2005 Suzuki Aerio Fastback SX AWD

When taking to the streets I found the Aerio to be a smooth performer. Its four-wheel independent suspension, with McPherson

The abundant rainfall showering my West Coast home town provided adequately poor conditions to test the Arieo's optional QuadGrip all-wheel drive system. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

struts up front and strut coil springs in the rear, plus new-for-2005 P195/55R15 all-season tires on 15-inch wheels, made for a capable ride and handling combination.

Unfortunately, time constraints did not allow me to take the Fastback to the local ski resort to test out Suzuki's optional QuadGrip all-wheel drive system in the snow, but the abundant rainfall showering my West Coast home town combined with slippery roads to provide adequately poor conditions - at least bad enough to see how well the system works. Unlike part-time

Unlike part-time four- or all-wheel drive systems, QuadGrip is always on. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

four- or all-wheel drive systems, QuadGrip is always on, automatically activating when the front tires start to lose traction.

Under normal circumstances, almost all of the torque is distributed to the front wheels to maximize fuel economy, but in the event of lost adhesion to the road QuadGrip automatically begins the gradual process of distributing up to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels. Attempting tight turns on the slippery streets at a good speed allowed me to test the system, and as advertised, as soon as the front tires started to slip the rear wheels cut in and traction was restored. I could not feel it because of its smooth transition, but I knew it was working.