Suzuki Unviels Forenza Wagon at NY Auto Show

An extension of the Forenza sedan, the all-new premium compact Forenza Wagon combines European styling, impressive standard features and class-leading passenger space with the functional advantages of a wagon - all at a price less than the competition. The fourth of nine new models added to the Suzuki lineup as part of the automaker's plan to triple its U.S. sales to 200,000 vehicles by 2007, the Forenza Wagon targets active buyers who want it all - and more - out of their vehicle and their lives.

"The Forenza Wagon is an important new vehicle for American Suzuki," explained Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations. "Not only does it enable Suzuki to compete in the growing premium compact wagon segment, but it allows us to directly leverage the popularity of the fast-selling Forenza sedan, which played a key role in Suzuki's 22 percent sales increase for the first quarter of 2004."

Suzuki's foray into the wagon category targets a new breed of wagon lovers - specifically, those buyers wanting to combine the drivability and enviable features of the world's
best-selling sedans with five-door functionality, cargo capacity and affordability. The Forenza Wagon, designed by the Italian design firm Pininfarina, will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2004 as a 2005 model with an MSRP ranging between $13,000 to $16,000 - making it the premium compact wagon value leader.

Thanks to its unique attribute blend and MSRP, the Forenza Wagon will offer a distinct value advantage over competitors like the Ford Focus Wagon, Subaru Impreza Wagon, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and VW Jetta Wagon.
A comparison with the competition reveals the 2005 Forenza Wagon is longer and wider than the 2004 Focus Wagon. It is one of the few models among its 2004 competitors to offer an eight-speaker audio system with steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, four-wheel disc brakes, passenger-side weight-sensing advanced airbags, side airbags for both driver and passenger-side, speed-sensitive power steering and heated power mirrors as standard features, and a sunroof (up-level models only). It also offers the best cargo capacity (with rear seats folded down), rear legroom and front and rear shoulder room in the premium compact wagon category.

"We've set aggressive long-range sales goals for American Suzuki - and we expect the Forenza Wagon will follow in the footsteps of its hot-selling premium compact sedan counterpart to help us meet those expectations," added Suzuki. "In addition to offering premium amenities at an exceptional MSRP, the Forenza Wagon expands Suzuki's product line - enabling us to meet the demands of value-seeking buyers wanting affordable luxury and wagon versatility."

Exterior Design
Beyond its class-leading value, it is the Forenza Wagon's European-designed exterior that is expected to attract the most attention from active wagon shoppers.
Pininfarina's design for the Forenza Wagon calls for expressive styling lines extending from the Euro-styled dual cylindrical halogen headlights to the base of the windshield, gliding along the muscular hood to the spacious five-passenger compartment. The Forenza Wagon, dominated by an eight-window greenhouse, has a uniquely free-flowing silhouette providing maximum driver and passenger visibility. The gracefully curved roofline provides a continuous aerodynamic silhouette, while the doors are protected by color-keyed side molding and door handles that give the Forenza Wagon a rich and refined look.
The aerodynamic style lines continue from the base of the rear window to the corners of the clear, high-tech taillights, also oversized to create a polished look with an artistic flair. From there, the eye glides over a class-leading cargo area that allows owners to transport all the requirements of their active lifestyles - from rollerblades, bikes and backpacks to the treasures found at antique stores and flea markets and the basics purchased from the grocery store and warehouse store.
The Forenza Wagon sports standard 15-inch wheels and tires, and is available with a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, aluminum alloy wheels and front fog lamps.

