The sporty Suzuki Aerio sedan adds more value in 2007, making it an even smarter buy. The fun-to-drive Aerio offers distinctive styling, a powerful and fuel-efficient 155 horsepower engine and available QuadGrip all-wheel-drive system (AWD), making it one of the most affordable AWD sedans on the market. Last year, the Aerio was upgraded with an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and standard ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). For 2007, new features include standard cruise control and standard automatic transmission on the Aerio Premium.

A Powerful Advantage Under the Hood

The sporty 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine design produces an impressive 155 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque, providing drivers with a peppy ride.  The Aerio is nimble and easy to maneuver for daily errands and adventures around town.  The sophisticated, high-tech engine features a zero-maintenance, two-stage timing chain and is connected to the chassis with vibration-absorbing liquid-filled engine mounts.

Last year, the LEV emissions system was upgraded with enhanced OBDII for more efficient diagnostics capability and evaporative emissions reduction.  The front-wheel-drive Aerio delivers EPA fuel economy estimates of 25 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway with either manual or automatic transmission. 

Agile Handling and Available QuadGrip AWD System

The Aerio’s independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspension provides capable handling and allows for efficient packaging for plenty of interior space.  The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering combined with front and rear anti-roll bars help give Aerio an accurate, controlled feel in the corners.  Suzuki's available QuadGrip all-wheel-drive system offers extra control, comfort and confidence.  In normal operation, virtually all of the engine's torque is sent to the front wheels for maximum fuel efficiency.  However, in situations where the front tires lose traction, such as climbing a slick incline or accelerating on a wet street, QuadGrip automatically and progressively transfers up to 50 percent of the engine's available torque to the rear wheels, operating seamlessly without driver input.

Solid Safety Engineering

Energy-absorbing structures in both the front and rear help to reduce the severity of crash impacts that reach the passenger compartment, while high-tensile steel beams in the doors and roof pillars help protect occupants in side impacts.  The Aerio’s roof is reinforced with two cross-members to help prevent the cabin from deforming in a collision.  The Aerio also features standard front seatbelt pretensioners that take up slack in the seatbelts the instant a crash triggers the airbags.

The 2002 through 2005 Aerio models earned the top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for performance in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test and were deemed “Best Picks.”  In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) side-impact test, the 2004 Aerio (the most recent model tested) earned the top five-star rating for front seat passengers and a four-star rating for rear seat passengers. 

With its standard advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS), advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS and driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbag SRS (not included in the 2004 model NHTSA side-impact test), the 2007 Aerio provides a comforting level of passenger protection.

Attitude and Style

The Aerio has a contemporary flavor and more attitude than you might expect for a vehicle in the class.  As the Aerio was designed slightly taller than most passenger cars in the class, it offers expansive headroom and positions the driver with a high eyepoint and excellent road visibility. 

The Aerio has comfortable seating for five passengers, split-folding rear seatbacks and a best-in-class trunk with 14.6 cubic feet of space. 

The interior was designed with convenience and style in mind.  A handy center console offers convenient storage for smaller items and the quality seat fabric provides durability and a sporty look.  In addition, last year’s redesigned available automatic transmission shift lever helps give the interior a more refined, upscale look.

Trim Levels and Packages

Starting with the base model, drivers can choose between a front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive system. The AWD comes with standard four-speed automatic transmission.  The Aerio offers an extensive list of standard features that make for a pleasant driving experience, including cruise control, air conditioning with automatic climate control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, digital clock and outside temperature information display, driver-side sunglasses holder, keyless entry system with “panic” mode, a newly redesigned AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.  All safety features are standard, including advanced dual airbags, side-impact airbags and four-wheel ABS.  A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on base models; power heated mirrors are an additional standard feature with the AWD.

The Aerio Premium adds automatic transmission, a six-disc in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, including two tweeters and a subwoofer, power heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels. 

Customers who want the convenience of a fully integrated iPod1 system can purchase an iPod interface from their Suzuki dealers.  Once the device is plugged in, it works seamlessly through the radio and playlists and each song’s information appear on the radio display.