Suzuki Aerio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Suzuki Aerio | |
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| Also called: | Suzuki Liana Suzuki Baleno New G |
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| Manufacturer: | Suzuki |
| Production: | 2001–2007 |
| 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: | 97.60 in. |
| Length: | 171.30 in. |
| Width: | 67.70 in. |
| Height: | 60.80 in. |
| Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gal. |
| Similar: | Daewoo Lacetti Hyundai Elantra Toyota Matrix |
The Suzuki Aerio (called the Liana in Europe 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 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. The grille was updated for 2005.
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.
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 in 2007, but the sedan will remain in Eastern Europe.
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. In consequence, value for the light blue metallic manual sedan featured has increased, and these are now considered collectors's cars, and have a cult following. [verification needed]
