car treatment in Japan.
Despite the criticism of many, the Kizashi's size is perfect for me. I didn't want a compact car like what I used to have and part of it was because they lack refinement and ride quality. I also didn't want a USDM bloat-mobile of a midsize given I rarely have anyone in my backseats. I wanted something refined, sized as small as it could pull off as a midsize, and had good driving characteristics all while being a great value. The Kizashi was one of the very few cars that pulled this off. Hence I own one.
