AERIO SEDAN AND AERIO SX DELIVER ON FUNCTION, FEATURES AND STYLE
New Multiple-format Audio System, Expressive Styling and Optional QuadGripâ„¢ All-wheel-drive System Keep Aerio Ahead of the Competition


BREA, Calif. (August 22, 2005) - For 2006, the Suzuki Aerio continues to offer the features that make it a best buy: distinctive style, a powerful 155 horsepower engine and available QuadGrip™ All-wheel-drive System (AWD), making the Aerio the most affordable full-time AWD vehicle available in the United States. New for 2006, the Aerio adds an upgraded AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and all models now come standard with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) – resulting in an even smarter and safer decision for shoppers.

Available in standard front-drive or with optional all-wheel drive, the Aerio comes in both sedan and five-door sport crossover (SX) body styles. MSRP begins at $13,999 for an Aerio sedan equipped with a manual transmission and tops out at only $16,999 for a fully loaded premium package Aerio SX AWD with four-speed automatic transmission. All Aerios are also backed by the long-term confidence of America's #1 Warranty. All Suzuki vehicles boast a 100,000-mile, fully transferable, seven-year, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.


A Powerful Advantage Under the Hood

The 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine design produces a significant 155 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque, giving the Aerio a competitive edge. For 2006, the LEV emissions system has been upgraded with enhanced OBDII for more efficient diagnostics capability and evaporative emissions reduction.

The front-drive Aerio sedan and Aerio SX deliver EPA figures of 25/31-mpg city/highway in both manual and automatic transmissions. The Aerio sedan and SX AWD both come standard with an automatic transmission and deliver EPA figures of 24/29-mpg city/highway.


Agile Handling and the Available QuadGripâ„¢ AWD System

The Aerio’s independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspension gives it capable handling and allows for efficient packaging for plenty of interior space while power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering combined with front and rear anti-roll bars help give Aerio an accurate, controlled feel in the corners. Brakes are ventilated power discs up front, with drums in the rear. Suzuki's optional QuadGrip™ All-wheel-drive System offers extra control and confidence. In normal operation, virtually all of the engine's torque is sent to the front wheels for maximum fuel efficiency. However, in situations where the front tires lose traction, like climbing a slick incline or accelerating on a wet street, QuadGrip™ automatically and progressively transfers up to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, operating seamlessly without driver input.


Distinctive Style, Careful Attention to Detail


The Aerio sedan has a contemporary flavor, and a bit more attitude than you might expect in this class. And the Aerio SX, which led the way to the modern-day reemergence of the five-door body style with its introduction as a 2002 model, continues to turn heads. As the Aerio was designed slightly taller than most passenger cars in the class, it offers expansive headroom and positions the driver with a high eyepoint and excellent road visibility.

The interior was designed with convenience and style in mind. A handy center console offers convenient storage for smaller items and the quality seat fabric gives the interior a sporty, durable feel.

Remote door mirror switches, a digital clock and outside temperature information display and a driver-side sunglass holder are a few of the other features that make for a pleasant driving experience in the Aerio. Also, the redesigned available automatic transmission shift lever also helps give the interior a more refined, upscale look. Lastly, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are available with the Premium Package.

The Aerio offers a long list of standard features, including: air conditioning with automatic climate control, power door locks, keyless entry system with “panic� mode, a newly redesigned six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system and ABS, among others. The Premium Package adds a six-disc in-dash changer powering seven speakers, including two tweeters and a subwoofer.


Aerio Body Styles Fit Varying Needs


The sedan has comfortable seating for five passengers, split-folding rear seats and a best-in-class trunk with 14.6 cubic feet of space. However, for maximum loading flexibility, the SX is the clear standout. With the rear seats folded, it offers 63.7 cubic feet of capacity that’s easily accessible through the side doors or the large tailgate.


Solid Safety Engineering


Energy-absorbing structures in both the front and rear help to reduce the severity of crash impacts that reach the passenger compartment, while high-tensile steel beams in the doors and roof pillars help protect occupants in side impacts. The Aerio’s roof is reinforced with two cross-members to help prevent the cabin from deforming in a collision. The Aerio also features standard front seatbelt pretensioners that take up slack in the seatbelts the instant an accident triggers the airbags.

The 2002 through 2005 Aerio models earned the top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for performance in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test and were deemed “Best Picks.� In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) side-impact test, the 2004 Aerio (the most recent model tested) earned the top five-star rating for front seat passengers, and a four-star rating for rear seat passengers.

With its standard advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS), advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS and driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags SRS (not included in the 2004-model NHTSA side impact test), the 2006 Aerio sedan and SX provide a comforting level of passenger protection.


Suzuki Works Techno SWTâ„¢ (SWT)
The Aerio SX SWT builds its credentials as an enthusiast driver’s ride. The Aerio SX SWT offers: carbon fiber B-pillar trim, carbon fiber-style body graphics, carbon fiber-style headlight surrounds and a carbon fiber rear bumper protector; door logos and color-matched carpeted floor mats featuring the SWT logo; and a dramatic interior lighting kit that’s color-matched to the instrument-panel lighting and illuminates the front footwells and cup holders. Dealers also can install chrome alloy wheels, gunmetal gray alloy wheels, rally-inspired white alloy wheels and a new-for-2006 strut-tower bar.