For those Suzuki loyalists concerned that the Verona is merely a Korean made Daewoo adorned with the brand's stylized 'S' on its grille, and that it won't be as reliable as their Japanese made Suzuki, keep in mind that Daewoo wasn't in last place in J.D. Powers and Associates 2003 Vehicle Dependability Study. That honor went to Kia. Daewoo was third from last and Suzuki, a much more reliable fourth from last. Neither nameplate has any bragging rights when it comes to this criterion, making Daewoo and Suzuki a near perfect match.
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| After spending a week with the Verona I have to admit to being extremely impressed. (Photo: Suzuki Motors) |
In the end, after spending a week with the Verona I have to admit to being extremely impressed. Initially I though it might be because I didn't expect much in the first place, but to be fair I could live with this car everyday. It's not just adequate, it's really quite nice. I even like its tastefully elegant styling, but I've always had a thing for Italian design - Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign penned this one.
Personally, I think the Verona will do quite well in sales while raising Suzuki to a new level of respectability in the Canadian car market. It won't get there only from competing in the midsize segment, but more so by entering such a formidable competitor for such great value.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP):$22,995 - $25,695 ($16,495 - $19,999 USD)
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 155 hp, 177 lb-ft torque, 2.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC I-6
- Transmission: 4-spd auto with gated shifter
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (opt ABS)
- Cargo Cap (trunk): 436 L (15.4 cu ft)
- Curb Weight: 1,533 kg (3,380 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.9 / 7.9 L/100 km (20 / 30 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Epica/Malibu/Impala, Chrysler Sebring, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Saturn L-Series, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat
- Web Site: www.suzuki.ca
