Suzuki’s flagship Verona EX impresses
This week, we test drive Suzuki’s flagship Verona EX, introduced in 2004 as an all-new offering with a low price. The 2005 model is $50 less than the 2004 we tested, thanks to Suzuki waiving the $550 destination charge. However, our 2004 model had traction control, the only EX option available, and we recommend spending the extra $500 for this added driving confidence.
The Verona EX is an impressive vehicle that comes 99 percent fully loaded, with standard features like air, leather seating, four-wheel disc brakes, all the powers, heated seats and even a power sunroof. New for 2005 are a tire-pressure monitoring system, weight-sensing airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and better spark plugs.
Verona’s 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine is adequate, although more horsepower wouldn’t hurt. The all-aluminum powerplant is transverse-mounted to optimize cabin room. Producing 155 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque at a 4,000 rpm, Verona scoots forward well but does lag a bit when the passenger compartment and trunk are full.
The exterior styling is impressive, especially when finished in clear-coat Tuxedo Black. The front and hood are aerodynamically styled, with good visibility for all passengers and driver. Other styling cues include under-bumper driving lights, chrome grille, multi-reflector jewel-type halogen headlights and raked rear glass. The European motif is well-done, and you have to look twice to recognize it’s a Suzuki and not a $30,000 upperclassman. Competitors like Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord are powerful foes, but Suzuki sure beats them in price when comparing similarly equipped models.
The front-wheel-drive Verona comes standard with a computer-controlled four-speed automatic transmission. An adaptive shift control allows the transmission’s computer to “learn” the Verona owner’s driving behavior and then adapt shifting patterns to optimize the car’s performance.
The five-passenger cabin is one of Verona’s best attributes, with tasteful wood-grain accents, leather appointments and numerous storage spaces and cup holders. Rear-seat passengers are not cramped, although the third passenger had better be small in stature. Cargo space is very generous, with 13.4 cubic-feet available in the trunk.
Want more standard features? How about heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, CD/cassette player with six speakers including two tweeters, 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, ABS and an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat? Yes, all standard.
Verona’s suspension features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement in back. A front anti-sway bar and gas-charged shocks provide good handling. It all works in tandem, resulting in refined road manners and good handling characteristics.
Also noteworthy is the great warranty. Suzuki’s “Open Road Promise” consists of a 100,000-mile/seven-year powertrain limited warranty that’s fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This warranty is designed to boost resale or trade-in value and underscores Suzuki’s confidence in its product quality.
Verona is built in Korea, not Japan as the name might indicate. However, don’t let Korean-built cars scare you, as they are doing a much better job than they did 15 years ago.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, curb weight of 3,380 pounds, 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway EPA numbers, and a 17.2-gallon fuel tank.
We’ll rate the new Verona a 7.5 on a scale of 10, and recommend it as a “good buy” in the mid-size category. You certainly won’t get more for your money with competitor models, so Verona is worth a look.
Likes: Lots for the money, nice styling
Dislikes: Could use more power under the hood