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2004 Suzuki Verona Mid-Size Economy Sedan
The 2004 Suzuki Verona Mid-Size Economy Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $16,499 - $19,499
Base Invoice Range: Not Available
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MSRP As Tested: Not Available
Versions: S, LX and the EX
Vehicle Category: Mid-Size Economy Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
Engine As Tested: 2.5-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves, I-6 cylinder, 155-horsepower at 5,800rpm and 177 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission As Tested: Standard 4-Speed, Automatic.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 20 /2 8
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, power-assisted disc brakes, Antilock Braking System (ABS).
Competition: Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Vokswagen Jetta, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant
The 2004 Suzuki Verona represents some vehicle firsts for Japanese automaker Suzuki. The Verona is Suzuki's first entry into the highly-competitive, mid-size, economy sedan market. It is the first sedan they have offered with a 6-cylinder engine as a standard feature. It is also the company's first product manufactured outside of Japan, as it will be assembled in Korea at a General Motors Daewoo Automotive Technology (GMDAT) plant.
The General Motors Daewoo Automotive Technology group - which is what Daewoo Motors became when GM bought up the remnants of the company - will manufacture Verona.
The Verona was originally designed to replace the Daewoo Leganza in that company's line. When GM bought Daewoo's assets, Suzuki benefited by absorbing the two new cars Daewoo had in development. One was the car that became the Suzuki Verona. The other was a smaller car designed to compete in the premium, compact car market. It is now a Suzuki product called Forenza, which will be launched in the fall of 2003.
Verona is aimed at Honda Accord and Toyota Camry buyers. More than likely it will be purchased by people who might otherwise buy a Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima or Kia Optima. These are customers who want a new car but are very price conscious. As all of these cars have moved up scale a bit, the competition is getting hot.
Suzuki has high hopes the Verona and Forenza will help fuel significant growth for the company. Suzuki plans to triple sales in the United States by 2007. This will be a tall order for them given their sluggish sales of the past.
However that level of growth is possible with the introduction of competitive products and a comprehensive marketing plan. Verona has features that are superior to its competition including both the interior and exterior styling - definitely better than Sonata or Optima. And the starting price is only $16,499.
The Suzuki Verona is offered in three trim levels, the entry-level S with a MSRP of $16,499, the mid-level LX starting at $17,799 and the EX with an MSRP of $19,499 is to be Suzuki's new flagship in the car line. For the moment Verona is the value leader in the segment. If they can do the same with Forenza, they might just accomplish their growth goals.
