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All-New 2004 Suzuki Forenza
Redefines Premium Compact Sedan Value
Hispania News, CO
Now value-seeking sedan shoppers can find everything they want in a European-styled premium compact for an MSRP starting at $12,499.
The latest addition to American Suzukis fast-growing lineup boasts prestigious European styling, a host of class-leading standard features typically reserved for luxury cars and a 2-liter double-overhead cam engine providing a smooth ride and big torque at low engine speed all neatly packaged in a premium compact design offering more passenger room than Civic or Corolla.
With the all-new Forenza, value-seeking sedan shoppers finally can find everything they want in a sophisticated, European-styled premium compact for an MSRP starting at $12,499. The $12,499 list price is for the well-equipped Forenza S version; the mid-level LX starts at $14,399, and the line-topping Forenza EX carries an MSRP of $15,999.
Certainly, this aggressive pricing will cause buyers to take a hard look at this value-packed car. But the Forenzas appeal runs far deeper. Consider that the Forenza has standard features that are normally associated with considerably higher-priced models: CD/cassette AM/FM audio system with eight speakers; steering wheel-mounted sound system controls; four-wheel disc brakes; power windows, door locks, and heated mirrors; air conditioning with micron-air filtration and rear heating ducts; tilt steering wheel; floor mats; and more. Many of the Forenza's competitors only offer these kinds of features as options, or don't offer them at all. By exceeding consumer expectations for luxury and high-end features at a price well below the competition, the Forenza is driving proof that Suzuki truly is Americas Best Value.
Along with the new-for-2004 Verona midsize sedan, the Forenza is among nine new value-packed vehicles Suzuki will launch in the next five years as the cornerstone of its plan to triple its 2002 U.S. vehicle sales by 2007.
Internationally influenced design
Like the legendary Ferrari Daytona, the F355 and Maranello, the Forenza was styled by Pininfarina. Since the '50s, the European studio has penned some of the most beautiful cars in the world for Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and now, Suzuki.
European stylists are nothing if not expressive and this definitely shows in the Forenza. Viewers are instantly drawn to the crisp lines of the hood, the steeply raked nose and dual cylindrical halogen headlights. The gracefully curving roofline makes a contemporary statement. The artists at Pininfarina always keep aerodynamics in mind, which is part of the reason why the Forenza not only delivers excellent fuel mileage, but also has confidence-inspiring stability at today?s elevated interstate-highway speeds. Function also played a large part in the design of the Forenza's large greenhouse, which offers both a sporty appearance and maximum visibility. Rear styling creates a trunk that's aerodynamically friendly on the outside and capacious on the inside: at 12.4 cubic feet, it?s larger than those offered by virtually all of its competitors. The Forenza's exterior look is finished off with prominent taillights.
Step inside, stretch out and relax
The Forenza continues its streamlined, contemporary style inside the cabin with silver metallic accents on the doors and center console. An attention-getting instrument cluster highlights the handsome dash. Continuing the theme, metallic silver accents surround the analog gauges, with the boldest reserved for the center-mounted speedometer. After dark, the instrument panel enhances visibility with a backlit jade-green glow.
Forenza passengers enjoy ample space by all measures, but legroom is particularly generous. This allows everyone, including rear passengers, to stretch out. Rear seat legroom (36.7 in.) and shoulder room (53.7 in.) tops Civic, Corolla and others. Forenza pilots can get comfortable for long-distance motoring with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable bucket seat. The split-folding rear seats reveal an extra-large trunk pass-through designed for easy loading and increased capacity.
Great standard features
The Forenza comes in three trim levels: S, LX and EX. The Forenza S comes standard with a great sounding in-dash AM/FM CD and cassette player. The class-leading system has eight speakers, including dash- and door-mounted tweeters. The Forenza features a steering wheel-mounted sound-system controls, a thoughtful feature that helps the driver remain focused on the business of driving.
