The engine is quite nice too. The 155-hp 2.5-L is smooth as silk, expected of an inline-6, and revs freely right up to 6,500 rpm. While not particularly powerful on paper, it zips ahead with surprising energy after a disconcertingly long hesitation at takeoff. Part of its zing is due to the engine's 177 lb-ft of torque, not too shabby for this class. Of course, a similarly equipped Accord, Altima or Camry would leave it gasping for air, but once again a similarly equipped Honda, Nissan or Toyota costs thousands more.
 |
| The Verona's 155-hp 2.5-L is smooth as silk, expected of an inline-6, and revs freely right up to 6,500 rpm. (Photo: Suzuki Motors) |
So just how much less is the Suzuki? The GL model starts at a reasonable $22,995, which at first doesn't seem like a great deal lower in price than a base Altima, Accord or Camry, each with MSRPs of $23,798, $23,900 and $24,800 respectively. Then it's important to factor in the Verona's standard features that I mentioned previously, like the automatic climate control and standard 6-disc audio system, etc, as well as its now advertised zero down $269 monthly payment. What's even more impressive is a fully loaded price of $25,695. You can't spend any more unless you opt for dealer installed accessories.
 |
| What's impressive about the Verona is that fully loaded it only costs $25,695. (Photo: Suzuki Motors) |
One of the most significant standard features is its 6-cylinder engine. OK, the Suzuki's six isn't much more powerful than its competitors' fours, and actually is overshadowed by the Altima's more robust 2.5-L unit, but it's wonderfully smooth and more refined than any 4-cylinder could be so it's difficult to compare just with specifications alone.
I was disappointed to see the Suzuki's 2.5-L six is not as fuel efficient as any of the four cylinders though, at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.9 (20 and 30 mpg) on the highway compared to 10.0 and 6.4 (24 and 37 mpg) for the Accord, 10.1 and 6.7 (23 and 35 mpg) for the Camry and the most powerful Altima topping the charts at 10.3 and 7.3 L/100 km (23 and 32 mpg) in the city and highway respectively. It beats all the competitive V6 engines, however, but not by much considering its rivals' horsepower advantages - Accord achieves 11.4 and 7.3 L/100 km in the city and highway (21 and 32 mpg), the Camry at 11.6 and 7.5 (20 and 21 mpg) and the most powerful Altima with a rating of 12.3 and 8.3 (19 and 28 mpg).