BREA, Calif. (August 22, 2005) - For 2006, the updated family of Forenza vehicles features new styling and revised model strategies while continuing to offer their strong roster of modern conveniences – a powerful engine, America’s #1 Warranty and clean European styling by the world famous Pininfarina Design Studio.

For 2006, the Forenza’s style evolves with a new front fascia design that incorporates a more contemporary look with a new Suzuki “family� grille. Also new for 2006 is the Forenza’s simplified model strategy. Instead of three models, the Forenzas now come as one well-equipped standard model and a fully loaded Premium Package.


Upscale and Purposeful Exterior

The Forenza’s new front fascia has a sporty appearance and the sedan’s large greenhouse cab provides first-class visibility. On the Forenza Wagon, standard silver roof rails complement the sleek roofline.


Warm and Expressive Interior

Once you grasp the color-matched door handle and slide into the new seats with upgraded fabric, the array of upscale standard features becomes apparent. The audio system features available fingertip controls integrated into the tilt steering wheel, eight speakers and AM/FM/CD/cassette capabilities. Also standard are air conditioning with a micron air-filtration system, power windows and door locks, and heated exterior mirrors. Other features include special noise insulation, metallic silver accents surrounding the classic analog gauges as well as on the doors and a distinctively designed instrument panel and center console.

The Forenza sedan offers substantial interior spaciousness with 107.5 cubic feet of interior volume, and the Forenza Wagon has a roomy interior with 121.6 cubic feet of space. Rear seat legroom and rear shoulder room are both spacious with 36.7 inches and 53.7 inches respectively.

Both models have 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks to maximize cargo carrying capacity; 12.4 cubic feet for Forenza sedan and an impressive 24.4 cubic feet for Forenza Wagon (61.8 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded). The Forenza Wagon’s lift gate makes loading long or bulky items a snap.


Simplified Trim Level Structure


MSRPs begin at just $13,699 for the Forenza sedan and $14,399 for the Forenza Wagon. The premium package includes fog lights, new 15-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and cruise control. The Forenza sedan’s MSRP with Premium Package is $14,999, while the Forenza Wagon’s MSRP with Premium Package is value-priced at $15,699.

Stand-alone options include a four-speed automatic transmission, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof (option available on Premium Package only), and ABS with EBD (standard on Premium Package models).


Smooth DOHC Power


The 2006 Forenza vehicles share a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine driving the front wheels. The engine produces a solid 127 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Forenza sedan delivers an EPA estimated 23/30-mpg city/highway for the manual transmission model and 22/31-mpg city/highway for the automatic transmission model. The Forenza Wagon delivers an EPA estimated 22/30-mpg city/highway for the manual transmission model and 21/30-mpg city/highway for the automatic transmission model. For 2006, the ULEV-II emissions system has been upgraded with enhanced OBDII for more efficient diagnostics capability. Hydraulic engine and transmission mounts help insulate the interior from engine noise and vibration. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic offered as an option. A “hold� button prevents unwanted gear hunting when driving in hilly terrain.


European-inspired Ride and Handling


The Forenza’s engaging handling characteristics begin with a rigid stamped steel unibody structure and front-wheel drive for good all-weather traction. Independent MacPherson strut front suspension and dual-link rear suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars and gas-pressurized shocks at all four corners make for capable handling, while helping to isolate occupants from road noise, vibration and harshness.

For low-effort maneuvering as well as high-speed precision, Forenza uses speed-sensitive power-assisted steering (which automatically adjusts the power steering assist according to the vehicle’s speed) to provide more boost for slow-speed maneuvering, while retaining a secure feel on the highway. The Forenza sedan and Wagon are equipped with 15-inch steel wheels with new flush wheel covers and P195/55R15 all-season tires. The aluminum alloy wheels included in the Premium Package are new for 2006.


Active and Passive Safety Features
The Forenza vehicles protect their passengers with front and rear crumple zones designed to help dissipate crash energy. In addition, the cabin and side-impact door beams are constructed of high-tensile steel to help minimize intrusion into the passenger cabin. The Forenza features 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 SRS.

Height-adjustable front shoulder belts and seatbelt pretensioners help provide optimal belt positioning and automatically take slack out of the front seatbelts in timing with airbag deployment. Three-point seatbelts for all passengers in the back seat and the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat system provide additional security.