2004 Suzuki Verona Review

The new Verona sedan is part of Suzuki's plan to offer a bunch of new vehicles over the next few years to greatly increase sales in America, where it's mostly known for motorcycles and sport-utility vehicles.

The Verona has an odd history. The front-drive car was supposed to be a top-line sedan from South Korea's Daewoo Motor, which went bankrupt. It's from GM Daewoo Automotive and Technology -- formed by General Motors after it bought parts of the bankrupt Daewoo.

GM had no use for the Verona in its U.S. lineup. So it tossed the car to its Japanese-affiliate, Suzuki, to sell here. Suzuki was delighted with the arrangement because it needs a new family sedan for America. It calls the Verona a mid-size auto, but this model actually fits between the compact and mid-size car categories.

Large automakers make most of their money with mid-size cars, if you discount the high-profit trucks they sell. Top-selling mid-size autos such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Impala generate good revenue because they're rather costly with options wanted by many of their buyers.

You don't need many options to get a well-equipped Verona, which has an impressive list of standard features and thus undercuts rivals on price.

Even the entry $16,499 Verona S has a four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, power steering, tilt wheel, power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry and AM/FM sound system with an in-dash CD/cassette player and six speakers with steering wheel controls.

Enlarging the cargo area are 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks. You even get a full-size spare tire.

The mid-range $17,799 Verona LX adds automatic climate control, slightly larger (16-inch) alloy wheels with wider tires -- and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution for surer panic stops. Those brakes are optional for the S.

The top-line $19,499 EX is the luxury version, which adds heated leather seats, power tilt-and-slide sunroof and power driver's seat, with a $500 traction control system for better road grip.

Safety items include daytime running lights and fog lights. There are generous "crush zones'' and a cage-like passenger compartment for protection in collisions, but side air bags aren't offered.

If all that equipment doesn't help draw folks to the Verona, the car's transferable seven-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain warranty should help persuade some people to put the car on their shopping list, because it shows Suzuki has lots of confidence in the car. (Hyundai and Kia have a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but it can't be transferred from owner to owner.)

The Verona's transferable warranty should help the car's resale value, but such value still is largely a question mark.

The Verona has an unusual engine setup in that it has an inline (not V-shaped) six-cylinder motor that is mounted sideways. While generally smoother than a V-6, an inline "six'' usually is placed in a conventional fore-aft manner in the engine compartment. Placing it sideways enlarges the passenger compartment.

Suzuki thus says the Verona offers the advantage of a "sideways'' engine with the smoothness of an inline six-cylinder.

The 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower engine was co-developed with Porsche and is sophisticated with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a variable intake system.

However, the engine delivers just average acceleration and feels no stronger than a Camry or Accord four-cylinder engine. The 0-60 mph dash takes a ho-hum 10.7 seconds and the engine sounds strained during hard acceleration.

Part of the problem is that the six-cylinder isn't very big for a car that weighs 3,380 pounds with all that equipment. Also, the automatic transmission consumes a lot of the engine's torque -- or "punch.'' And it sometimes wanders between gears because it's not very well matched to the engine's torque curve. The engine screams when you floor the throttle, making it seem as if you're going faster than you are.

Still, those accustomed to average driving at moderate speeds shouldn't mind, although they should give themselves plenty of room when passing on two-lane roads above 60 mph. Steady, comfortable high-speed cruising is no problem.

Fuel economy is an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, although my test Verona got a few more miles per gallon in the city when not encountering much stop-and-go driving.

The steering is quick enough, although some may feel it's too light because of excessive power assist. The all-independent suspension delivers a comfortable ride and decent handling. The brake pedal is rather soft, but stopping distances are good -- partly because of the all-disc brake setup.

The slick styling is from Italy's top-notch Italdesign-Giugiaro outfit, which is near Verona -- the hometown of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet.'' The body fit-and-finish are quite good, although the body structure doesn't match rivals with more structural rigidity.

The roomy, nicely designed interior easily accommodates four tall adults. It has an upscale appearance with such things as wood-grain accents. Both front and rear seats are comfortable, and there are easily read gauges and smooth, conveniently placed controls.

There is a plethora of storage areas and cupholders, and the ignition switch is on the dashboard so a driver need not grope for it on the steering column. Thoughtful touches include an outside temperature display and fold-down rear armrest.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening and a lid with manual hinges. The self-propping hood uses gas struts, which would be best suited to the trunk lid because it's used a lot more often.

The Verona should appeal to those looking for a roomy, well-equipped, comfortable sedan with very attractive prices.

2004 SUZUKI VERONA

Prices
$16,499-$19,499

Likes
Very well equipped. Roomy. Comfortable. Nicely assembled. Exceptional warranty.

Dislikes
Average acceleration. Average handling. Questionable resale value.