2003 Suzuki Aerio Review

The trouble with too many "starter'' or "second cars'' is that they don't have much sport or style. The spunky Suzuki Aerio sedan and hatchback models have both of those attributes.

Suzuki is best known for its sport-utility vehicles and motorcycles in America, but its Aerio sedan and hatchback models show it can shine in the car area. The discontinued Suzuki Esteem was a good subcompact car, but got lost in the crowd because it looked like other small Japanese and South Korean autos.

In contrast, the Aerio went on sale in March 2002 with unique styling inspired by a top Turin, Italy, auto design outfit. Suzuki needed expert help because it's not easy making a tall, slab-sided vehicle such as the Aerio look sporty and athletic.

The Aerio is solid, surprisingly roomy and well-equipped--and has one of the most powerful engines in the subcompact car class. No surprise there, as Suzuki is a master at extracting lots of power from motorcycle engines. The Aerio's sophisticated four-cylinder develops 145 horsepower, or four more than in the 2002 model.

The solid, precisely built Aerio has a 7-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty. However, buyers shouldn't expect the resale value of better-known small cars.

Newly offered is an optional all-wheel-drive system--a rarity in this part of the market. Suzuki's decades of four-wheel-drive experience shows here; the system functions in front-drive mode until such things as slippery roads call for power to also be shot to the rear wheels for the best traction.

That Suzuki "QuadGrip'' system is superior to a heavy, power-sapping all-wheel-drive system that sends power to all wheels at all times.

QuadGrip costs only an extra $1,000, but can't be had unless the responsive $1,000 four-speed automatic transmission is ordered.

The best acceleration is with the standard front-drive setup and slick manual gearbox. The all-wheel-drive version is far from slow, but the Aerio SX hatchback I tested had an average 65-75 mph time with no passengers or cargo.

The sophisticated 2-liter four-cylinder engine is a bit noisy when pushed, but propels the car to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds with front-drive and the manual transmission. The engine delivers an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31-32 on highways, with all-wheel-drive models getting slightly lower economy.

Quick steering, crisp handling and decent brakes with good pedal feel make the Aerio fun to drive, although handling would be enhanced by larger tires. An all-independent suspension makes the ride supple and stable.

The Aerio SX hatchback has an especially funky look and is a "crossover'' vehicle that combines attributes of a car and small sport-utility vehicle such as the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. Some might just call the SX a "tall station wagon'' like the old Mitsubishi Expo and Nissan Stanza, but it also could be called a "hot hatch.''

Both sedan and hatchback versions share a 97.6-inch wheelbase, but the sedan is 4.8 inches longer at 171.3 inches. The sedan has a best-in-class 14.6-cubic-foot trunk with the split rear seat in its normal position--or 11.5 feet with all-wheel drive.

While shorter, cargo capacity of the more utilitarian SX hatchback is an impressive 21.3 cubic feet with the back seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded forward (19.9 and 59.4 with all-wheel drive).

Both models easily seat four 6-footers, with tall doors and a high roof making it especially easy to get in and out. Without losing headroom, occupants sit three to four inches higher than in conventional subcompact cars in upright seats--making them less intimidated by taller vehicles than they would if they were seated closer to the ground.

The Aerio sedan comes in $13,499 S and higher-line $14,699 GS form, while the $14,999 SX is the only hatchback model.

All are well-equipped. Even the entry S sedan has air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, AM/FM sound system with an in-dash CD player with six speakers, tilt wheel, split-folding rear seats and rear defogger.

However, for the extra money, the GS is arguably a better deal because it adds cruise control, power door locks with remote keyless entry, six-disc CD changer, rear spoiler, fog lights and larger tires on 15-inch (versus 14-inch) wheels.

The SX has a cargo cover to hide objects in its hatchback area and a rear wiper-washer for the large hatch window. Inner indentations make it easy to close the hatch.

As for safety, daytime running lights are standard and anti-lock brakes are $500 extra for the GS and SX. The Aerio weighs approximately 2,600 to 2,800 pounds. It has a stiff unibody structure, with front/rear energy absorbing zones to help dissipate crash forces.

The large, supportive front bucket seats are usually found in bigger cars, but the small digital tachometer is hard to read quickly and some may object to the digital speedometer. Controls are nicely placed. Sound system controls should be larger, but climate controls are nicely sized. (Too bad it's not the other way around.)

Front doors have handy storage pockets, although dual front cupholders are awkwardly put at floor-level almost under the center of the dashboard and are partly blocked by the automatic transmission shift lever.

But, for the most part, the Aerio offers lots of utility, fun and uniqueness at reasonable prices.

SUZUKI AERIO
Prices:
$13,499-$14,999

Likes:
Roomy with high seating. Spunky. Solid. Edgy looking. Nicely equipped. New all-wheel drive. Long warranty.

Dislikes:
Small speedometer and tachometer. Engine noisy when pushed. Small tires and radio controls. Questionable resale value.