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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/suzuki_aerio_2003

  Marc K. Stengel
EditorMarc K. Stengel

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In the world of motorsports, Suzuki is one of the towering figures. Suzuki sport bikes of the GSX-R variety in particular tend to dominate motorcycle road racing in the production bike classes.

So why is it that, in automotive circles, Suzuki basks in none of this glory? At best, Suzuki's compact Esteem sedans and Vitara SUVs enjoy a reputation as respectable budget buys; at worst, they are perceived as toy-like imitations of their rivals.

"Enough is enough!" Suzuki seems to be saying with the introduction of the tart little Aerio SX. If Suzuki is destined to play odd-man-out in the traditional automotive marketplace, perhaps it's time to turn oddness into a virtue with a distinctly non-traditional vehicle.

Suzuki wants "SX" to designate a new "sport crossover" class of compact that is simultaneously perky and practical. Since the Aerio SX debuted in March as a 2002 model, it may have a nominal right of precedence over more recently introduced rivals like the 2003 Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. (Just don't tell the folks at Ford and Mazda, whose Focus "Kona" edition and Protegé5, respectively, beat 'em all to the punch last year.) In any case, this crossover category is already crowded and more contenders are  on their way.

Futuristic visions

Just the same, there's something about Suzuki's new Aerio SX that suggests a new vision of the future. Its distinctive DustBuster profile into which 15-inch alloy wheels have been inset like dolly casters give this sporty wagon a road-hugging, slot-car look. Moreover, its tiny external dimensions paradoxically amplify one's suspicions that this is a wily, cut-and-thrust street-fighter for a traffic-cluttered age. The wagon is less than 14 feet long, 5.5 ft wide and 5 feet tall. It zips and darts through incipient gridlock like a pinball; and when it comes to parking, the Aerio SX is so nimble and trim you're tempted to yank the hand-brake and flick the wagon into its stall with a bat-turn skid.

GET CURRENT PRICING GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE   In the world of motorsports, Suzuki is one of the towering figures. Suzuki sport bikes of the GSX-R variety in particular tend to dominate motorcycle road racing in the production bike classes. So why is it that, in automotive circles, Suzuki basks in none of this glory? At best, Suzuki's compact Esteem sedans and Vitara SUVs enjoy a reputation as respectable budget buys; at worst, they are perceived as toy-like imitations of their rivals. "Enough is enough!" Suzuki seems to be saying with the introduction of the tart little Aerio SX. If Suzuki is destined to play odd-man-out in the traditional automotive marketplace, perhaps it's time to turn oddness into a virtue with a distinctly non-traditional vehicle. Suzuki wants "SX" to designate a new "sport crossover" class of compact that is simultaneously perky and practical. Since the Aerio SX debuted in March as a 2002 model, it may have a nominal right of precedence over more recently introduced rivals like the 2003 Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. (Just don't tell the folks at Ford and Mazda, whose Focus "Kona" edition and Protegé5, respectively, beat 'em all to the punch last year.) In any case, this crossover category is already crowded and more contenders are  on their way. Futuristic visions Just the same, there's something about Suzuki's new Aerio SX that suggests a new vision of the future. Its distinctive DustBuster profile into which 15-inch alloy wheels have been inset like dolly casters give this sporty wagon a road-hugging, slot-car look. Moreover, its tiny external dimensions paradoxically amplify one's suspicions that this is a wily, cut-and-thrust street-fighter for a traffic-cluttered age. The wagon is less than 14 feet long, 5.5 ft wide and 5 feet tall. It zips and darts through incipient gridlock like a pinball; and when it comes to parking, the Aerio SX is so nimble and trim you're tempted to yank the hand-brake and flick the wagon into its stall with a bat-turn skid. GET CURRENT PRICING GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE In the world of motorsports, Suzuki is one of the towering figures. Suzuki sport bikes of the GSX-R variety in particular tend to dominate motorcycle road racing in the ...