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2004 Suzuki Verona
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| A new kind of Suzuki |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:47:36 |
| Rating |
 358 ( -50 -13.96% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2004 Suzuki Verona
2004 Suzuki Verona
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2004 Suzuki Verona. The Verona is one of the latest vehicles introduced in North America by Suzuki.
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The steering wheel and instrument provide relatively easy-to-see visuals, and clusters are well-lit.
The 2004 Suzuki Verona center console controls for the radio and environment.
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Air vents are located at the top of the center front console, as well as throughout the cabin.
Labor Day weekend brings the delivery of a labor of love in the mid-size sedan market. Suzuki, best known for its sporty motorbike engines and not-so-exciting compact vehicles, is launching a brand renaissance in 2003, beginning with the 2004 Verona, a stylish mid-size sedan with the only standard inline 6-cylinder in its class and a starting price under $17,000.
This ambitious move is the first step in a strategy Japan's number-four automaker hopes will be as easy as 1-2-3. More accurately, the plan is called 3-5-7: a goal to triple U.S. sales within five years- by 2007. This translates to annual sales of 200,000 vehicles in the U.S., by the end of that period. In 2002, Suzuki sold
1.8 million vehicles worldwide and, in the U.S., improved 108 percent over the last five years in the J.D. Powers Initial Quality Survey, while its Customer Satisfaction Index grew at a faster rate than all other manufacturers, showing a 36-percent improvement over last year.
According to American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) President Rick Suzuki, this Japanese manufacturer plans to achieve its objectives with a three-pronged approach. First and foremost is broadening its vehicle offering, which will include not only compact sedans and SUVs, but nine new vehicles across several segments to appeal to a larger section of the American market.
The nine new branches on the family tree will include Forenza, a premium compact model to be introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, a 5-door crossover vehicle and station wagon in 2004, small SUV with 2.7-liter V6 in 2005, a mid-size SUV with a 3.5-liter V6 and new sport crossover with high-performance engine in 2006 and a new sport sedan and sport wagon in 2007, as well as the new Verona.
The second prong in the growth plan is an expansion of the dealer network to 600 from its current 440; third is an aggressive marketing campaign highlighting value, innovation and "America's Number One Warranty," a seven-year, 100,000 limited powertrain guarantee that is transferable with the sale of the vehicle. This warranty and the expanded line-up it backs are the products not just of ASMC's ambition, but of its partnership with General Motors. The combined entity, GMDAT, is set up to help ensure quality and safety across the passenger vehicle line-up.
Verona: Model overview
Having made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the mid-size Verona sedan is the firstborn in the new Suzuki family and the rock upon which the brand will begin to build its strategy for success. Verona comes in three trim levels: S, LX and EX and will be marketed to highlight its safety, dependability and value.
The base level S comes with an inline 6-cylinder 2.5-liter engine making 155 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. A four-speed adaptive automatic transmission and four-wheel disc brakes are standard. Other standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, heated power mirrors, and AM/FM/CD/cassette player with six speakers and steering wheel-mounted controls. Up one trim level, the LX version adds automatic climate control, alloy wheels and ABS; high-end EX models come with a power sunroof, heated leather seats and an eight-way power driver's seat. Traction control is offered as an option on the EX.
The Verona S starts at $16,499; LX is $17,799, and EX begins at $19,499. All carry Suzuki's "Open Road Promise" with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, Roadside Assistance and a Warranty Repair Courtesy Car program.
Exterior
The non-luxury, mid-size sedan segment is seldom thought of as having innovative design. Typically, cars tend to be attractive but practical, with a focus on creature comforts and a smooth ride. Verona does not depart entirely from that aesthetic, but it does breathe new life into it.
Designed by Italdesign in Turin, Italy, the new sedan cuts a sporty, Euro-inspired profile. A low front air dam sweeps back to a steeply raked hood. The roofline rises slightly back to the B-pillar, where it gently curves down to a pert, overhanging trunk lip. Overall, the lines create a slightly crouching, aerodynamic stance. The large greenhouse, created by raked glass both front and rear, provides maximum visibility. Wheels and tires are 15 inches, but generous wheel wells give the impression of a larger size.
Other style elements include under-bumper driving lights, energetic multi-reflector jewel-type halogen headlights and aggressive fender flares. Built-in slots allow for quick and easy installation of roof racks for bikes, kayaks and other gear; door handles and belt-line accents are body-color, adding an elegant touch.
Interior
Inside Suzuki's latest offering is a comfortable, capable cabin that is made for five but seats four comfortably. Drivers will find a clean, modern layout behind the wheel, where a three-gauge cluster prominently features the speedometer in the center circle, with tach and oil pressure/gasoline gauges on either side. The center dash layout is straightforward, with thoughtful touches such as an ambient temperature display.
