NEW SUZUKI VERONA
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
9.5 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
10 |
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| Braking |
10 |
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| Handling |
7.92 |
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| Fuel Economy |
7.92 |
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| Interior Comfort |
9.17 |
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| Acceleration |
8.75 |
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| Dependability |
10 |
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| Fit and Finish |
10 |
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| Transmission |
7.92 |
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| Ride |
10 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
It may have a great warranty and a solid list of standard features, but this new Suzuki is no match for the established class leaders.
Pros
Smooth inline six-cylinder engine, generous features list for the price, nice interior touches, strong warranty.
Cons
Generic looks, marginal output for six-cylinder engine, no side airbags.
What''s New for 2004
The four-door, five-passenger Verona is an all-new midsize sedan in the Suzuki lineup. With a standard six-cylinder engine, automatic transmission and ample passenger and cargo room, it''s designed to go head-to-head with class-leading vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Overview
Introduction:
Suzuki is trying to make a big move into the North American marketplace, and the company is spearheading its attack with this economically priced midsize family sedan. Although it''s new to the American market, the Verona is already sold as the Daewoo Magnus in other parts of the world, so teething problems shouldn''t be an issue. The Verona represents the largest car in Suzuki''s lineup, and is being marketed as a less expensive alternative to more mainstream sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Penned by Italdesign in Turin, Italy, the Verona sports smooth, uncluttered lines that are neither awkward nor overly distinctive. In terms of size, the Verona is virtually equal to the Accord. One of the Verona''s main selling points is a standard six-cylinder engine. At 2.5 liters, it''s on the small side (about the same size as Toyota and Honda''s four-cylinders) but Suzuki is touting the inherent smoothness of its inline design. A standard four-speed automatic transmission makes it great for commuters, and with 177 lb-ft of torque, it accelerates quickly from a stop. Standard four-wheel disc brakes provide ample stopping power, but only the high-line trims get antilock brakes as standard equipment. Unlike Honda or Toyota offerings, however, there is somewhat less to choose from in configuring the Verona, as there is no available manual transmission or more frugal four-cylinder engine. Inside, the Verona aims to trump its competitors with a long list of standard features that defies the car''s cut-rate price. Base models are packed with standard items like a CD player, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control and wood grain trim. Higher-line models add amenities like automatic climate control and leather seats -- clearly not the kind of equipment you would expect to find on a budget midsize sedan. Passenger room is also in abundance as the Verona measures up to the Camry in nearly every interior measurement. The Verona isn''t an eye-catching standout but it does offer a smooth power plant, a roomy interior and some premium features. When compared side by side with existing price leaders like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, the Verona still isn''t the most inexpensive sedan in the segment, but it''s close. What it does provide is a solid alternative for buyers who want a comfortable, feature-laden family sedan without spending the money necessary to get an Accord or Camry.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Verona is offered in three trim levels: the base S model, the midlevel LX and the top-of-the-line EX. The S comes standard with power windows and door locks, heated power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, remote keyless entry, a tilt steering wheel, a six-way adjustable driver seat, air conditioning, an in-dash CD/cassette player and floor mats. Step up to the LX and you get automatic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels and antilock brakes. The top-of-the-line Verona EX features a power sunroof, heated leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an eight-way adjustable power driver seat. Options include antilock brakes for S models and an electronic traction control system on the EX.
Powertrains and Performance:
All trim levels come with a 155-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine. The all-aluminum, dual-overhead cam 24-valve power plant also generates 177 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm for strong acceleration at low speeds. The front-wheel-drive Verona uses a computer-controlled four-speed automatic transmission that adapts to suit the driver''s particular driving style. The EPA mileage estimate is 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. A manual transmission is not available.
Safety:
All models come with four-wheel disc brakes. LX and EX models get standard antilock brakes (optional on the S), while an electronic traction control system is an option on the EX only. Side airbags are not available. The Verona has not been crash tested.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
One of the Verona''s strong points is its sizable interior that matches up with the class-leading Camry in nearly every measured dimension. The long list of standard features makes even the base model seem comfortable, and the more upscale LX and EX are surprisingly well-trimmed for cars in this price range. Deeply recessed gauges have attractive white-facing, and both the steering wheel and the shifter are covered in leather. The plastics are generally pleasing to the touch and of high quality. The grab handles and storage doors are damped, providing a sense of luxury unavailable in some of the competition.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Although not as powerful as we would like, the Verona''s standard six-cylinder is a smooth and refined power plant that delivers adequate punch for day-to-day driving. Off-the-line torque is solid, but highway passing is slow for a six-cylinder. Good gas mileage (20 around town and 28 on the highway) is the only compensation for the modest power. The transmission''s downshifts come a little slower than we would like, but they are crisp and well-timed for the average driver. The suspension has been retuned from the sportier European version to better suit American tastes, so expect a smooth, if detached, ride quality.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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