Another new FWD sedan from Suzuki fits into the compact class and brings premium equipment. It carries an international pedigree with exterior styling from Italy and assembly in South Korea from GM Daewoo Auto and Technology (GMDAT).

Power comes from a twin-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that achieves 119 hp and teams with a five-speed manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. Three trim levels -- S, LX, EX -- increase the equipment load in stages. All contain standard gear like four-wheel disc brakes, speed-sensitive power steering, heated exterior mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, plus a stereo AM/FM radio with CD player and eight speakers.

Suzuki adds such options as a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, aluminum alloy wheels, four-wheel ABS, fog lamps, leather upholstery and cruise control.

Suzuki's subcompact series provides an interior package where so much space has been carved out of such a little car. Both sedan and hatchback share a chassis, powertrain and mechanical hardware.

Aerio the sedan has two issues, a price-leading base model Aerio S and deluxe Aerio GS, which has equipment that matches the sole hatchback, Aerio SX. The cabin layout includes a pair of bucket seats up front and two bolstered seats sculpted into a rear bench divided by a fold-down armrest.

All Aerios stock a new dual-cam 2.3-liter engine that develops 155 hp. A short-stick manual five-speed is standard for Aerio SX hatchback and Aerio S sedan, but an electronic automatic four-speed transaxle is available on SX and GS models. In addition, Aerio GS sedan and SX hatchback with the automatic shifter offer a version with all-wheel-drive (AWD) for traction on slick pavement.

Cool Beige Metallic is a new color for the sedan, but Cosmic Blue and Brilliant Yellow shades work for the hatchback.

Suzuki's pint-size four-door hardtop SUV sports a new 2.5-liter V6 engine that makes 165 hp.

Charcoal-tinted bumpers and fender flares with integrated mud guards also go to the one trim, LX, which comes with 2WD or 4WD traction.

Standard equipment extends to air conditioning and power windows/locks/mirrors, a keyless remote entry system, tilting steering wheel and in-dash CD player.

This four-door wagon in the compact class is a deluxe treatment of the Vitara V6. It totes the same 2.5-liter V6 but adds unique exterior dressings and interior equipment. For 2004, there are two trims, LX and EX, both in 2WD or 4WD. The latter puts a two-speed transfer case in the four-by mechanism for shift-on-the-fly convenience when running at highway speed.

Cabin appointments range from air conditioning with automatic climate control to power windows and door locks and mirrors, cruise control, a CD deck in the dash with seven speakers, and a keyless remote entry system.

Suzuki's largest SUV carries as many as seven riders on three rows of seats in a cabin that stretches about a foot longer than the Grand Vitara. The exterior design appears more sophisticated and serious, as interior appointments rise in tone and quality.

Trim designations change for 2004 to include multiple tiers. The LX is a five-seat version with five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission in 2WD and 4WD. LX III offers the third-row seat option to raise cabin capacity to seven passengers. EX loads appointments in five-seat configuration, while EX III does the same but brings the third-row option. It also stocks rear air conditioning and side-step running boards.

Power for all stems from a 2.7-liter V6 that generates 183 hp.