The Suzuki Verona is a compact sedan produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki from 2003 to 2006. While not officially sold in the United States, the Verona was primarily marketed in Europe and other international markets as an affordable and practical family vehicle. It represented Suzuki’s attempt to compete in the highly contested mid-size sedan segment, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and a spacious interior. The Verona shared its platform and many components with other vehicles within the General Motors portfolio, a result of Suzuki’s partnership with the American automaker at the time.
Suzuki Verona 2.0i: An Overview
The Verona 2.0i, the most common variant, was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 131 horsepower. It was available exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. The vehicle aimed to provide a comfortable and reliable driving experience, focusing on practicality rather than outright sportiness. The Verona’s design was conservative, prioritizing functionality and affordability over striking aesthetics. It served as a key model in Suzuki’s European lineup, offering a viable alternative to established competitors like the Ford Focus and Opel/Vauxhall Astra.
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 engine produces a maximum power output of 131 horsepower at 5400 rpm, and 181 Newton-meters (133.5 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9.3 seconds. The Verona 2.0i has a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 10.9 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.9 kg/Nm. Fuel economy figures are rated at 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Verona is a four-door sedan with a traditional three-box design. It offers seating for five passengers and features a relatively spacious interior for its class. The exterior styling is understated and functional, with a focus on practicality. Key features included standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. The Verona’s suspension consists of independent coil springs at the front and a rigid axle suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels fitted with 205/65 R15 tires. Inside, the Verona offered a standard level of equipment for its price point, including basic audio systems and comfortable seating. The emphasis was on providing a reliable and affordable mode of transportation for families and individuals.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Verona |
| Generation | Verona |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i (131 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 131 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 181 Nm @ 4200 rpm (133.5 lb.-ft. @ 4200 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 |
| 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 | 1422 kg (3134.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1912 kg (4215.24 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 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 |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Suzuki Verona, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, provided a solid and affordable option for buyers seeking a practical sedan. Its blend of fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and spacious interior made it a competitive offering in its segment, particularly in European markets. Although it didn’t achieve widespread recognition in the United States, the Verona represents a significant chapter in Suzuki’s global automotive strategy.
