Suzuki Aerio Starting MSRP $13,499
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The Aerio will be available in two models, as the Aerio sport sedan and the Aerio SX sport crossover model. The Aerio sport sedan offers two trim levels -- S and GS. The Aerio sport sedan S is priced at $13,499 with a wealth of standard features such as air conditioning, six-speaker AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD, power windows and mirrors, three-spoke tilt steering wheel, rear-window defroster, several cup holders, adjustable front and rear head restraints, split folding rear seats and instrumental panel with all-digital speedometer and tachometer.
Automatic transmission and ABS are optional at $1,000 and $500, respectively.
"Aerio raises the bar in the small car category by combining new levels of exterior styling, surprising interior space and luxury-caliber appointments with one of the most powerful standard engines in the small car class," explained Gary Anderson, American Suzuki vice president of automotive sales.
"The result is an exceptional car that's priced lower than many poorly equipped, less-powerful cars in its class."
The Aerio sedan with automatic transmission has a lower starting MSRP than the Ford Focus SE, Honda Civic LX, Mazda Protege 5 LX and Nissan Sentra GXE.
Immediately turning heads when it was unveiled last month, the Aerio proves buyers don't need to sacrifice get-noticed street appeal for the affordability, utility and driving ease that have become small car category traits. From the car's name -- implying aerodynamics and cutting-edge style -- to its distinctive exterior and interior design, the Aerio represents a breakthrough in small car thinking.
Adding to the interior design of both Aerio models are sporty, two-tone bucket seats modeled after European styling and designed to stand up to active lifestyles.
All Aerio owners can also take advantage of more total interior volume than most cars in the small car class -- and at 14.6 cubic feet, more trunk volume then every car in the class. The interior configurations of the Aerio and Aerio SX have been engineered for a variety of passenger and cargo needs, resulting in a vehicle for any lifestyle.
Taking its cue from both models' vertical profile and higher roofline is a high-front seating position offering enhanced visibility, larger doors for easier access and under-seat storage.
On the outside, the Aerio and Aerio SX boast a forward-thinking, aerodynamic design featuring aggressive front and rear bumpers, sporty side moldings, wheel flares and a distinctive front grille for an urban, edgy feel. The distinctive theme continues with multi-reflector, jewel-type halogen headlights, prism tail lamps and intermittent wipers.
Available Aerio and Aerio SX exterior colors range from racy red, electric yellow (SX only) and cat's-eye blue metallic to black onyx and silky silver metallic. Mirroring the scheme on all models are color-keyed front and rear bumpers, while the Aerio GS and Aerio SX extend the look with color-keyed door handles and mirrors.
Class-Leading Power
Delivering on the power promise made by the Aerio's aerodynamic exterior is a 2-liter, aluminum, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine producing an impressive 141 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque -- one of the most powerful small car standard engines available.
The Aerio's zero-maintenance, self-adjusting, two-stage timing chain and distributorless direct ignition system help maintain Suzuki's reputation for hassle-free reliability while the standard front disc brakes, liquid-filled motor mounts, power steering and MacPherson Strut front and rear suspension ensure overall drivability.
The Aerio offers such safety features as reinforced unibody structure with four cross members to help absorb the impact energy during a side collision; A, B and C posts built out of high-tensile steel that reinforce the passenger compartment for added protection in side collisions; front and rear crumple zones and impact beams, to protect occupants in collisions; and front seatbelt pretensioners that activate when second-generation airbags are deployed.
Child safety features include the LATCH child-restraint system, child-seat tether anchors and rear door child safety locks.
Adding to the overall value equation is the Aerio's excellent fuel economy -- topping out for both models at 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (automatic transmission) and 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (manual transmission).
As the embodiment of the affordable sport sedan and sport crossover concepts, the Aerio compliments the Suzuki product line. The Aerio gives Suzuki an entirely fun, urban counterpart to its breakthrough seven passenger XL-7 and V6 Grand Vitara SUVs and, most important, broadens the line to move Suzuki further into the mainstream U.S. market.
The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corp. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of more than 430 automotive dealerships in 49 states.
ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920 it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.
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