BREA, Calif. (August 22, 2005) - Styled in Europe and packing more features and interior room than some of its top competitors, the Verona provides an affordable alternative for people who are unwilling to compromise on value. With distinctive styling, luxurious interior amenities, standard equipment that surpasses the competition – including an in-line six-cylinder engine, six-speaker audio system, anti-lock brake system (ABS) and driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags – and America’s #1 Warranty, the Verona is a value leader.


A New Model Structure and Select Improvements

For 2006 the Verona benefits from a simplified model strategy: the well-equipped standard Verona or the Verona with the Luxury Package. There are select improvements for 2006, including a new sun visor lamp, convenient coat hook for the rear passenger integrated into assist grips and (for the Luxury Package) a newly designed sunroof switch for easier operation.

Under the hood, the Verona’s cruise control has changed to an electronic throttle body control type for improved operation. The Verona also now meets tough ULEV II emission standards, making it an environmentally friendly option for car buyers.


European Style and Spacious Practicality

The Verona defies convention with an upscale feature list led by remote keyless entry with anti-theft device and trunk opener; power windows; heated outside mirrors and door locks; and air conditioning with a micron air-filtration system. The AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system has six speakers, cruise control and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls for added convenience.

The Verona's European styling integrates form and function with a front air dam, steeply raked hood and crisp trunk lip that work together to provide solid aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency at highway speeds. With its large greenhouse and angled backlight, the Verona blends excellent outward visibility with a unique silhouette. Other exterior styling elements include fender flares, an upscale chrome-plated grille, multi-reflector jewel-type halogen projector headlights and fog lamps.

In addition to its long list of exterior features, the 2006 Verona challenges its rivals in interior dimensions; front legroom and hip room are particularly generous. Verona has more rear legroom and more front and rear shoulder room than the 2005 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. This passenger space doesn’t compromise cargo carrying capacity, either: Verona offers 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks allow easy mixing of passengers and cargo.


A Comprehensive Package

For an MSRP of $18,299, the Verona offers a 2.5-liter, in-line six-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC engine producing 155 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.

Priced at $20,299, Verona’s new Luxury Package includes the standard features listed above, plus 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, solar glass and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. Standard comfort and convenience upgrades include automatic climate control air conditioning with a micron air-filtration system; leather-trimmed seat upholstery and door panel inserts; heated front seats with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat; and an electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror. Optional on the Verona with the Luxury Package is an electronic traction control system (TCS) that helps optimize traction in slippery conditions.


Smooth Performance

The Verona's in-line six-cylinder engine is inherently smoother than the standard four-cylinder engines. Hydraulic engine and transmission mounts further reduce engine noise and vibration, helping to give the Verona the quiet smoothness usually found only in more expensive sedans.

A variable induction system (VIS) is designed to improve fuel efficiency and also helps the engine generate its torque peak at a low 4,000 rpm. To simplify upkeep, the engine features a maintenance-free timing chain that runs in a continuous oil bath. There also is a direct ignition system that improves combustion while eliminating the need for periodic replacement of conventional spark plug leads.

The Verona’s standard four-speed automatic transmission features adaptive logic, which recognizes different driving styles and road conditions and adapts itself to provide either economy, normal or sport-oriented shift patterns.


Comfort and Control


To ensure precise handling, Verona uses an optimized independent MacPherson strut front suspension for first-rate road isolation and wheel control. In back, there’s a sophisticated multi-link system with suspension geometry tuned for ride comfort and predictable handling. The Verona’s speed-sensitive power-assisted steering adjusts the steering assist based on vehicle speed, while a front anti-sway bar helps control body lean in the corners and fine-tunes the handling balance.

The Verona’s standard four-wheel disc brakes include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which automatically adjusts front-to-rear brake bias according to load.


Active and Passive Safety Working in Concert
Safety starts with the ability to avoid accidents, and with standard features like speed-sensing power steering, ABS with EBD, daytime running lights and fog lamps (and TCS with Luxury Package), the Verona is well equipped. If an accident should occur, Verona also features a stamped steel unibody with energy-absorbing zones designed to control impact energy, plus anti-intrusion front and rear side-impact door beams.

Verona’s front seatbelts feature height adjusters, pretensioners and automatic locking retractors, while an advanced dual-stage front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS), advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag SRS and driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags offer an important second layer of protection.

In addition, all three rear-seating positions have three-point belts and headrests together with Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat system.