Suzuki Takes on the Premium Compact Category With Chicago Auto Show Launch of the Forenza

CHICAGO, Feb. 12 -- Revving into the most competitive segment in the U.S. automotive market, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) proudly launches its new Forenza -- a dynamic affordable premium compact car designed to exceed consumer expectations for luxury and high-end features at a price well below the competition. Refusing to sacrifice affordability for sophisticated styling and amenities, the Suzuki Forenza comes standard with in-dash CD player with cassette and eight speakers, four-wheel disc brakes and a host of other surprising touches -- all packaged in a smooth, Euro-styled exterior.

Suzuki's latest foray into the compact sedan category, unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show, specifically targets the buyer longing to combine the most enviable features of the best-selling compact sedans on the market while maintaining affordability. The Forenza, developed in part by the Italian design firm Pininfarina, will go on sale in the U.S. by early 2004 as an '04 model for an MSRP expected to be in the $12,000 to $15,000 range -- giving the Forenza a price advantage of thousands of dollars against the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra.

"We've set aggressive long-range sales goals for American Suzuki -- and the Forenza, the first in its class to blend Euro-styling with features such as standard four-wheel disc brakes, will help us meet those expectations," explained Rick Suzuki, president of ASMC. "In addition to offering premium amenities at an exceptional MSRP, the Forenza expands our product line -- enabling us to meet the needs of value-seeking compact buyers wanting affordable luxury. It's the perfect complement to our America's Best Value strategy."

Originating from Suzuki's collaboration with Korean-based GMDAT, the Suzuki Forenza and Verona set the stage for American Suzuki's aggressive growth plan to triple sales in five years by 2007. The sales acceleration underscores Suzuki's commitment to growth in the U.S. market. The launch of these two, all-new vehicles is part of Suzuki's goal to cement its position as a maker of stylish and value-packed vehicles in the U.S. automotive mainstream and part of the Corporation's plan to debut nine new models in the next five years.

Exterior Design

Breaking into the crowded compact sedan segment, the Forenza's unique selling point is affordability -- especially given its enviable list of standard features. In addition, the car's European exterior styling is expected to draw attention from consumers searching for a value-packed premium compact sedan. The Forenza will appeal to buyers of all ages looking to garner the highest value yet appreciative of the attractive compact sedan design Suzuki is offering.

Expressive style lines extend from the Euro-styled dual cylindrical halogen headlights to the base of the windshield, gliding along the muscular hood to the spacious five-passenger compartment. The Forenza, dominated by a six-window greenhouse, has a uniquely free-flowing silhouette providing maximum driver and passenger visibility. The gracefully curved roofline provides a continuous aerodynamic silhouette, while the doors are protected by color-keyed side molding and door handles that give the Forenza a rich and refined feel. Flowing down along the large trunk, featuring 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the aerodynamic style lines continue from the base of the rear window to the corners of the clear, high-tech taillights.

The oversized taillights are similar in size to the headlights, creating a polished look with an artistic flair that is re-emphasized by flower-shaped reflector beams that illuminate when the brakes are applied. The Forenza also sports standard 15-inch wheels and tires.

The Forenza is available with a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels and front fog lamps for driving in foggy or rainy conditions.

Interior Features

The Forenza differentiates itself from the competition with a trendy-looking and feature-laden interior based on a horizontal theme commonly found in luxury sedans. For a polished look and feel, metallic silver accents highlight the interior, giving the doors, instrument panels, center console and dash a sophisticated flair.

Entering the Forenza, the driver is immediately drawn to the elegantly designed dashboard with instrument clusters rimmed with metallic silver accents to give it a modern look. When illuminated, the instrument panel emits a soothing jade-green glow from the backlighting that also enhances visibility during night driving. Meanwhile, the deluxe cloth seating surfaces envelope occupants in plush comfort.

For customized positioning, the driver's seat can be adjusted using the dual-height and lumbar support adjustments along with the steering wheel tilt to fit individual selections; stash CD's, sunglasses, beverages and other valuables in the abundant storage spaces; and set the air conditioning or heating at a comfortable temperature.

Combining high-tech and convenience, the Forenza amenities include power windows, door locks and heated mirrors; a center-dash 12-volt power outlet; a steering wheel with integrated stereo controls and a digital clock. For music lovers, the in-dash CD player uses eight speakers for enjoyment. Forenza designers also added touches that go beyond the typical amenities, including overhead vanity mirrors mounted in the sun visors and a timed rear window defroster.

