Maruti Kizashi (2014)

I consider the Maruti Kizashi 2014 Maruti's premium pinnacle, a CBU mid-size sedan with 2.4-litre inline-4 petrol (175hp, 230Nm), six-speed manual or CVT, and optional 4x4 for versatile grip. At 1,500kg kerb, it boasts 2700mm wheelbase for roomy interiors seating five comfortably, high ground clearance tuned for India, 17-inch alloys, and 5.5m turning radius suiting urban chaos. Standouts include premium materials, quiet cabin, smooth engine purr even at redline, top-notch braking, and 5-star NCAP safety via high-tensile steel, six airbags, ABS, and immobilizer. Performance shines in straight-line pulls and highway stability up to 215kmph, though body roll hampers cornering and low-speed ride jars on bad roads. Discontinued post-2014 due to pricing and low volumes (under 200/month), it offered three colours—silver, black, white—but costly spares linger as a drawback. For used buyers, it delivers refined, safe motoring with beastly power if you tolerate petrol thirst and maintenance premiums—thorough checks essential for a smart pick.

The 2014 Maruti Kizashi, my pick for a forgotten premium sedan, featured a 2.4-litre inline-4 petrol engine with 175-178 HP and 230 Nm torque, paired to 6-speed manual or CVT automatic, optional 4x4, and a 2700mm wheelbase for spacious 5-seater comfort. I loved its high-tensile steel body, 5-star NCAP crash rating with front/rear/side/curtain airbags, ABS, and premium touches like responsive brakes and refined cabin. At 1500kg, it sprinted to 215 kmph top speed, fitting tight city spaces with 5.5m turning radius, though stiff low-speed ride and body roll suited urban more than highways. Launched as Maruti's costliest CBU import in silver/black/white, it boasted superior build over mass-market Suzukis but faltered on pricing and sales, discontinued soon after. For used buyers, it's a beastly alternative to bland sedans, prioritizing thrill and safety if you tolerate petrol thirst and part costs.

I find the Maruti Kizashi 2014 a bold but ultimately flawed premium sedan that doesn't fully deliver on its promise in India. Its 2.4-litre petrol engine pumps out 175hp and 230Nm with smooth refinement and punchy acceleration—0-100kmph in 7.8 seconds for the manual—making highway cruises effortless up to 215kmph top speed, while the premium interior, spacious cabin, and excellent build quality feel a cut above typical Marutis. The 4x4 system aids mild off-road jaunts, responsive braking inspires confidence, and 5-star NCAP safety with comprehensive airbags adds reassurance for family use. However, city ride feels soft with noticeable body roll in corners, handling lacks sharpness due to vague steering, and the stiff low-speed ride jars over potholes. Discontinued due to poor sales, spares remain costly and availability tricky today, making maintenance a concern for long-term ownership. At its core, it's a refined cruiser with Japanese solidity, but rivals like Sonata outshine it in styling and dynamics—if you're chasing value in a used premium buy, I'd skip unless you snag a pristine low-mileage example under budget constraints, as running costs and resale could bite hard.

I remember testing the Maruti Kizashi 2014 and being impressed by its premium interiors, spacious cabin, and that punchy 2.4-litre petrol engine delivering 175-178 HP with responsive acceleration, hitting 0-100 kmph in about 7.8 seconds on the manual variant. The 4x4 system, excellent build quality, and 5-star NCAP safety rating with comprehensive airbags made it stand out, feeling refined and special to drive even near redline. However, the stiff ride over bad Indian roads, noticeable body roll at high speeds, and inconsistent steering held it back from rivaling Honda Accord or Hyundai Sonata in handling and luxury. At its launch, it aimed to break into the premium D-segment but flopped due to high import duties pushing prices sky-high for a Maruti badge, leading to poor sales and discontinuation. Today, if you're hunting a used 2014 Kizashi, it's a rare gem for enthusiasts craving power and space without diesel blandness, but check for costly spares and maintenance—it's rewarding for city drives and occasional highways if you prioritize performance over outright value or efficiency.

Suzuki terminated the production of the Maruti Kizashi in December 2014, marking the end of its production run. This decision was part of a broader strategy to focus on more successful models. The Kizashi had struggled to gain traction in the Indian market due to its high price and lack of a diesel variant. I think this was a necessary move, given the cars poor sales performance.

In July 2014, Suzuki issued a recall for select model year 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles due to an issue where spiders could weave webs into the evaporative canister, potentially causing the fuel tank to crack and increasing the risk of a fire. This recall highlighted some of the unique challenges faced by the Kizashi.

The Maruti Kizashi was positioned as a premium sedan in India but faced significant challenges due to its high price, partly because it was a fully imported model subject to a 105% tax. This made it less competitive in the market. I believe the pricing strategy was a major factor in its limited appeal.

Despite its advanced features, including a 2.4-liter petrol engine and CVT transmission, the Maruti Kizashi failed to attract many buyers in India. The cars fuel efficiency, at 9 km/L in the city and 12 km/L on the highway, was not enough to offset the high running costs of a petrol vehicle in India.

In 2014, several owners reported multiple issues with their Maruti Kizashis, including mechanical problems and poor after-sales service. These issues further dented the cars reputation and contributed to its low sales figures. Its clear that reliability and customer support were critical areas where the Kizashi fell short.

In 2014, I saw the Maruti Kizashi offered in two variants in India: the manual at Rs 16.53 lakh ex-showroom Delhi and the CVT automatic at Rs 17.53 lakh ex-showroom, reflecting its CBU import status hit with 105% duties that inflated pricing sky-high for a Maruti. On-road prices then pushed past Rs 20 lakh in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, factoring insurance, registration, and road tax—manual around Rs 19.5-20.5 lakh, CVT nearing Rs 21 lakh—making it a tough sell against locals like Accord or Superb. Today, as a discontinued 2014 used model, ex-showroom tags are irrelevant; expect Rs 4-7 lakh for decent units depending on condition, mileage under 80,000km, and location via platforms like OLX or dealers, with on-road effectively the asking price plus transfer fees of Rs 50,000-1 lakh. This steep original premium hurt sales, but used bargains tempt—factor high import spares (e.g., CVT repairs Rs 2-3 lakh) and poor resale; I'd advise budgeting 20% extra yearly for upkeep. For buyers eyeing premium feel without new-car costs, it's viable if inspected rigorously, but diesel rivals offer better economics long-term.

I rate the Kizashi 2014's real-world mileage at 8-10kmpl city and 12-14kmpl highway in India, per tests, with its thirsty 2.4-litre petrol and 63-litre tank demanding Rs 8,000-10,000 monthly fuel at 1,500km. Skip if mileage drives your decision—high running costs eclipse its refinement; opt for efficient diesels instead.

I found the 2014 Kizashi's ARAI-rated 12-12.5 kmpl optimistic; real-world in India yields 8-11.7 kmpl mixed, dropping to 7-9 in city traffic with its thirsty 2.4-litre petrol and 63L tank. Running costs soar versus efficient diesels like Accord, so skip if mileage drives your decision—opt for it only if power trumps fuel bills.