Hiproom and legroom are generous for all passengers. Rear seat occupants enjoy more legroom than the 2003 Accord and more shoulder room than the 2003 Camry. A 13.4-cubic-foot trunk provides space for several suitcases or the weekly groceries, dry cleaning and the kids' sport gear.
Wood grain accents are found throughout the cockpit, and even at the basic Verona S trim level there are luxury touches such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, tilt steering, six-way adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, rear heating vents, six-speaker CD stereo, micron-filtered air conditioning and a padded fold-down rear center armrest. Illuminated vanity mirrors, heated exterior mirrors and steering wheel mounted audio controls also are standard equipment.
The up-level LX adds a few amenities, notably ABS, alloy wheels and automatic climate control, while the top-of-the-lineup EX has heated leather seats, a power sunroof and eight-way power adjustable driver's seat.
Powertrain
This new kid on the sedan block offers the only standard six-cylinder among its main competitive set, which includes the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata. The all-aluminum, DOHC, 24-valve inline-6-cylinder motor is transverse-mounted, allowing for less vibration and noise than a traditional V6, as well as creating more interior room for passengers.
Producing 155 horses at 5,800 rpm and class-leading 177 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, Verona combines respectable raw power with enough boost in the mid range of the torque band for highway passing and quick maneuvers. A Variable Intake System (VIS) helps improve engine efficiency, while a maintenance free cam-timing chain and a direct ignition system help optimize combustion.
Although only equipped with four speeds, the standard transmission also comes with a brain: its computer is designed to be adaptive by learning each driver's unique style and change its shifting style as necessary to improve performance. While this technology is not brand new, it is a welcome application in a vehicle made both for long commutes and trips around town.
On the road
Once in motion, the Verona's sleek lines help deliver excellent fuel mileage and a stable ride. The suspension is a mix of MacPherson struts up front with a sophisticated multi-link arrangement in back, with a front anti-sway bar reducing lean in corners. Gas-charged shock absorbers provide wheel control while resisting heat-induced fade. In addition, speed-sensing power steering adjusts the amount of steering assist to create stability no matter what the vehicle's speed.
Four-wheel disc brakes are an upgrade from the front-disc/rear drum configuration found on Camry and Accord; ABS is available on the LX and EX models and matched to EBD. Front dual-stage airbags are standard, as are three-point safety belts on all seating positions. All Verona models come with LATCH tethers for child seats.
Like all firstborn offspring, Verona carries a lot of responsibility on its frame. Suzuki's plan to grow its reputation in the U.S., capture market share and increase sales by 300 percent depends, in part, on the success of this first addition to the family tree. With its capable motor, appealing looks and a compact price tag, this mid-size sedan appears to be poised to deliver on the brand's promise. Consumer response will tell the whole story, but it seems this baby's initial impression will leave a lasting mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will buy the Suzuki Verona, how many does Suzuki hope to sell and who are its competitors?
Suzuki is aiming its new model at middle class families with children. The Japanese manufacturer hopes to sell 80,000 Veronas this year. Competitors are the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and the Hyundai Sonata.
Why does Suzuki claim to have "America's best warranty"?
Suzuki's 100,000 mile/7 year warranty is fully transferable, there is no deductible, and when a vehicle under warranty is being repaired or worked on, you will be provided with a courtesy loaner.
How does it handle?
Auto trans with adaptive control
Changes gears from economy to sport, up and down hill detection,
Ride and handling-suspension tuning in US for American drivers-? 4-wheel disc brakes
What are the Verona's strong points?
Designed for young families with a middle-class wallet, Verona has an attractive exterior with contemporary Italian styling, a quiet roomy interior, the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder engine with the power and torque of a six, and a decent set of standard amenities and safety features.
Any complaints?
On full power, the engine noise intrudes into the cabin, with an exhaust note that is high-pitched and whinny. Because torque comes in strong in higher ranges, it requires using full throttle to go from a slow idle to highway speeds when entering a freeway.
Reviewer's Notes
2004 Suzuki Verona
Base Price: $16,499
Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC inline-6 (155 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 177 lb.-ft. @4,000 rpm)
Transmission: Four-speed automatic with overdrive
Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
Length: 187.8 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 56.7 in.
Weight: 3,307 lbs.
Headroom: 39.1 / 37.3 in. front/rear
Legroom: 42.2 / 37.8 in. front/rear
Shoulder room: 57.3 / 56.9 in. front/rear
Fuel economy: N/A
Standard safety equipment: LATCH child seat tethers, front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes
Major standard equipment: AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, power locks and windows, heated exterior mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, halogen headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear seat armrest and heating vents
---Story by Sue Mead
---Photos courtesy of Suzuki
© 2003, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved. |
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