New Car Review of the 2005 Suzuki Aerio Sub-Compact Sedan and Hatchback Sedan

Description: Sub-Compact Sedan and Hatchback Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $13,499 - $17,249
Invoice Price Range: $12,776 - $16,386
Where built: Japan

New body styling and a revised cabin design apply to Suzuki's sub-compact Aerio, which comes in conventional sedan and unconventional four-door hatchback formats. Both sedan and hatch share a chassis, powertrain and mechanical hardware. Aerio the sedan skews to two trims, a price-leading base model Aerio S and deluxe Aerio LX, which has upgraded equipment similar to the sole hatchback, Aerio SX. The cabin layout includes a pair of bucket seats up front and a rear bench divided by a fold-down armrest.

All Aerios stock a twin-cam 2.3-liter four-pack engine that develops 155-hp. A short-stick manual 5-speed stick is standard for Aerio SX hatchback and Aerio S sedan, but an electronic automatic 4-speed transaxle is available on LX and SX models. In addition, Aerio LX sedan and SX hatchback with the automatic shifter offer Suzuki's QuadGrip all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for sticky traction on slick pavement.

Advanced frontal and new side-impact air bags go to all issues, while Techno Blue is Aereo's latest paint shade.