Suzuki Aerio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Suzuki Aerio | |
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| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
| Also called | Suzuki Liana Suzuki Baleno New G |
| Production | 2001–2007 |
| Assembly | Kosai, Japan |
| Predecessor | Suzuki Cultus Crescent/Suzuki Baleno/Esteem |
| Successor | Suzuki SX4 |
| Class | Compact/Mini MPV |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback 4-door sedan |
| Engine | 1.3 L I4; 1.5 L I4; 1.6 L I4; 1.8 L I4; 2.0 L I4; 2.3 L I4; 1.4 L Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 97.6 in |
| Length | 171.3 in (sedan) 166.5 in (hatchback) |
| Width | 67.7 in |
| Height | 60.8 in (sedan) 61 in (hatchback) |
| Fuel capacity | 13.2 US gal. |
| Similar | Dodge Neon Hyundai Elantra Subaru Impreza |
The Suzuki Aerio (called the Liana in Europe, South Asia and Australia) is a compact car built by Suzuki Motor Corporation. It fits in between the compact and lower mid-size segments. The car was introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the Suzuki Esteem/Baleno, with a tall 5-door hatchback (for maximum inner room efficiency) or 4-door sedan bodies. It featured two different 16-valve gasoline engines, with 1.5 L and 1.8 L, this one capable of 125 PS JIS (92 kW). Automatic transmission is standard and all wheel drive available.
In North America, the Aerio is considered a more sporty alternative, so it featured a bigger and more powerful 2.0 L engine, with 145 hp SAE (108 kW). Manual transmission was standard, with optional automatic, as well as the possibility to install four wheel drive. For 2004, Suzuki North America introduced a new 2.3 L engine, with enlarged bore and stroke, now capable of achieving 155 hp SAE (115 kW), with the same transmission choices. The American Aerio also features a standard sport bodykit with rear spoiler and is available in all wheel drive.
The following year, the exterior styling was slightly updated and the interior completely redesigned, the most prominent feature being replacement of the digital display with conventional analog dials that glow red when the headlights are activated.
In Europe, where the car is called Liana (an acronym for "Life In A New Age"), it's seen as a more affordable alternative to small family cars or to mini MPVs, introducing a new generation of Suzuki M engines, with 1.3 L and 1.6 L engine. All wheel drive is available on the bigger engine. In 2004 the car was restyled with a look that closer resembled the Japanese version, and also received a Diesel engine, with a 16-valve version of the 1.4 L HDi engine supplied by PSA Peugeot Citroën, capable of 90 PS DIN (66 kW) thanks to common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger.
Until 2006, the Aerio sedan was sold in two models in North America: the "S" (standard) and "GS" (luxury). The GS model had a few more features than the S, including color-keyed door handles and rear-view mirrors, cruise control, and keyless entry. In 2006, the two package levels were given the names "Aerio" and "Aerio Premium." The change is not only superficial, as in 2006 the North American Aerio began to be sold with an MP3-capable 6-speaker sound system with subwoofer, cruise control, and keyless entry standard on all models. Previously, these features were only available as upgrades in the lower package level. In addition, the "Aerio Premium" comes standard with a six disc in-dash CD player.
The Aerio hatchback stopped being sold in Japan in early 2006, and North America by the end of the year. The Liana will leave Western Europe and North America in 2007, but the sedan will remain in Eastern Europe. The SX4 hatchback and sedan replace the Aerio for 2007-08.
Several Suzuki Liana sedans were used for the Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car segment of the BBC's Top Gear TV show from its first show until the model's replacement by a Chevrolet Lacetti in the show's spring 2006 season.
[edit] External links
- Official Japanese website (in Japanese)
- Official European website
- Official American website
- Suzuki Aerio Specifications
- Suzuki Liana Specs
| Suzuki road vehicle timeline, North America market, 1985-present | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subcompact | Forsa | Swift | Swift | Swift+ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Esteem | Aerio | SX4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reno | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forenza | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Verona | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mini SUV | Samurai | X-90 | Vitara | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact SUV | Sidekick | Grand Vitara | Grand Vitara | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | XL-7 | XL7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
