Graeme Fletcher
National Post
Friday, December 13,
2002
Suzuki has long been viewed
as "the other" Japanese car
company -- the small one
hiding in the corner with
some innovative product
largely going unrecognized.
Certainly, some of the
anonymity is rightly
deserved, but there have been
a few gems. The first
legitimate cute-ute -- the SJ
410 -- comes to mind, but
beyond that most have been
yawners of the first order.
The Aerio finally breaks the mould. As with the other vehicles in the
compact segment it brings an edgy style, but with a slightly different
spin -- it has a pronounced design that sees the headlights, tail
lights and fake no-draft windows adopt a triangular theme. The
metalwork portion of the car also looks abnormally large, at least when
compared to the smallish greenhouse perched atop. The effect, while
unusual, attracts attention and, according to the casual gawk meter,
the Aerio enjoys significant road presence.
The interior theme mirrors the exterior approach, where the digital
gauge cluster is housed in a small triangular slit. This is the low
point of the design. On the one hand, the digital speedo is large and,
consequently, annoying because it continually flashes, updating speed
in single-digit increments. On the other, the fuel gauge is too small
and buried below the arc that forms the tacky tachometer. Likewise, the
temperature gauge is conspicuous by its absence. A blue thermometer-
like symbol tells you when the engine is cold (duh!); a red one lights
when it is time to pull over because the engine is overheating.
Something that warns before the car boils over would be preferable.
Another unrelated annoyance is found with the side-view mirrors. While
large enough, they do not tilt up enough for a taller driver with short
legs, leaving unnecessary and annoying blind spots.
Thankfully, the rest of the car is well designed. The radio now gets
large controls (Suzuki was once infamous for its tiny radio buttons)
and sits in a place of prominence, making it easy to see and switch
stations; all power items are in place, as is air conditioning and
cruise control. And the comfortably bolstered front seats deliver a
commanding view of the road ahead because of their elevated position.
The latter also helps the rear-seat riders as they now have somewhere
to put their feet.
Around the back, the Aerio gets a much-needed washer/wiper, a real
handle on the liftgate (thank you) as well as split/folding rear seats,
a flat floor and a privacy cover. An under-floor tray and a bucket
(above the spare tire) and bins on either side add to the Aerio's
flexibility and capacity.
The somewhat odd-looking Aerio proves to be a peppy
performer, yet it sips fuel in miserly fashion. Its
AWD system embarrasses bigger SUVs.
