What is it?
2002 Suzuki Aerio
What's special about it?
Hoping to get a toehold in the compact car market that has previously eluded the company (Esteem and Swift? Not really either), Suzuki introduced the Aerio in both sedan and SX (sport crossover — basically a hatchback) form. With comparable specs as other vehicles in the compact car class, the Aerio seeks to be a contender in the "one-step-above-the-bottom-of-the-barrel" segment.
The Aerio is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four making 141 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque; Suzuki boasts that it's the most powerful in the class (the Hyundai Elantra makes 140). And small car doesn't have to mean small volume; both the sedan and SX's high profile allows for impressive cargo capacity. The sedan offers 14.6 cubic feet, which is midsize-sedan standards.
The sedan is offered in two trim levels, the S, which will sell for under $14,000, includes daytime running lights, air conditioning, power mirrors and windows, and a digital instrument panel much like that of the Toyota Celica. Step up to the GS trim and get keyless remote, power door locks, 15-inch wheels and a rear seat center armrest. The SX, meanwhile, only comes in the GS trim. Both will ring in under $15,000, unless you pick one of two available options: ABS and floor mats.
Suzuki touts the Aerio's cutting-edge styling, but we don't think it'll stand too far out of the crowd. For those who seek something milder than the zany Ford Focus, the Aerio may have greater appeal. The Aerio will be available in showrooms starting in March. For lousy-weather dwellers, an all-wheel-drive version will come your way in September.
Why should I care?
Suzuki is hoping that you're left utterly bored by the choices in today's small car market. Perhaps that was the case a few years back. These days, however, an appealing array of compact economy cars are available, the most compelling being the Hyundai Elantra GLS and GT, plus you'll save a grand or two. An AWD version may be the only thing to recommend the Aerio over the Ford Focus or the Mazda Protegé. — Liz Kim
2002 Suzuki Aerio
What's special about it?
Hoping to get a toehold in the compact car market that has previously eluded the company (Esteem and Swift? Not really either), Suzuki introduced the Aerio in both sedan and SX (sport crossover — basically a hatchback) form. With comparable specs as other vehicles in the compact car class, the Aerio seeks to be a contender in the "one-step-above-the-bottom-of-the-barrel" segment.
The Aerio is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four making 141 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque; Suzuki boasts that it's the most powerful in the class (the Hyundai Elantra makes 140). And small car doesn't have to mean small volume; both the sedan and SX's high profile allows for impressive cargo capacity. The sedan offers 14.6 cubic feet, which is midsize-sedan standards.
The sedan is offered in two trim levels, the S, which will sell for under $14,000, includes daytime running lights, air conditioning, power mirrors and windows, and a digital instrument panel much like that of the Toyota Celica. Step up to the GS trim and get keyless remote, power door locks, 15-inch wheels and a rear seat center armrest. The SX, meanwhile, only comes in the GS trim. Both will ring in under $15,000, unless you pick one of two available options: ABS and floor mats.
Suzuki touts the Aerio's cutting-edge styling, but we don't think it'll stand too far out of the crowd. For those who seek something milder than the zany Ford Focus, the Aerio may have greater appeal. The Aerio will be available in showrooms starting in March. For lousy-weather dwellers, an all-wheel-drive version will come your way in September.
Why should I care?
Suzuki is hoping that you're left utterly bored by the choices in today's small car market. Perhaps that was the case a few years back. These days, however, an appealing array of compact economy cars are available, the most compelling being the Hyundai Elantra GLS and GT, plus you'll save a grand or two. An AWD version may be the only thing to recommend the Aerio over the Ford Focus or the Mazda Protegé. — Liz Kim
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