  |
Suzuki Aerio
The Suzuki Aerio (called the Liana in Europe) is a subcompact car built by Suzuki Motor Corporation for the lower midsize segment in the Japanese and European markets and for the subcompact segment in the North American market. The car was introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus/Baleno, as a tall 5-door hatchback or 4-door sedan, for maximum inner room efficiency. It featured two different 16-valve gasoline engines, with 1.5 L and 1.8 L, this one capable of 125 hp JIS (92 kW). Automatic transmission is standard and all wheel drive available.
In the US, where it debuted as 2002 model year, the Aerio is considered a more sporty alternative, so it featured a bigger and more powerful 2.0 L engine, with 145 hp SAE (108 kW). Manual transmission was standard, with optional automatic, as well as the possibility to install four wheel drive. For the 2004 model year, Suzuki North America introduced a new 2.3 L engine, with enlarged bore and stroke, now capable of achieving 155 hp SAE (115 kW), with the same transmission choices. The American Aerio also features a standard sport bodykit and is available in all wheel drive.
In Europe, where the car is called Liana (an acronym for "Life In A New Age"), it's seen as a more affordable alternative to midsize hatchbacks or to mini-MPVs, introducing a new generation of Suzuki M engines, with 1.3 L and 1.6 L engine. All wheel drive is available on the bigger engine. In 2004 the car was restyled with a look that closer resembled the Japanese version, and also received a Diesel version, with a 16-valve version of the 1.4 L HDi engine supplied by PSA Peugeot Citroën, capable of 90 hp DIN (66 kW) thanks to common rail direct injection and a variable nozzle turbine. The Suzuki Liana is also used in the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" on the BBC show "Top Gear".