2003 Suzuki Aerio - Review

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SAVANNAH, Ga. — Question: What is an Aerio? A new strain of anthrax? An aircraft component? A vowel exercise for preschoolers? Or American Suzuki Motor Corporation’s (ASMC) new entry in the small-car marketplace? No, the answer isn’t all of the above; it’s the latter.

ASMC wants you to know Aerio, and to hold it in high esteem ¾ or at least higher than the Esteem. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) Suzuki says “Aerio” implies aerodynamics and cutting-edge style. To reinforce Aerio in the minds of consumers, stylized letter As have been incorporated in its design, inside and out. But this recurring triangular motif shouldn’t elicit Richard Dreyfuss-like Close Encounters because ASMC is up front about this power of suggestion.

“First and most importantly, we wanted to introduce and reinforce the name Aerio,” said Cam Smith Arnold, ASMC’s director of corporate brand marketing & communications. “The emphasis on the Aerio A, or triangle, is a creative and unique way to define and position our new vehicle.” Two vehicles actually, a four-door sedan in S and GS trim, and a five-door, GS-only-grade Aerio SX, for “sport crossover.” And you do see triangular shapes everywhere.

They begin up front with large headlamp assemblies faired into the fenders and housing multi-reflector, jewel-type halogen headlights. Then there’s a small fixed window just above where the front door and fender meet. Besides following the “A” theme, it reduces the width of the A-pillar and improves visibility a tad. Taillamps on both body styles are quite visible. The sedan’s are large equilateral triangles that wrap around each rear corner, while the SX’s are long, almost diagonal units that follow the body contour along the tailgate. Even the instrument panel is a long narrow triangle containing LCD readouts with digital speedometer and odometer.