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William D. Siuru, Jr., PhD, PE
Automotive Journalist
10842 Penara St.
San Diego, CA 92126
siuru@mindspring.com
(858) 693-1068

by Bill Siuru and Shawn Stewart

The latest trend in vehicles are "crossover" models that attempt to combine the best features of a small sport utility vehicle and a four-door sedan. Suzuki has entered the market niche with the all new Aerio SX, standing for "sport crossover." There is a traditional sedan version of the Aerio. The Aerio replaces the Suzuki Esteem that will be dropped at the end of the 2002 model year. The "love it or hate it" highly aerodynamic styling of the SX is definitely distinctive, though it has a marked resemblance to the more pricey Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe crossovers. The sedan is more conventional looking with its regular trunk, but still different looking enough compared to other sub-compact sedans.

Only one engine is available, a 2-liter four-cylinder with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four-valves-per-cylinder. The engine produces 141-horsepower at 5700 rpm and 135 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. These figures are very impressive for this class of vehicles and thus performance is quite good, though the engine produces buzzy, somewhat unrefined sounds when pushed. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic can be ordered. All models get 26 miles-per-gallon in city driving with both the manual and automatic transmissions. On the highway, fuel economy ranges from 32-33 mpg for the manual and 31 mpg for the automatic. The fuel tank holds 13.2 gallons.

While the Aerio SX now comes only in one version, the sedan comes in base S and better equipped GS versions. Suzuki plans to add a four-wheel-drive version of the Aerio SX this fall. All versions are quite roomy considering their external dimensions, about 14 feet long, and are very comfortable. This "tall" car has lots of headroom. Seat height is prefect to easy entry/exit as are the wide doors, but the standard tilt steering wheel barely tilts, a common problem found in most vehicles today. Visibility, especially over the steeply sloping hood is very good, though the tiny front A-pillar window is a bit weird.

The interior design and materials used do have a definite low cost, K-Mart look, though probably are quite durable. Most noticeable is the tiny, slit-like instrument panel with a digital speedometer that gives speed only in numerals. The smallish graphic tachometer and other gauges are hard to read in the daytime, but better at night. The radio and heat/air conditioning controls are okay. There is sufficient number of cupholders and storage compartments including a tray under the passenger seat. There is lots of cargo space and much more when the split rear seats are folded forward. Overall though no sports sedan, handling, and braking is quite competent that adds up to a fun-to-drive vehicle.

Prices for the Aerio start at $13,999 for the base Aerio S and climb to $16,499 for SX with an automatic transmission. Interestingly, all come with and with anti-lock brakes as separate models with a price differential of $500. While at first glance these prices might seem steep, the Aerios come well equipped for this market segment. Standard equipment on the S includes air conditioning, AM/FM/CD sound system, rear window defroster, split-folding rear seat and power steering, windows and mirrors. Standard items on the GS and SX also include power door locks, cruise control, 5-spoke alloy wheels, rear armrest, remote keyless entry and a rear spoiler. Indeed, the only option are floor mats for $75.

The savings because of Aerio’s lower price will probably be lost at trade-in time because Suzukis typically depreciate faster than more familiar competitors. However, this is not a problem if you plan to drive it for years. Worthy of a serious look if you want a versatile, and differently designed car. Order an SX in Naples Yellow or Bright Red, and it is bound to get many second glances and "cute car" comments.