2004 SUZUKI Verona 2.0L 4AT FWD (131 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Suzuki needed a larger vehicle, and, since GM had a good offer for a badge-engineered car, it took the opportunity and launched the Verona in 2004 as a twin-brother for the Chevrolet Evanda.

Not everything that Daewoo had in its portfolio was good for scrap metal. It had a good platform that evolved into GM’s Gamma II base and the one used before for the Daewoo Leganza, which was transformed into Chevrolet Evanda in 2004. With a design signed by Italdesign Giugiaro studio, the mid-size sedan tried to convince customers that it was a good bet.

Just like its badge-engineered sibling from GM, the Verona was penned by Giugiaro. The main difference, though, was the front fascia, where the bow-tie badge supported by a horizontal slat was replaced by a mesh grille with Suzuki’s big chromed S emblem. The mix of curved surfaces and sharp lines defined the car and formed an elegant-looking sedan. But there were still some shapes that resembled the older Leganza, and those were not trendy anymore.

Thanks to its ample wheelbase, the Verona provided a roomy interior suited for five adult-sized occupants. The front bucket seats were separated by a tall center console that hosted a storage compartment covered by an armrest. Just to get more attention, Suzuki offered many amenities as standard. It even provided the same 6-CD in-dash changer that Daewoo developed, and it was also installed by Chevrolet.

Since Suzuki didn’t have any suitable engine for this kind of vehicle, it used Daewoo’s 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter powerplants. It paired them with a four-speed automatic that was slow and sluggish. By 2007, the low sales figures convinced Suzuki that it was time to drop the car from its lineup.