Suzuki Aerio

The Suzuki Aerio (called the Liana in Europe, South Asia and Australia) is a compact car that was built by Suzuki Motor Corporation. It was introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the Suzuki Esteem/Baleno, with a tall 5-door hatchback (for maximum inner room efficiency) and a 4-door sedan body. It featured two different 16-valve gasoline straight-4 engines, with 1.5L and 1.8L, this one capable of 125PS (92kW; 123hp) JIS. Models in North America got a bigger and more powerful 2.0L engine with 145 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with a 4-speed automatic optional. All-wheel-drive was available, but only with the automatic.

American Aerios came in two trim levels: the S and GS (2002-2004), S and LX (2005), and Base and Premium (2006-2007). Key changes over the years included an upgrade to a new 2.3-liter 155horsepower (116kW) engine in 2004, a major styling and interior refresh in 2005 (replacing the strange digital instruments with conventional analog ones), and the standardization of antilock brakes in 2006. Only the Aerio sedan remained for 2007, as the hatchback had been shelved to make room for the new 2007 SX4 hatchback. Likewise, the Aerio sedan bowed out at year's end, making way for the 2008 SX4 Sport sedan. Throughout its run, the Aerio was distinct for being the most affordable car in America to offer all-wheel-drive.