The list of standard features on all trim levels continues: air conditioning with a micron-air filtration system that filters out dust, dirt and pollen to help keep cabin air fresh (Civic charge extra for air conditioning); power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote fuel door release; additional 12-volt power outlet; tachometer; intermittent wipers; digital clock; floor mats; timed rear-window defroster; and driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors. Heated right and left outside rearview mirrors help increase visibility on frosty mornings.
Move up to the Forenza LX, and the equipment list expands to include leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a remote keyless entry system that integrates the key and fob into one convenient unit and activates an anti-theft device. The LX also adds aluminum alloy wheels, front fog lights, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and cruise control.
The top-of-the-line Forenza EX has the same great features as the LX, but adds leather-seating surfaces -- whereas most Forenza competitors don't even offer leather seating as an option. An anti-lock braking system is available as an option on all Forenza trim levels.
Responsive power coupled with confidence-inspiring agility
Power for the Forenza comes from a sophisticated double-overhead cam, four-valve-per-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. This powerplant displaces two liters and produces 119 horsepower and a generous 126 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 4,000 rpm - more torque than Corolla and Civic resulting in a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride and easily accessible acceleration for real-world driving situations. Most of the Forenza?s competitors produce their peak torque at much higher rpm, which makes for more downshifting, more waiting or sometimes both. The powerplant is mated to either the standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Bi-directional hydraulic engine and transmission mounts help cancel out engine noise and vibration to keep the passenger compartment quiet. Also helping to quell noise is an insulated engine cover, a triple muffler system and tri-fold weather stripping.
The Forenza has MacPherson strut suspension up front and a dual-link system in back, with gas-pressurized shocks at all four corners. When combined with the Forenzas speed-sensing power steering (which automatically adjusts the power steering assist according to the vehicle speed) the result is agile but stable handling and a high level of comfort. The speed-sensitive steering provides extra boost for slow-speed, parking-lot maneuvers without sacrificing precise steering feel at highway speeds. All Forenzas are equipped with 15-inch wheels with P195/55R15 all-season tires.
Full Article Here
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Redefines Premium Compact Sedan Value
Hispania News, CO
Now value-seeking sedan shoppers can find everything they want in a European-styled premium compact for an MSRP starting at $12,499.
The latest addition to American Suzukis fast-growing lineup boasts prestigious European styling, a host of class-leading standard features typically reserved for luxury cars and a 2-liter double-overhead cam engine providing a smooth ride and big torque at low engine speed all neatly packaged in a premium compact design offering more passenger room than Civic or Corolla.
With the all-new Forenza, value-seeking sedan shoppers finally can find everything they want in a sophisticated, European-styled premium compact for an MSRP starting at $12,499. The $12,499 list price is for the well-equipped Forenza S version; the mid-level LX starts at $14,399, and the line-topping Forenza EX carries an MSRP of $15,999.
Certainly, this aggressive pricing will cause buyers to take a hard look at this value-packed car. But the Forenzas appeal runs far deeper. Consider that the Forenza has standard features that are normally associated with considerably higher-priced models: CD/cassette AM/FM audio system with eight speakers; steering wheel-mounted sound system controls; four-wheel disc brakes; power windows, door locks, and heated mirrors; air conditioning with micron-air filtration and rear heating ducts; tilt steering wheel; floor mats; and more. Many of the Forenza's competitors only offer these kinds of features as options, or don't offer them at all. By exceeding consumer expectations for luxury and high-end features at a price well below the competition, the Forenza is driving proof that Suzuki truly is Americas Best Value.
Along with the new-for-2004 Verona midsize sedan, the Forenza is among nine new value-packed vehicles Suzuki will launch in the next five years as the cornerstone of its plan to triple its 2002 U.S. vehicle sales by 2007.
Internationally influenced design
Like the legendary Ferrari Daytona, the F355 and Maranello, the Forenza was styled by Pininfarina. Since the '50s, the European studio has penned some of the most beautiful cars in the world for Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and now, Suzuki.
