After Kizashi - What New Vehicle?

Anything related to the Kizashi can go here, but please look at the other headings first. Your topic may fit better under something else.
KlutzNinja
Posts: 286
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:58 am

Another bump for another, better look at the refreshed Stinger. I like the new front design enough, but I’m not sure about the rump. The original version should have had the full-length LED bar but the way this is implemented with the new brake and turn lights makes for an odd appearance. It’s hard to describe. At least the interior looks nicer.
Current: Blue 2018 Mazda 3 GT 5-Door
Previous: Blue 2010 Ford Focus SES,
Black 2013 Kizashi Sport GTS-L (CVT; FWD)(RIP)
NickL
Posts: 134
Joined: Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:46 pm

Kizashi is really unique car and it is surely not an easy job finding adeqaute replacement for it.

I am totally satisfied with my Kizashi and plan to keep to for a few more years to come, but when it comes to choosing another options, I must admit that I am seriously interested in purchasing Ford Focus ST, restyle from 2015-2018. It also comes as station wagon car but what I habe read in reviews and heard from other people, it is very fun to drive. 2.0 turbo engine with 250 hp is more than enough for a fun drive, firm suspension, 6 speed manual, a lot of features, great looking body style with beatifull 18" rims makes a complete package. I was never a big fan of Ford except for Mustang, but this Mk3 ST is most probably one of the best and most interesting cars out there for the money it costs....
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing". H. Ford
Firefly
Posts: 317
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 6:45 pm
Location: Northern New Jersey, USA

Has anybody looked into the Mazda 3 Turbo?
Former driver of a 2011 SLS AWD Platinum
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1975
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

Torsion beam rear means smooth roads only.....
KlutzNinja
Posts: 286
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:58 am

The upcoming next-gen Mazda6 seems promising, although it’s some time off. The current generation is a bit larger on the outside than the Kizashi, so it’s safe to assume the new one will be, too, in case exterior size similar to the Kizashi is important. But from what has been leaked or unveiled so far, the new Mazda6 will go to RWD and feature an inline-six engine, in addition to probably being even more lux than the current model. Hopefully it’ll forego the torsion suspension in the Mazda3.
It could be a potential replacement for Kizashi owners in the near future.
Current: Blue 2018 Mazda 3 GT 5-Door
Previous: Blue 2010 Ford Focus SES,
Black 2013 Kizashi Sport GTS-L (CVT; FWD)(RIP)
Firefly
Posts: 317
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 6:45 pm
Location: Northern New Jersey, USA

KlutzNinja wrote:The upcoming next-gen Mazda6 seems promising, although it’s some time off. The current generation is a bit larger on the outside than the Kizashi, so it’s safe to assume the new one will be, too, in case exterior size similar to the Kizashi is important. ...
I went from the Kizashi to the current gen Mazda 6 and although it may be the more 'sporting' or 'engaging' to drive car of its segment, the dimensions made it less so, to me, than the Kizashi.
Former driver of a 2011 SLS AWD Platinum
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Speed_Racer
Posts: 383
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:58 pm
Location: Salt Lake City

If I had been looking for another sporty sedan, the Forte GT would be very high on my list.
Turbo, 6MT, luxury goodies, cheap with incentives!

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'12 Kizashi,'03 SV650,'04 DL1000
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Evanzo7
Posts: 107
Joined: Thu Oct 19, 2017 10:09 pm
Location: Inverness
Contact:

Kizashi is the first car I have ever been completely happy with!
I've not once contemplated getting rid of it early, which for me is huge!

But as for my next car I have two in mind!
Kia Stinger GTS or Hyundai i30n Fastback, been thinking about it for a year & still can't decide between them hahah!
"If in doubt , flat out" - Colin McRae 1968 -2007
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KuroNekko
Posts: 5170
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: California, USA

Not that I'm going to replace my Kizashi any time soon but for me, the next would be a CUV or an SUV (if they get more fuel efficient for commuting). I love sedan handling but really want more space and ground clearance for my passion for the outdoors. My girlfriend has a new Chevy Equinox work vehicle with AWD and even that has impressed me with how much more it caters to things like camping and off-pavement travel. The reality is that one doesn't need a body-on-frame 4x4 SUV for most outdoor activities and a CUV with AWD offers much more than a low sedan with 2WD in that regard. I often think of the ideal next vehicle but most have reasons keeping it from being perfect. Here's some of my considerations:

Mazda CX-30 and CX-5: Love the styling, stellar reliability, available low-oct turbos, and top praise by critics. Not digging the automatic-only trans but at least Mazda avoids CVTs. Of the CUVs, these are more road-oriented than others.

Subaru XV/Crosstrek: King of the soft-roaders for offroad ability. Recently got a 2.5 liter engine option. Available manual trans with AWD (a very rare combo these days in the industry). The bad: 2.5 only with CVT so the manual has the gutless 2.0 liter. Subaru loves CVTs... ugh. Their engines have been problematic for years now and I lost a lot of confidence in them. The EJ25 blew head gaskets way too easily and the newer FA engines brand new burned oil more than most engines with 200,000 miles. Subaru used to be a shining star in my sky but no more. Gotta be careful.

Subaru Outback/Forester: Eh, rather have a Crosstrek as these no longer offer manual trans. I just avoid CVTs.

Jeep Compass: Definitely top offroad ability for a CUV. Manual and AWD available. Styling is nice, like a baby GC. The bad is the reliability (FCA, lol), poor reviews, lame MPGs, and general low ranking among peers. May be had for a good deal?

Ford Bronco Sport: Brand new so not much info on it. Questionable reliability, especially since new Fords are plagued with issues historically. Overall, a serious contender in ability, putting Jeep and Subaru on notice.

Toyota RAV4: Many variations ranging from TRD to Prime. Digging the special versions but this vehicle is so so so ubiquitous. Hybrid and Prime would be nice to blend adventure with commuting, but the TRD and Adventure versions are still more fuel efficient than the Kizashi despite having torque-vectoring AWD. Automatic trans only on all.

Buick TourX: I personally like wagons unlike most Americans. This thing is like an Outback with a better powertrain (turbo engine and gears in the auto) but more for the paved road. I like the huge space and design. German-built. Buick ranks well in reliability. These were killed off recently due to poor sales, but maybe can be found for a good deal used. Automatic only but no CVT. Like the Kizashi, I like the rarity of this vehicle.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: I like the concept but it's really dated now. Mitsubishi is just so disappointing these days. There's a new version coming that's now apparently sharing platforms, engines, and tech with the new Nissan Rogue. The current Outlander PHEV tech is dated with newer models like the RAV4 Prime available now. Come on, Mitsu...

There are others of course, but I think about these ones for their attributes. The reality is that I'll keep my Kizashi a lot longer and when the time comes to replace it, the hope is that the perfect next vehicle is on the market.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Black)
KansasKid
Posts: 428
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2013 2:19 am
Location: Kansas City, Kansas

Hyundai is coming out with a Kona N in the near future with the same 2.0T and 8DCT as the Veloster N/i30 N :wink:
My Cars (Their Names)
'93 Ford Escort (Jorge - Prior)
'06 Kia Optima EX (Sakuya - Prior)
'11 Suzuki Kizashi SE AWD (Azumi)
'09 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Base 5MT(Akari - Prior)
'11 Chevy Cruze Eco 6MT (Erika - Prior)
'12 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD (Kitsune)
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