Suzuki Aerio

Suzuki Aerio (called the Liana (Life In A New Age) in China, Europe, South Asia and Australia) is a compact car that was built by Suzuki Motor Corporation. It was introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the Suzuki Esteem/Baleno, with a tall 5-door hatchback (for maximum inner room efficiency) and a 4-door sedan body.

It featured two different 16-valve gasoline straight-4 engines, with 1.5 L and 1.8 L, this one capable of 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) JIS. Production was discontinued in 2007 around the world and replaced by the Suzuki SX-4, except in China where it is built by Changhe-Suzuki and Pakistan where it is still being assembled by Pak Suzuki Motor.

Models in North America got a larger and more powerful 2.0 L engine with 145 hp (108 kW). A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with a 4-speed automatic optional. All-wheel-drive was available, but only with the automatic. American Aerios came in two trim levels: the S and GS (2002–2004), S and LX (2005), and Base and Premium (2006–2007).

Key changes over the years included an upgrade to a new 2.3-liter 155 hp (116 kW; 157 PS) engine in 2004, a major styling and interior refresh in 2005 (replacing the digital instruments with conventional analog ones), and the standardization of antilock brakes in 2006. Only the Aerio sedan remained for 2007, as the hatchback had been shelved to make room for the new 2007 SX4 hatchback.

Likewise, the Aerio sedan [called Baleno Next-G in Indonesia] bowed out at year's end, making way for the 2008 SX4 Sport sedan [called Neo Baleno in Indonesia]. Throughout its run, the Aerio was distinct for being the most affordable car in America to offer all-wheel-drive. In Europe, where the car was called Liana (an acronym for "Life In A New Age"), it was seen as a more affordable alternative to small family cars or to mini MPVs, introducing a new generation of Suzuki M engines, with 1.3 L and 1.6 L I4 engine. All wheel drive was available on the bigger engine.

In 2004 the car was restyled with a look that closer resembled the Japanese version, and also received a Diesel engine, with a 16-valve version of the 1.4 L HDi engine supplied by PSA Peugeot Citroën, capable of 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) thanks to common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger.

The Liana was best known[2] for its appearances in the BBC's Top Gear's Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car segment, as the sedan model was used from its first show until the model's replacement by a Chevrolet Lacetti in the show's spring 2006 season. Today, it enjoys a partial retirement, only being brought back when the guest is a Formula 1 driver.

Changhe-Suzuki in China released a new 1.4L Liana hatchback in October 2010, called Liana a+, which has been sold alongside 1.6L versions. The Liana remains in production in Pakistan in 1.3L and 1.6L variants. The Liana had very poor sales in most former Yugoslav countries and Hungary.