2002 SUZUKI AERIO FASTBACK SX
The Aerio is a brand-new Suzuki designed to replace the Swift and the Esteem. It is available as
a four-door sedan and as a hatchback or Fastback in Suzuki-speak, and in GL, GLX and SX trim
lines. It is very close to the Hyundai Accent in size, tough taller.
Interior and trunk
The relatively high stance and wide door openings make access easy, front and rear. The front
seats are very comfortable. The driver’s seat has a knob to adjust the angle of the seat cushion.
The driving position is very good and the low instrument panel helps visibility to the front, but
the wide A-pillars restrict ¾ front visibility.
The rear bench provides comfortable seating for two adults. Both sides of the 60/40-split
seatback recline to five or more different angles. Head and legroom are adequate for most
people.
The rear hatch opens wide to facilitate loading and unloading the roomy trunk. Under the floor
are a well for the spare tire and a bin to hold small objects.
Safety and convenience
Though the finish is generally good, our test car had some problems: several creaking noises, a
crooked steering column and a vent that refused to open and close completely. Though wind and
road noise are adequately muffled, engine noise is intrusive during moderate to strong
acceleration and at highway speeds.
Storage space is limited to an average-sized glove box and map pockets in the front doors and
behind the front seatbacks. The climate control system lacked conviction when it came time to
cool the interior.
The numeric display instrument panel is very narrow and was manifestly designed to facilitate its
positioning with the steering wheel on either the right or left side. All controls are well located
(with the exception of the rear windshield wiper control, too low), and felt good to use. The rear
wiper has one speed, and though the front wipers do not have a MIST mode, at least the interval
of the intermittent cycle is variable.
Safety features include front air bags, four locking head restraints (except in the GL version) and
good headlights. Anti-lock brakes are available only on the SX version. The rear head restraints
may limit the view to the rear, and the top of the dashboard can reflect annoyingly off the
windshield.
Engine and transmission
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 141 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque,
providing acceleration and pick-up that is reasonable but not as lively as expected, given these
numbers. Still, the engine is quite well adapted though we would have hoped for less noise in
ordinary or heavy acceleration and at cruising speeds. The manual transmission makes better use
of engine resources and lowers fuel consumption.
The four-speed automatic transmission is well geared and shifts very smoothly. However, the
overdrive button located on the right side of the shifter where it can be bumped with your thigh,
which is far from ideal.
On the road
The four-wheel independent suspension is fine-tuned to provide an impressive mix of
compliance and firmness. In terms of handling, driving sensation and firmness of reaction on
certain bumps, the Aerio is not unlike many German cars and provides the same feeling of
driving slower than the speedometer indicates. It handles predictably and grips the road well, but
is sensitive to side winds.
The power steering is slightly heavy at low speed, then well weighted. Steering is stable, precise
and fairly quick, and even provides a bit of road feel. Easy to modulate, the brakes is both
powerful and fade resistant.
An inspection at the CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre showed that the Aerio is well
assembled. We did note a few holes that were not plugged in the front fender liners, and several
unsealed joints underneath.
Conclusion
With its roomy, comfortable cabin, versatile rear hatch and nifty handling, the Aerio has what it
takes to fulfil its mission. Too bad that the engine is a bit lacklustre despite the highest power
rating in its category. Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts take note: a 4X4 version is in the wings.
FOR
Roomy interior
Comfort
Smooth automatic transmission
Handling
Smooth ride
Road holding
AGAINST
Storage space
No MIST mode
Noisy engine
Air conditioning a bit weak
Heavy steering at low speed
Wide A-pillars
2002 SUZUKI AERIO
Engine: 16-valve, 2.0-litre 4 cylinder
Torque: 135 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm
Suspension: fully independent
Length: 423 cm
Height: 155 cm
Weight: 1,175 to 1,195 kg
Towing capacity: not recommended
Horsepower: 141 h.p. @ 5,700 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed man.; 4-speed auto.
Brakes: disc/drum
Width: 169 cm
Wheelbase: 248 cm
Tires: P185/64R14; P195/55R16
Air bags: standard front
Fuel consumption:
- Transport Canada rating: city: 9.1 L/100 km (31 mpg); highway: 7 L/100 km (40 mpg)
- Test result: 9.5 L/100 (30 mpg)
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 10.5 seconds 60-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds
Competition: Chevrolet Cavalier, Chrysler Neon, Daewoo Nubira, Ford Focus, Honda
Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda Protegé, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac Sunfire and
Vibe, Saturn SL, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla and Matrix, Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer):
Frequency: 3 months/5,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,854
Warranty:
- Full basic coverage: 3 years/80,000 km
- Powertrain: 3 years/80,000 km
- Surface corrosion: 1.5 years/60,000
- Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage
- Emissions control system: 3 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km
(catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device)
Factory replacement parts:
Rear bumper: $506
Brake pads: $62
Front fender: $183
Front brake disk: $67
Muffler: $368
Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free
insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $650 to $939
Price according to trim line:
GL: $15,785 GLX: $18,485
SX: $18,895
Main options:
Automatic transmission: $1,000 (SX only)
Price as tested: $19,895
Freight and preparation: $995
Dealers: Quebec: 38; Canada: 86
Ó CAA-Quebec, May 2002