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2005 Suzuki Aerio Fastback SX AWD

Some Cars Have to Rely on a Good Personality

I am glad to say that my most recent experience with the Suzuki Aerio Fastback was much more pleasant than my previous one. The 2005 model comes with various exterior and interior upgrades which add to the cars overall appeal, although I still cant say I am a fan of its exterior styling at all.

To me, it looks like a rather unattractive spaceship! While no X-wing fighter or Enterprise for that matter, the updated 2005 model at least sports a new front bumper, grille, fog lamps, newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels and rear combination lamps, making it a tad less

Im glad to say that my most recent experience with the Suzuki Aerio Fastback was much more pleasant than my previous one. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

offensive than the outgoing model and somewhat sportier.

As of the 2004 model year, the Aerio received an upgraded 2.3-liter, 16-valve, DOHC engine boasting 155 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 152 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The Aerio SX AWD is only offered with an automatic

The Aerio received an upgraded 2.3-liter, 16-valve, DOHC engine boasting 155 horsepower and a rather lethargic 0 to 60 mph time of 10.7 seconds. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

transmission (sigh) and therefore achieves a rather lethargic 0 to 60 mph time of 10.7 seconds.

Acceleration was quite good while ascending uphill or passing on the highway, but I found that at higher revs the Aerios engine tended to sound a bit loud and feel somewhat strained. Nevertheless, the spunky Suzuki offers commendable fuel economy, an estimated 24 mpg in

Throughout my test week I found the Fastback to be an easy car to maneuver around. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

On a practical note, throughout my test week I found the Fastback to be such an easy car to maneuver around. Whether loading it up with groceries, personal gear, children or friends, there was room for everything. I agree with Suzuki when they say "the Aerio SX five-door offers a unique set of attributes, led by the driving fun of a sports sedan, the command-of-the-road seating position with the easy entry/exit of an SUV, and the load toting capacity of a small

The "command of the road" raised seating position allowed me to have a larger visual range out of the front windshield. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

wagon..... 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down." I definitely noticed the ease with which I could get in and out of the car, with or without a backpack, purse or whatever random item I had in my hands.

Another interesting, but at the same time functional feature I experienced in the Aerio Fastback was the capability of both front seats to fully recline. How I discovered this I dont remember, but I am sure this function would come in handy sometime.

Sitting behind the wheel with the seats upright is also a pleasurable experience. As mentioned above,

The abundant rainfall showering my West Coast home town provided adequately poor conditions to test the Arieos optional QuadGrip all-wheel drive system. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

the "command of the road" raised seating position allowed me to have a larger visual range out of the front windshield. I liked this concept not only because I had improved visibility, but I felt safer higher up.

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