Interior Features
Beyond the Forenza Wagon's graceful sheet metal is an impressively sized and appointed interior that betters the 2004 models of the competition in a number of important passenger space categories, including cargo capacity. Much like the Forenza sedan, the Forenza Wagon differentiates itself from the competition with a contemporary, feature-laden interior based on a horizontal theme commonly found in luxury sedans. Striking metallic silver accents highlight the doors, instrument panel, center console and dash for a thoroughly polished look and feel.
Entering the Forenza Wagon, the driver is immediately drawn to the elegantly designed dashboard with instrument clusters rimmed with metallic silver accents and backlit with a jade-green glow. Meanwhile, the deluxe cloth seating surfaces envelope occupants in plush comfort.
For customized positioning, the driver's seat can be adjusted using the dual-height and lumbar support adjustments along with the steering wheel tilt to fit individual selections; CDs and cassettes, sunglasses, beverages and other valuables conveniently stashed in the abundant storage spaces; and the automatic air conditioning or heating set at a comfortable temperature.
Combining high-tech and convenience, the Forenza Wagon amenities include power windows, door locks and heated mirrors; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; a center-dash 12-volt power outlet; steering wheel-integrated stereo controls and a digital clock. For music lovers, the in-dash CD and cassette player combo uses eight speakers for premium sound. Forenza Wagon designers also added touches that go beyond the typical amenities, including overhead vanity mirrors mounted in the sun visors and a timed rear window defroster.
For those wanting additional conveniences, available equipment for the Forenza Wagon adds luxurious stitched leather seating surfaces as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Easy-to-use remote keyless entry, remote trunk release and an anti-theft device
activated by buttons located on a single integrated key and key fob unit are also standard on the Forenza Wagon in its up-level rendition.
The Forenza Wagon makes the most out of its interior space - resulting in ample and innovative storage areas, including:

• Padded front center armrest with storage compartment
• Center console fitted with dual cupholders and large forward storage compartment
• Overhead sunglass storage compartment
• Driver-side, dash-mounted compartment
• Spacious lighted glove box
• Driver and passenger seatback pockets
• Rear door pockets
• Driver's side change tray

Power, Handling and Ride Quality
The Forenza Wagon comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, in-line four-cylinder engine producing 126 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 131 pounds-feet of torque at a low 4,000 rpm. This engine is available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Riding smoothly on front MacPherson Struts and a rear dual-link suspension, the Forenza Wagon absorbs road irregularities and ensures optimal passenger comfort. With sedan drivability, the Forenza Wagon handles fluidly with speed-sensitive power steering, which self-adjusts the power steering assist according to the car's speed.

As evidenced by the solid sound of the door closing, advanced insulation and noise suppression measures ensure occupants are treated to an extremely quiet ride usually attributed to a much larger luxury vehicle. The first of the Forenza Wagon's noise reduction measures is the hydraulic engine mounting, which virtually eliminates engine vibration by absorbing movement before it reaches the car body. To further enhance the smooth ride, the Forenza Wagon employs a single belt controlled by an autotensioner to connect the alternator, power steering pump and air-conditioning compressor. Other measures are also applied to assist noise reduction, including an insulated engine cover, thick sound damper, air filter foam sealing (7.8-liter air cleaner and eight-liter resonator to reduce intake noise and a triple muffler system to reduce exhaust noise) and triple-fold weather stripping to reduce wind noise.

Suzuki Safety
Selling vehicles that protect passengers is a high priority for American Suzuki - as evidenced by numerous safety features and a growing list of industry accolades. Paramount among the Forenza Wagon's standard safety amenities is four-wheel disc brakes - a feature typically found only on more expensive models or as costly options. Enhancing safety is the optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) featuring a Bosch four-sensor, four-channel system with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) that offers increased control by automatically distributing braking force according to the braking load on each of the four wheels. The ABS system is further enhanced by the Forenza Wagon's traction control system (TCS) that senses wheel slippage and provides better acceleration on slippery surfaces.

The Forenza Wagon secures all passengers with height-adjustable, three-point seatbelts. The passengers are further protected by standard passenger-side advanced weight-sensing front airbags, and side airbags for driver and front passenger. Keeping the family in mind, the Forenza Wagon utilizes the LATCH child seat system and an illuminated trunk emergency release lever.

America's #1 Warranty
Like the current Suzuki models, the Forenza Wagon will be covered by Suzuki's Open Road Promise, featuring a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty that's fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This is in addition to the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty.

Other components of Suzuki's Open Road Promise include a three-year Roadside Assistance Program and a Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program.

Fit with the Suzuki Lineup
Originating from Suzuki's collaboration with General Motors Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT), the Suzuki Forenza and Verona set the stage for American Suzuki's aggressive growth plan to triple its sales in five years by 2007. Now, the new Suzuki Forenza Wagon joins the Suzuki Reno five-door vehicle unveiled earlier this year at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as the next step to rapid sales growth. The launch of these four, all-new vehicles further cements Suzuki's position as a maker of stylish and value-packed vehicles in the U.S. automotive mainstream.

About American Suzuki
The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), was founded in 1909, incorporated in 1920 and is based in Hamamatsu, Japan. SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer with 141 distributors in 127 countries.