The Suzuki Verona, a compact sedan produced between 2003 and 2006, represented Suzuki’s foray into a more mainstream, globally-oriented vehicle. While not sold in the United States, the Verona was primarily marketed in Europe and other international markets as an affordable and practical family car. It aimed to compete with established players like the Ford Focus and Opel/Vauxhall Astra. The Verona was built upon a platform shared with other vehicles within the General Motors portfolio, a result of Suzuki’s strategic alliance with GM at the time. This collaboration allowed Suzuki to leverage existing engineering and manufacturing resources to create a competitive product.
Suzuki Verona 2.0i: An Overview
The Verona occupied a crucial segment for Suzuki – the mid-size sedan. It was designed to offer a balance of comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability, appealing to buyers seeking a sensible and economical vehicle. The 2.0i designation refers to the engine displacement and indicates a fuel-injected, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. The availability of an automatic transmission further broadened its appeal to a wider range of drivers. The Verona’s design, while conservative, was intended to be universally acceptable, avoiding overly polarizing styling cues.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Suzuki Verona 2.0i is a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 116 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 178 Nm (131.29 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The Verona’s weight-to-power ratio of 11.3 kg/Hp (88.9 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 7.3 kg/Nm (136.4 Nm/tonne) reflect its focus on practicality rather than outright speed. The Verona could achieve a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph).
Design & Features
The Suzuki Verona is a traditional four-door sedan with a relatively conservative design. Its body style prioritizes practicality and interior space. The Verona comfortably seats five passengers and offers a reasonably sized trunk for luggage and cargo. Key features included an anti-lock braking system (ABS) as a standard safety feature, reflecting growing safety concerns during its production years. The interior was designed with functionality in mind, featuring durable materials and a straightforward layout. While not lavishly equipped, the Verona offered essential amenities such as power windows and door locks. The Verona’s suspension consisted of an independent coil spring setup at the front and a rigid axle suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality for everyday use. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4770 mm (187.8 in.) in length, 1815 mm (71.46 in.) in width, and 1440 mm (56.69 in.) in height – positioned it squarely within the mid-size sedan category.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Verona |
| Generation | Verona |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i (116 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg, 7.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp (88.9 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm (136.4 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 58.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 178 Nm @ 4000 rpm (131.29 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1305 kg (2877.03 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4770 mm (187.8 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Rear track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
The Suzuki Verona, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, served as a solid and reliable option for buyers in its target markets. Its collaboration with General Motors allowed Suzuki to offer a competitive product in the mid-size sedan segment, and its focus on practicality and fuel efficiency made it a sensible choice for families and individuals alike. Although it wasn’t sold in the US, the Verona represents an interesting chapter in Suzuki’s global expansion and its efforts to establish itself as a mainstream automotive manufacturer.