For those wanting additional conveniences, adding available equipment to the Forenza adds luxurious stitched leather seating surfaces as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Easy-to-use remote keyless entry, remote trunk release and an anti-theft device activated by buttons located on a single integrated key and key fob unit are also standard on the Forenza in its up-level rendition.

The Forenza makes the most out of its interior space -- resulting in ample and innovative storage areas, including:

    --  Padded front center armrest with storage compartment
    --  Center console fitted with dual cupholders and large forward storage
        compartment
    --  Overhead sunglass storage compartment
    --  Driver-side, dash-mounted compartment perfect for movie tickets
    --  Spacious lighted glove box
    --  Driver and passenger seatback pockets
    --  Rear door pockets
    --  Driver's side change tray

The best example of the Forenza's efficient use of space could be its rear seating arrangement. With rear right-side, left-side and center-adjustable headrests and a 60/40 split, the seats fold flat to reveal an extra-large trunk pass-through designed for easy loading and increased capacity.

Power, Handling and Ride Quality

The Forenza comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, in-line four-cylinder engine producing 119 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 128 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Riding smoothly on front MacPherson struts and a rear dual-link suspension, the Forenza absorbs road irregularities and ensures optimal passenger comfort. The agile Forenza handles fluidly with speed-sensing power steering, which self-adjusts the power steering according to the car's speed and optimizes driving stability at any speed.

As evidenced by the solid sound of the door closing, advanced noise suppression measures ensure occupants are treated to an extremely quiet ride usually attributed to a much larger luxury sedan. The first of the Forenza's noise reduction measures is the hydraulic engine mounting, which virtually eliminates engine vibration by providing a road-type torque reaction that absorbs movement before it reaches the car body. To further enhance the smooth ride, the Forenza employs a single belt controlled by an autotensioner to connect the alternator, power steering pump and air-conditioning compressor. Other measures are also applied to assist in noise reduction, including an insulated engine cover, thick sound dampener, air filter foam sealing (7.8-liter air cleaner and eight-liter resonator to reduce intake noise, triple muffler system to reduce exhaust noise) and triple-fold weather stripping to reduce wind noise.

Suzuki Safety

Designing vehicles that protect passengers is a high priority for American Suzuki -- as evidenced by numerous safety features and a growing list of safety accolades. Paramount among the Forenza's standard safety amenities is four-wheel disc brakes -- a feature typically found only on more expensive models or as costly options. Enhancing this sense of safety by helping drivers avoid accidents altogether is the Forenza's optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) featuring a Bosch four-sensor, four-channel system with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) that offers increased control by automatically distributing braking force based on the number of passengers, vehicle load and road conditions. The ABS system is further enhanced by the Forenza's traction control system (TCS) that senses wheel slippage and helps prevent the vehicle from sliding.

In addition, the driver and front passenger of the Forenza are protected by dual front airbags and height-adjustable shoulder belts. Also offered are rear three-point seatbelts for the left, right and center passengers. Keeping the family in mind, the Forenza utilizes the LATCH child seat system and an illuminated trunk release lever.

Fit with the ASMC Line

The launch of the Forenza enables Suzuki to capitalize on current product, sales and marketing momentum to offer new levels of small car luxury to American buyers -- and to continue an aggressive production launch schedule begun with last year's Aerio debut. While the Aerio sedan and five-door SX sport crossover proved popular with buyers wanting expressive style, power and performance, the Forenza will appeal to first-time buyers wanting to combine Euro-styling, a high level of amenities, long-term durability and range of safety features at an affordable price.

About ASMC

The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of more than 440 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it is based in Hamamatsu, Japan, and has 141 distributors in 127 countries.

Source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation

CONTACT: Celeste Speier of American Suzuki Motor Corporation,
+1-714-996-7040 ext. 2464, or Mobile, +1-714-813-4031; or Sharon Villanueva
Scott of PainePR, +1-949-809-6740, or Mobile, +1-310-594-6545, for American
Suzuki Motor Corporation

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photography: High resolution images are available via www.media.suzuki.com, by phone: 714-996-7040, ext. 2464 and via email requests to: autopr@suz.com. In addition, they can be downloaded from Wieck Media Services on the Web at http://media.wieck.com or by calling 972-392-0888. Webcast: A portion of the Chicago Auto Show unveiling of the Suzuki Verona and Forenza will be available for viewing on www.media.suzuki.com at 8 p.m. CST, Weds., Feb. 12.