2002 Suzuki Aerio Sport Crossover

The new Suzuki Aerio represents the new trend in small cars - the sport crossover - blending a sedan, a small car and the SUV. The Suzuki Aerio is available in two models, the front-wheel-drive Aerio sedan and Aerio SX sport crossover. Two sedan trim levels, S and GS, are available - while the Aerio SX will be available in one, GS-caliber package. The Aerio and Aerio SX both feature a 2-liter, 141 horsepower engine that beats the Ford Focus SE and LX; Honda Civic DX and LX; Mazda Protégé 5 and Protégé 5 LX; Nissan Sentra XE and GXE; AND the new Toyota Matrix and Matrix XR.

In highway tests, the Aerio S finished ahead of the 2002 Honda Civic DX and 2002 Ford Focus LX with automatic transmissions in four AMCI-Certified acceleration tests: 0-60 mph; quarter-mile; 20-65 mph merging; and 40-70 mph highway passing. The tests were designed specifically by Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc. as benchmarks of vehicle power and acceleration.

Standard features of the Aerio and Aerio SX include air conditioning, six-speaker AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD, power windows and mirrors, three-spoke tilt steering wheel, rear-window defroster, several cup holders, adjustable front and rear head restraints, split folding rear seats and instrumental panel with all-digital speedometer and tachometer.

The Aerio GS and SX models add five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, keyless remote entry, fog lamps and rear spoiler with brake light.

The Aerio and Aerio SX are available with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. All-wheel-drive versions of both models will be available in September 2002.

The sedan starts in price at $13,499. The Aerio GS and Aerio SX models offer an MRSP starting at $14,499 - approximately $1,500 less than the MSRPs of the Toyota Matrix and Mazda Protégé 5.

Fuel economy:
26/33 mpg city/highway (26/32 for the SX) for manual transmission and 26/31 mpg city/highway for automatic transmission.

www.suzukiauto.com