BREA, Calif. (November 6, 2003) - Just as American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) penetrates new vehicle categories with the launch of the 2004 Verona midsize sedan and 2004 Forenza premium compact sedan this fall, the automaker received news that two of its most popular models again garnered top industry accolades.
For the second straight year, Consumers Digest has designated Suzuki's Aerio and XL-7 as "Best Buys" - the most recent for the 2004 model year of both vehicles. The magazine's annual recommendations, designed to show which cars and trucks offer the most value for the money, are based on purchase price, ownership costs, warranty coverage, safety ratings, historic reliability, styling, ergonomics, comfort, amenities, cargo room and performance factors such as acceleration, braking, handling and ride quality.
Suzuki's 2003 Aerio and XL-7 were named Consumers Digest "Best Buys" in 2003 - a designation that took on extra merit for the Aerio as it came during the same year the vehicle was introduced.
SUZUKI: 2004 Aerio and XL-7 Named Consumers Digest "Best Buys"
"These most recent Consumers Digest distinctions substantiate a continuing theme - American Suzuki vehicles offer unbeatable value," explained ASMC President Rick Suzuki. "From the Aerio and XL-7 to the all-new Verona and Forenza, Suzuki cars and SUVs meet or beat the performance, style and feature amenities of their more expensive competitors."
Fueled by industry acclaim, the Aerio sedan and five-door Aerio SX enter 2004 with 300 more cubic centimeters of engine displacement and 10 additional horsepower. That brings Aerio's total to 155 horses from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine - one of the most powerful standard engines in its class. Equally impressive is the Aerio's sporty performance, spacious and functionally attractive interior, proven safety, fuel efficiency, premium sound system with the only standard sub-woofer in its class, fresh styling and sure-footed handling. Once again, the Aerio comes in front- or all-wheel drive featuring Suzuki's QuadGrip All-wheel-drive System.
In the SUV category, Suzuki's popular Vitara has been renamed the Vitara V6 in 2004 to reflect its new standard V6 engine. Other changes include new charcoal two-tone bumpers and fender flares and a newly designed soft spare tire cover. At $16,299, the Vitara V6 is the most affordable V6-powered SUV on the market - as well as the only compact SUV that boasts tough body-on-frame construction. Standard interior features include air conditioning with micron-air filtration, in-dash CD player, cruise control, keyless remote entry system, automatic lighting system, halogen headlamps, tilt steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors.
The SUV value equation continues with the Grand Vitara, combining a rugged ladder-frame construction, truck-tough dual-range four-wheel drive, a generous list of standard features and America's #1 Warranty for an MSRP starting at $17,499. Changes in 2004 include a new hard spare tire cover, a revised rear headlamp and tail lamp design, new alloy wheel design, silver roof rails (with most body colors), color-keyed door handles, and a new panic button on the keyless remote entry system.
Designed to be at home on the road and in the dirt, the flagship XL-7 offers tough body-on-frame design, a torquey V6 engine, generous ground clearance and available truck-tough four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. Also standard is third-row seating for seven, a flexible and cavernous cargo area, top-rated crash protection and features and amenities rivaling the most expensive luxury sedans - all for an MSRP starting at just $19,499. Changes for 2004 range from additional power and torque and an optional five-speed automatic transmission and an optional Drive-Select push button 4WD system. The restyled exterior features a new front end, grille, bumper cover, headlights, taillights and color-keyed hard tire cover.
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