The front-wheel-drive Verona also only offers a 4-speed automatic transmission where its competitors proudly show off 5-speed gearboxes. Suzuki's is quite sophisticated though, boasting a step-gate shifter and an adaptive control feature that actually learns personal driving patterns and adapts the shift intervals accordingly. Then again, in V6 guise the Altima and Accord offer even slicker sequentially shifting manual-mode automatics and the option of true manual transmissions.
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| The Verona is expected to be aggressively priced, providing an attractive well featured sedan at a good value. (Photo: Suzuki) |
To be fair the Suzuki is expected to be priced more aggressively than its Japanese rivals. What's more, there's a strong contingent of consumers who couldn't care less about shifting gears or horsepower and torque ratings, but would just rather have an attractive, well featured sedan that they can rely on to take them wherever and back.
These drivers will appreciate the speed-sensing power steering that reduces turning effort while parking and increases it at highway speeds, and the Verona's comfortable ride. The sedan incorporates front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link suspension setup together with gas-charged shock absorbers, smoothing out the bumps and enhancing both road feel and at-the-limit handling of the vehicle - important in accident avoidance.
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| No mention of anti-lock brakes, which could be a negative for those looking for a family car. (Photo: Suzuki) |
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, not always the case in the midsize class, but being that anti-lock brakes weren't mentioned in the press material they probably aren't even offered. This will be a negative for those willing to spend a few hundred more to protect their family. Personally I wouldn't buy a family-type car without them.