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2004 Suzuki Verona Preview

The Cute Kid Next Door Has Grown Up

Have you been watching what Suzuki has been up to lately? Due to their strong ties with General Motors the little automaker that could is about to grow up big time. Thanks to GMs purchase of Daewoo and formation of the new GMDAT division, the cars that would have received the Korean brands logo have been dramatically upgraded and will now sport the familiar stylized Suzuki S.

I spent a fair bit of time with an extremely helpful Suzuki PR representative at the New York Auto Show, who seemed as enthusiastic about the new car line as a child gets on Christmas morning. And why shouldnt he be excited? The new cars are great. We wont be getting the nice little Swift subcompact thats coming out in Canada, at least not yet, but then again

Although U.S. dealers wont see the Canadian only Swift in dealerships, the Verona will be coming soon. (Photo: Suzuki)

those north of the border will be missing out on the slick little Forenza compact. Both markets will see the nicely detailed midsize Verona sedan though, a first in this category for Suzuki.

If priced as competitively as the Verona is expected to be, it finally looks like the Koreans, Hyundai and Kia, will have some competition in the entry-level midsize segment. Itll take a test drive to figure out if its domestic (Japanese)

If the price is right, Hyundia and Kia may have some competition in the midsize market. (Photo: Suzuki)

competitors have anything to worry about though.

On North American shores a domestic might be its biggest competitor. GM, of course, couldnt let an opportunity like this pass them by, so its Chevrolet dealers will get a supply of new GMDAT models themselves. A version of the Verona will sport the familiar bowtie on its grille and Epica nameplate at its rear. Remember the Swift that Suzuki doesnt get? Chevy will offer it here as the 2004 Aveo. The Generals value brand will also feature its

The Verona is very upscale inside and should be quickly accepted by loyal Suzuki customers . (Photo: Suzuki)

own version of the Forenza, dubbed Optra. Like the Suzukis, all Chevys GMDAT cars get extremely high perceived quality interiors.

The Suzuki Verona is especially upscale inside, passing my plastics quality tap test with flying colors, and should be quickly accepted by Suzukis loyal yet demanding clientele. Theres ample head, shoulder, hip and legroom in both front and rear, and plenty creature comforts to satisfy those who decide to jump ship from a traditional midsize brand.

Inside, high quality cloth seats and woodgrain trim exude an ambience of luxury,

Key fob controls similar to those found in premium brands. (Photo: Suzuki)

while a 6-position adjustable drivers seat and tilt steering wheel optimize the driving position. The expected power windows, mirrors and door locks are present while its steering wheel with integrated audio controls puts the car a cut above. A premium leather package is available that wraps that steering wheel and shifter knob in leather while covering the seating surfaces in the same natural material. Also part of the package, the front seat cushions come heated with 8-way power adjustment. An auto-dimming rearview mirror adds to the convenience.

Only two items will come as stand alone options, including a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and

European design credited to Turin, Italy carrozzeria Italdesign. (Photo: Suzuki)

16-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, because Suzuki made sure to add a load of convenience features as standard equipment. Standard items not mentioned yet include automatic climate control, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, remote keyless entry, a remote trunk release, with key fob controls that are integrated into the key like premium brands, an anti-theft system, sun visor-mounted lighted vanity mirrors and a fold-out rear center armrest.

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