Technical
All Aerios are powered by a 2.3L 4 cylinder engine that delivers 155 hp @ 5 400 rpm and 152 lb/ft of torque @ 3 000 rpm to either the front or to all four wheels. Front-wheel drive models are available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive models can only be had with the slush box. Front discs and rear drums handle braking duty and a front and rear independent suspension are standard on all Aerios. The sedans get standard 14" wheels and the Fastbacks are graced by 15" alloy wheels.
On the road
Whether the Aerio is equipped with the old 2.0L lump or with the current
2.3L, engine noise is always an issue. Right from start-up and especially when pushed, the raspy noise and burble are clearly audible. Acceleration with the 2.3L is not particularly fierce, adequate at best, a fact not helped by the 45 kms indicated on the odometer when it was picked up from the dealer. It is very probable that as the kilometres pile on that the performance will improve. The same can be said with fuel consumption which was less than stellar. The previous 2004 Aerio AWD I tested pulled harder. In 2002, I drove a FWD model equipped with the manual transmission. Back then, the 2.0L inline 4 developed 141 hp and 137 lb/ft of torque. In acceleration tests, I managed a brisk 0 - 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. I am assuming that a well broken-in front drive manual with the 2.3L will be quicker.
Over the week, braking performance improved as the pedal got firmer and response time diminished. When pushed hard into corners, the Aerio settles into predictable under steer while maintaining a surprising amount of grip even when shod with the Avon winter tires that Suzuki provided me with. The ride is supple and has no major flaws. Steering is modestly precise and weighty and adds a little sportiness to the bundle. The chassis is not as stiff as a Matrix for example but it still does what is required of it. It does allow for some rattles but not enough to be a cause for concern.
Safety
The car has standard dual front and side airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution with AWD only, and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) and 3 out of 5 stars (an average result) for the passenger for a frontal impact. The sedan received 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for the front passengers and 4 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS has rated the Aerio a "Best Pick" in its category, ahead of cars such as the Toyota Corolla, the Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen New Beetle.
Conclusion
For 23 995$, the level of standard features is high (outside temperature gauge, heated mirrors and in-dash 6 CD changer). The price, though, may be the problem as well. A base Subaru Impreza with the automatic transmission retails for 24 095$. For 100$ more, it may have fewer standard features but it carries a nameplate that is synonymous with AWD. Factor in a look that is different and may not please everyone and the case becomes more difficult. When the Aerio was first introduced, it sold very well but it seems as though interest has dwindled.
All Aerios are powered by a 2.3L 4 cylinder engine that delivers 155 hp @ 5 400 rpm and 152 lb/ft of torque @ 3 000 rpm to either the front or to all four wheels. Front-wheel drive models are available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive models can only be had with the slush box. Front discs and rear drums handle braking duty and a front and rear independent suspension are standard on all Aerios. The sedans get standard 14" wheels and the Fastbacks are graced by 15" alloy wheels.
On the road
Whether the Aerio is equipped with the old 2.0L lump or with the current
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Over the week, braking performance improved as the pedal got firmer and response time diminished. When pushed hard into corners, the Aerio settles into predictable under steer while maintaining a surprising amount of grip even when shod with the Avon winter tires that Suzuki provided me with. The ride is supple and has no major flaws. Steering is modestly precise and weighty and adds a little sportiness to the bundle. The chassis is not as stiff as a Matrix for example but it still does what is required of it. It does allow for some rattles but not enough to be a cause for concern.
Safety
The car has standard dual front and side airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution with AWD only, and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) and 3 out of 5 stars (an average result) for the passenger for a frontal impact. The sedan received 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for the front passengers and 4 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS has rated the Aerio a "Best Pick" in its category, ahead of cars such as the Toyota Corolla, the Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen New Beetle.
Conclusion
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