Power comes from a 2.0-litre four that generates 145 horsepower and 136
pounds-feet of torque at a user-friendly 3,000 rpm. As well as dishing
out reasonable performance, the engine sips fuel at a miserly rate.
While the government numbers say 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres city and
7.6 on the highway, I managed to average a number closer to the highway
figure in everyday driving, which is not bad by any standards.
On the road, the engine revs freely, bringing a decent turn of speed;
this in spite of the automatic transmission. It manages to shift with
little shock and in a prudent manner -- mat the gas and it kicks down
to a lower gear with willing ease. Indeed, it is a pleasing and
balanced package that is a far cry from some of the wheezy powertrains
that once defined Suzuki.
The test vehicle also featured all-wheel drive. Under normal
circumstances, it relays all of the engine's power through the front
wheels. Should one or the other begin to slip, the system shuttles up
to 50% of the power to the rear wheels. While not of the preferred
proactive variety, the system adds enormously to the Aerio's overall
stability and abil-ity. On one particularly gnarly morning, I easily
drove around several fancy SUVs, most of which were mired in their own
mediocrity. Somehow, outdoing a vehicle costing twice as much, in
something that is generally looked down upon, is a remarkably
satisfying feeling.
The Aerio rides on MacPherson struts at all four corners and a sizeable
set of 195/55R15 tires. Generally, the handling characteristics are as
good as demanded in this class. Understeer is fairly benign and body
roll -- while evident because of the elevated seating position -- stays
out of the picture until the car is pushed into a fast corner. The
steering also brings a direct, connected feel that helps enormously.
Likewise, the anti-lock brakes on the top-of-the-line SX provide a
stable stopping environment. Indeed, at the recent AJAC Test Fest, the
Aerio outstripped some supposedly better competition by a long, long
chalk - stopping from 100 km/h in 40.1 metres; the Saturn Ion required
48.7 m.
Sadly, many will dismiss the Aerio without giving it the due it
deserves. Certainly, it is somewhat of an ugly duckling, but its
versatility, capacity, fuel economy and handling grows on you. By the
end of the test, I was thoroughly enjoying the whole experience.
THE SPECS:
ENGINE 2.0L DOHC four-cylinder
POWER 145 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 136 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000
TRANSMISSION Four-speed automatic
BASE PRICE/AS TESTED $22,895/same
FUEL ECONOMY, L/100 KM 9.9 city, 7.6 hwy.