European stylists are nothing if not expressive and this definitely shows in the Forenza. Viewers are instantly drawn to the crisp lines of the hood, the steeply raked nose and dual cylindrical halogen headlights. The gracefully curving roofline makes a contemporary statement. The artists at Pininfarina always keep aerodynamics in mind, which is part of the reason why the Forenza not only delivers excellent fuel mileage, but also has confidence-inspiring stability at today?s elevated interstate-highway speeds. Function also played a large part in the design of the Forenza's large greenhouse, which offers both a sporty appearance and maximum visibility. Rear styling creates a trunk that's aerodynamically friendly on the outside and capacious on the inside: at 12.4 cubic feet, it?s larger than those offered by virtually all of its competitors. The Forenza's exterior look is finished off with prominent taillights.
Step inside, stretch out and relax
The Forenza continues its streamlined, contemporary style inside the cabin with silver metallic accents on the doors and center console. An attention-getting instrument cluster highlights the handsome dash. Continuing the theme, metallic silver accents surround the analog gauges, with the boldest reserved for the center-mounted speedometer. After dark, the instrument panel enhances visibility with a backlit jade-green glow.
Forenza passengers enjoy ample space by all measures, but legroom is particularly generous. This allows everyone, including rear passengers, to stretch out. Rear seat legroom (36.7 in.) and shoulder room (53.7 in.) tops Civic, Corolla and others. Forenza pilots can get comfortable for long-distance motoring with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable bucket seat. The split-folding rear seats reveal an extra-large trunk pass-through designed for easy loading and increased capacity.
Great standard features
The Forenza comes in three trim levels: S, LX and EX. The Forenza S comes standard with a great sounding in-dash AM/FM CD and cassette player. The class-leading system has eight speakers, including dash- and door-mounted tweeters. The Forenza features a steering wheel-mounted sound-system controls, a thoughtful feature that helps the driver remain focused on the business of driving.
The list of standard features on all trim levels continues: air conditioning with a micron-air filtration system that filters out dust, dirt and pollen to help keep cabin air fresh (Civic charge extra for air conditioning); power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote fuel door release; additional 12-volt power outlet; tachometer; intermittent wipers; digital clock; floor mats; timed rear-window defroster; and driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors. Heated right and left outside rearview mirrors help increase visibility on frosty mornings.
Move up to the Forenza LX, and the equipment list expands to include leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a remote keyless entry system that integrates the key and fob into one convenient unit and activates an anti-theft device. The LX also adds aluminum alloy wheels, front fog lights, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and cruise control.
The top-of-the-line Forenza EX has the same great features as the LX, but adds leather-seating surfaces -- whereas most Forenza competitors don't even offer leather seating as an option. An anti-lock braking system is available as an option on all Forenza trim levels.
Responsive power coupled with confidence-inspiring agility
Power for the Forenza comes from a sophisticated double-overhead cam, four-valve-per-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. This powerplant displaces two liters and produces 119 horsepower and a generous 126 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 4,000 rpm - more torque than Corolla and Civic resulting in a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride and easily accessible acceleration for real-world driving situations. Most of the Forenza?s competitors produce their peak torque at much higher rpm, which makes for more downshifting, more waiting or sometimes both. The powerplant is mated to either the standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Bi-directional hydraulic engine and transmission mounts help cancel out engine noise and vibration to keep the passenger compartment quiet. Also helping to quell noise is an insulated engine cover, a triple muffler system and tri-fold weather stripping.
The Forenza has MacPherson strut suspension up front and a dual-link system in back, with gas-pressurized shocks at all four corners. When combined with the Forenzas speed-sensing power steering (which automatically adjusts the power steering assist according to the vehicle speed) the result is agile but stable handling and a high level of comfort. The speed-sensitive steering provides extra boost for slow-speed, parking-lot maneuvers without sacrificing precise steering feel at highway speeds. All Forenzas are equipped with 15-inch wheels with P195/55R15 all-season tires.
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