2005 Suzuki Aerio

Suzuki is picking up steam in the car market, although it remains a small player partly because it's been best known in America for motorcycles and sport-utility vehicles.

It's unfortunate that most new-car buyers don't put Suzuki on their shopping lists because it makes practical, economical autos that are solid and fun to drive, with sort of a devil-may-care attitude. The Aerio also is among the least expensive cars available with all-wheel drive.

Things are looking up for Suzuki, though. It ended last year with U.S. sales of 47,109 cars -- more than double the 22,541 autos it sold in 2003. Add sport-utility vehicles and Suzuki's 2004 vehicle sales here totaled 73,946 vehicles -- a good jump from the 58,438 sold in the previous year.

Despite the upswing, Suzuki's total vehicle sales are relatively small -- only Porsche sold fewer vehicles in America last year, with a total of 31,471 cars and trucks. But revisions to the 2005 Aerio should enhance its sales.

The Aerio is sold as a compact sedan and as a funky hatchback, which Suzuki calls a "sport crossover'' (call it a small station wagon, if you like).

Resale value of the Aerio is lower than that of better-known Japanese rivals, but it should be helped by higher volumes and Suzuki's 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain warranty. That's better coverage than is typical in the Aerio's price class, and the warranty is transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items.

The 2005 Aerio comes with front-drive or an efficient all-wheel drive system available on the LX sedan and SX hatchback. The system is paired only with a four-speed automatic transmission and normally shoots most engine torque to the front wheels for the best fuel economy. When front tires lose traction, the system transfers power to the rear wheels.

Sedans are offered in base S and more upscale LX trim levels, with list prices from $13,449 to $17,449. The roomier, although 4.8-inch shorter, SX hatchback has only one trim level and prices from $15,449 to $17,749.

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a four-speed automatic optional. Even the S is fairly well equipped, with items including power windows, locks and mirrors, along with a tilt wheel, intermittent wipers and a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system.

The LX sedan and SX hatchback add cruise control, remote keyless entry, an in-dash, six-disc CD changer, height-adjustable driver's seat and heated outside mirrors. The LX also gets a chrome muffler end piece and color-keyed mirrors.

Suzuki has improved the exterior and interior of the Aerio since it was introduced in March 2002. The new Aerio looks slicker with a new front bumper, grille and fog lights. The S sedan has 14-inch steel wheels, but the LX sedan and SX hatchback roll on newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels.

The S and LX sedans have a sporty new trunk spoiler, and the SX features new rear combination lights.

The sedan and hatchback have a redesigned, upgraded interior with more functionality. The newly designed instrument panel looks better, and new analog gauges replace odd digi-graphic instrumentation.

A new steering wheel incorporates fingertip audio controls for the new integrated AM/FM/CD audio system. Large climate controls work very smoothly, but sound system controls should be larger.

All Aerios get newly standard automatic climate control air conditioning, and even the entry S version gets new standard power door locks. The keyless entry system, standard on LS and SX models, now includes a "panic'' mode that operates the Aerio's horn.

New seat fabric, a new front console, silver door handles and chrome door locks help make the generally quiet interior more stylish. There also are repositioned remote door mirror switches for easier use, along with a new clock and outside temperature information display.

New shift knobs for both the manual and automatic transmissions might seem like small items, but are frequently used.

There's a surprising amount of room for four tall adults in the tall car. Large door openings and high seats make it easy to slide in and out of the front and back. Front occupants sit especially high in very supportive seats in the airy interior.

The cargo opening is low and wide, and the 60-40 split rear seat folds down flat to greatly enlarge the cargo space.

New standard safety items include a weight-sensing passenger front air bag and front seat-mounted side air bags. Anti-lock brakes are optional.

All Aerios have strong acceleration from a robust 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 155 horsepower with its dual overhead camshafts and 16 valves. A zero-maintenance timing chain is used instead of a rubberized belt that must be (expensively) replaced on many small cars. Liquid-filled engine mounts cut down on typical four-cylinder vibration.

The engine generates 152-pound feet of torque, which allows easy take-offs in second gear with the manual gearbox to prevent front-wheel slip on wet roads with the front-drive Aerio. However, the five-speed manual transmission must be downshifted from fifth to third gear on highways for the best 65-75 mph passing time.

The manual transmission shifts nicely and works with a light clutch. The automatic operates efficiently, but the best performance is gotten with the manual gearbox.

The highest estimated fuel economy is gotten with the manual gearbox: 25 mpg in the city and 31 on highways with front drive and either transmission. All-wheel-drive drops those figures to 24 and 28 (sedan) and 29 (hatchback).

The power rack-and-pinion steering is quick and the turning circle is tight for good maneuverability. The supple all-independent suspension smooths out most road imperfections. The ride almost seems overly soft for a small car with a fairly short 97.6-inch wheelbase.

Handling is decent, although it's better with the 15-inch wheels that come with slightly wider tires than the 14-inch ones. Stopping distances are short, and the brake pedal has a progressive action for comfortable stops.

The Aerio is something different for those who don't want a more mainstream small car.

2005 SUZUKI AERIO

PRICES
$13,449-$17,749

LIKES
Revised styling and new features. Roomy. Lively. Nice ride. Well-equipped. All-wheel drive.

DISLIKES
Not well-known. Questionable resale values.