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American Suzuki Unveils
Mid-Size Verona at Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- American Suzuki
Motor Corp. (ASMC) proudly introduces the latest
addition to its growing product line, the Verona --
a mid-size sedan loaded with style, interior room,
power and amenities -- today at the Chicago Auto
Show.
Designed by Italdesign in Turin, Italy for the
car buyer wanting premium-caliber performance and
amenities, the all-new mid-size car will go on sale
in the U.S. by early 2004 as a '04 model.
Contrasting the Verona's uniquely aerodynamic
styling, standard transverse-mounted in-line
six-cylinder engine and generous amenities with an
MSRP in the $16,000 to $19,000 range it shows a
distinct advantage against competitors like the
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
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"Verona, Suzuki's first mid-size sedan,
offers distinctive Euro-styling and a standard
in-line six-cylinder engine," explained ASMC
president Rick Suzuki in his press conference
remarks. "Today's launch of the Verona widens
Suzuki's demographic appeal even more by helping us
attract mid-size sedan shoppers wanting to combine
premium amenities, power and performance associated
with higher-priced models with exceptional Suzuki
value that will save them thousands of dollars over
the other mid-size sedan competition. It's an
exciting expansion of the Suzuki line."
The Suzuki Verona -- along with the compact
Forenza, also unveiled today in Chicago -- sets the
stage for American Suzuki's accelerated growth plan
to triple sales in five years by 2007, a result of
Suzuki's increased commitment to the U.S. market.
The launch of these two cars, originating from the
GMDAT, further cements its position as a maker of
stylish and value-packed vehicles in the U.S.
Performance, Power and Handling
The Verona comes equipped with an innovative
all-aluminum, 2.5-liter, 24-valve, in-line
six-cylinder engine, which pushes performance output
to 155 horsepower. The cutting-edge
transverse-mounted in-line six-cylinder engine
design maximizes performance and fuel efficiency
while addressing the engine noise and vibration
common in the standard in-line four-cylinder engines
that the competition offers. Thanks to its Variable
Intake System (VIS), the engine provides one of the
highest torque among similar-class vehicles at 177
pound-feet at 4,000 rpm -- giving the Verona
excellent speed and admirable acceleration.
The front-wheel-drive Verona comes standard with
a four-speed automatic transmission featuring an
adaptive control system and step-gate shifter. The
adaptive aspect of the transmission control module
is a system that learns the Verona driver's driving
behavior and adapts its shifting patterns to
optimize the car's performance. The Verona features
speed-sensing power steering which, based on vehicle
speed, self-adjusts the amount of steering assist
necessary to enhance driving stability and control
at any speed.
The Verona's smooth ride and handling can be
attributed to front MacPherson struts and a rear
multi-link suspension that work together with
gas-charged shock absorbers. When combined with its
speed-sensing power steering, the result is superb
handling and responsiveness, as well as a smooth
ride.
Exterior Design
Clearly, the Verona's stand-out features in the
mid-size sedan category are the innovative engine
design and affordable price point. In addition, the
sleek exterior styling, reminiscent of high-end
European sedans, speaks to first- and second-time
buyers looking to make a style statement. The Verona
aims to capture the savvy buyer, looking to get the
most for their dollar yet appearance-conscious
enough to appreciate Suzuki's polished take on the
classic sedan.
From the standard fog lamps embedded into the
lower bumper, across the Euro-styled dual-halogen
headlights to the base of the windshield, uniquely
aerodynamic style lines guide the wind and the eye
along the hood to the spacious five-passenger
compartment dominated by a six-window greenhouse for
striking appearance and maximum visibility. The
roofline is punctuated by roof rack grooves designed
for easy accessory installation. Side accents
include chrome door handles while color-keyed side
moldings with chrome inserts provide a refined
accent to the side profile. The elegant style lines
continue to the trunk from the base of the rear
window and then sweep to the corners of the
oversized taillights.
The Verona is available with a power
tilt-and-slide sunroof and 16-inch aluminum wheels
that compete head-on with the Toyota Camry, Honda
Accord and Nissan Altima, adding to both handling
and visual appeal. Verona often bests its
competition in interior roominess, measuring wider
than the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, and
boasting more front legroom than the Camry and more
rear legroom than both the Altima and Accord.
Luxurious Interior
The Verona doors open to an interior that rivals
the more costly sedans in its class, offering
comfortable seating surfaces, woodgrain accents and
high-tech amenities surround the occupants in
cosmopolitan comfort and convenience. Once seated,
the driver can adjust the six-position seat and tilt
steering wheel to their individual preferences;
store their PDAs, theater tickets, and mochas in the
abundant storage spaces and cup holders, and set the
easy-to-use automatic climate control system to the
ideal setting.
Combining high-tech and convenience, the Verona
features include power windows, mirrors and door
locks, 12-volt power outlet, steering wheel with
integrated stereo controls, digital clock and
exterior temperature display and the stereo offers
both CD with cassette and with six speakers.
For customers who indulge in luxury, Verona
offers premium stitched leather seating with heated
driver and front passenger seats, as well as a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The
available eight-way power driver's seat allows
effortless adjustment for cruising comfort. Another
added feature is an auto-dimming rearview mirror
that automatically adjusts the intensity of light
reflected into the driver's eyes, reducing potential
night glare dangers.
Understanding consumers' desire to have even
more, Verona designers added little touches that go
beyond the typical: overhead lighted vanity mirrors
mounted in the sun visors; and a padded, fold-out,
rear center armrest. In easy-to-use fashion, the
Verona also features remote keyless entry, remote
trunk release and an anti-theft device activated by
buttons located on a single integrated key and key
fob unit, eliminating the traditional separate key
and key fob configuration. Storage abounds
throughout the Verona: a padded front center armrest
houses a two-layer storage compartment for small
items in the top layer and CD storage in the lower
layer; a large center console is conveniently fitted
with dual cupholders; there's an overhead console
with sunglass storage compartment; a driver-side,
dash-mounted change tray, perfect for toll-road
money; a spacious lighted glove box; driver and
passenger seatback pockets; and a large rear package
shelf -- plus a cavernous 15.4 cubic-feet of trunk
space.
Suzuki Safety
The Suzuki Verona offers four-wheel disc brakes
-- a feature typically found only on more expensive
sedans or as a costly option. The Verona also comes
equipped with a driver and front passenger
dual-airbag system and height-adjustable shoulder
belts. Rear-seat passengers are protected with the
help of a center headrest, three-point seatbelts for
the left, right and center passengers. Keeping the
family in mind, the Verona offers the child seat
LATCH system, rear seat child door locks, and
luminescent trunk release lever.
Fit with the ASMC Line
The launch of the new Verona enables Suzuki to
offer a value-packed mid-size car, providing a
logical step up for current Suzuki car owners -- and
along with the Forenza, to accelerate ASMC's new
model launch schedule begun with last year's Aerio
debut. While the Aerio sedan and five-door SX
crossover proved popular with first-time buyers and
young couples wanting expressive style without
sacrificing interior features, power and
performance, the Verona is more likely to appeal to
entry-level buyers wanting power, performance and
amenities for an MSRP thousands of dollars less than
its luxury mid-size sedan competitors. The Verona
customer is expected to be slightly older and more
sophisticated than the Aerio buyer -- but similar to
all Suzuki customers in their demand for exceptional
style, performance and value.
About ASMC
The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor
Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in
1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets
automobiles in the United States through a network
of more than 440 automotive dealerships in 49
states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor
Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a
diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer.
Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it is
based in Hamamatsu, Japan, and has 141 distributors
in 127 countries.
Source: American
Suzuki Motor Corporation |
