2003 Suzuki Model Line Features More Style, Performance and All-Wheel Drive Capabilities
BREA, Calif.--Oct. 16, 2002--Led by new, all-wheel-drive versions of the popular Aerio/Aerio SX and redesigned interiors of the XL-7 and Grand Vitara sport utility-vehicles, Suzuki offers a first look at its 2003 model line.
Joining the production vehicles at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim are two striking new concept vehicles for auto enthusiasts to yearn for. From here, these exciting vehicles go on to create buzz at auto shows and dealer showrooms nationwide as they set the new standard for affordable-yet-stylish vehicles.
In addition to offering great value, Suzuki provides customers with its "America's #1 Warranty," an industry-leading, zero-deductible, fully transferable seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
For 2003, the highly successful Aerio takes the passenger car baton from the discontinued Esteem, while Suzuki's three-model SUV family -- the XL-7, Grand Vitara and Vitara -- features a simplified trim-level structure. The XL-7 and Grand Vitara also benefit from redesigned posh interiors, featuring an all-new dash and console layout as well as an upgraded audio system.
Plus, all Suzuki vehicles are now backed by Suzuki's "Open Road Promise(SM)," which includes the seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; the 24-hour, 365-day Roadside Assistance Program; and the Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program.
The Aerio Sedan and Aerio SX
Since it went on sale in Spring 2002, the Suzuki Aerio, with a base price of $13,499, has been tampering with the status quo in the compact-car marketplace. Now, with the available Suzuki QuadGrip(TM) All-wheel-drive System, an automatic transmission, and a MSRP of $15,999, the 2003 Aerio becomes the most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle in America and nicely fortifies the Suzuki line.
In addition to its new AWD capabilities, the Aerio's 145-horsepower engine is a leader in its class, easily topping the standard engines in Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra and Ford Focus.
Beyond taking advantage of all-weather driving capability, California adventurers will want to pack the Aerio's accommodating interior for rock-climbing at Joshua Tree, mountain-biking at Crystal Cove or cruising up Pacific Coast Highway, ready for a beach picnic.
Standard features like air conditioning and an in-dash CD player with six speakers will make getting to the destination as enjoyable as being there. And now Aerio GS and SX models add an in-dash, six-disc in-dash CD changer.
Although the Aerio is already on the leading edge of design, a special "Sport Blue" Aerio SX concept vehicle will be featured at the show.
Ready to hit the racing circuit, this Aerio is decked out with a K&N short ram air intake; a Yoshimura "cat-back" sport exhaust system; Progress Group springs and sway bars; Volk Racing TE-37 16-inch wheels; polished metal Suzuki Sport racing pedals, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. In the ready-for-show Solar Blue color, it's a sure-to-get-noticed vehicle.
XL-7
The popular XL-7 continues to buck convention by delivering expensive full-sized SUV features in a value-priced, mid-sized package.
For 2003, the XL-7 gets a redesigned two-tone interior featuring new fabrics and colors, an elegant, upscale dashboard and console layout, premium in-dash CD player with seven speakers (including a subwoofer and high-mounted tweeters), and automatic climate control (rear air conditioning included with third-row seating option) -- perfect for cooling down the soccer team after the game.
The 2003 XL-7 benefits from a powerful 183-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine and comes in two trim levels, the Touring and Limited Edition. For buyers needing additional seating, the XL-7 even features an available third-row seating option with adjustable second row seats, providing room for seven passengers.
Starting below $20,000 and ranging to just over $26,000, depending on the trim level and options, even the fully equipped 2003 XL-7 costs a fraction of similarly equipped SUVs, making it an ideal choice for value-savvy Californians.
During the California Auto Show, Suzuki will also display a special XL-7 show vehicle. This sporty "Racy Red" version of Suzuki's flagship SUV features several Suzuki Genuine Accessories, including aluminum alloy wheels with chrome finish, polished tail pipe extension and license plate frame, special hard tire cover, and prototype clear taillight lenses.
Grand Vitara
A stylishly redesigned interior paired with existing rugged off-road capability makes the 2003 Grand Vitara a fierce competitor in the compact SUV segment. Like the XL-7, the 2003 Grand Vitara benefits from a comprehensive interior makeover that includes a stylish and handsome new instrument panel, an in-dash CD player with seven speakers including a subwoofer, and automatic climate control.
Whether cruising along the coast or venturing to the top of Saddleback Mountain, the five-passenger Grand Vitara delivers when the going gets tough. With its rugged body-on-frame construction, standard 165-horsepower, V6 engine and available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, the Grand Vitara won't shrink from an off-road challenge.
And it's just as capable on the road, where its comfortable, quiet ride and impressive equipment list make it an excellent traveling machine.
With a base price of just $18,599, the Grand Vitara delivers honest SUV value and surprising luxury.
Seven-year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
On Aug. 1, 2002, Suzuki announced "America's #1 Warranty," a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty for all new Suzuki vehicles. Fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles, this warranty provides more than 14,000 miles of coverage per year and underscores Suzuki's confidence in its product quality. It also builds value at time of trade-in or resale.
Although Kia and Hyundai offer 10-year/100,000-mile warranties, their warranty covers only 10,000 miles per year, and is not fully transferable.
Suzuki's new warranty is part of Suzuki's "Open Road Promise(SM)," a three-tiered program designed to strengthen Suzuki's customer satisfaction. Other "Open Road Promise(SM)" elements include the 24-hour, 365-day Roadside Assistance Program and the Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program.
The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), Brea, was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC). ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of approximately 430 automotive dealerships in 49 states. SMC, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer.
Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 190 countries.
Note to Editors: A high-resolution image of the Aerio sedan and SX is available via Wieck Media Services on the Web at http://media.wieck.com or by calling 972/392-0888.