2005 Suzuki Forenza

An addition to Suzuki's product line just last year, the stylish Forenza rolled into the highly competitive compact sedan class armed with an unbeatable combination of virtues. Against cars like the Civic DX, Corolla CE and Focus LX, the Forenza has the largest standard engine of the bunch, four-wheel disc brakes, power door locks, heated power mirrors and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls - all standard. If you dig deeper and review the total Forenza equipment list, plus an industry-leading powertrain warranty, it's clear the Forenza is an exceptional value. In 2005, the Forenza's virtue grows even more with the addition of front seat-mounted side airbags and an advanced weight-sensing passenger-side front airbag as standard equipment on all trim levels.

There's much more to this European-styled sedan than simple dollars and sense, however. The Forenza design takes a 'have it all' approach, offering technology and luxury features you'd expect to find in a far more expensive car. Items like the Forenza's AM/FM CD/cassette audio system with eight speakers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning with micron air-filtration system, power windows, and power door locks are typically expected in upscale sedans, and often only as extra-cost options. In the Forenza's class, however, features like these are rarities. By exceeding consumer expectations with high-end features at a price well below the competition, the Forenza is driving proof that Suzuki offers drivers a truly appealing and affordable way to have it all.

Únique, internationally influenced design

Since the '50s, the European Pininfarina studio has penned some of the most beautiful cars in the world for Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo, and with the Forenza, now you can add Suzuki to that list. Pininfarina's efforts on the Forenza reveal a creative, elegant approach to compact sedan design. Handsome proportions give the Forenza a more sophisticated look that's supported by subtle detailing and features like the cylindrically themed multi-reflector jewel-type halogen headlights.

The clean aerodynamic shape helps to deliver excellent fuel mileage combined with confidence-inspiring stability at highway speeds. The Forenza's large greenhouse has a sporty appearance and provides maximum visibility. Rear styling creates a trunk that's aerodynamically friendly on the outside and cavernous on the inside - at 12.4 cubic feet. The Forenza's exterior look is finished off with sleek taillight modules that flow seamlessly into the lines of the car. A broad seven-color palette of available exterior colors provides plenty of choice for Forenza owners.

Impressive interior comfort

The same clean, upscale styling themes extend to the Forenza's interior. Silver metallic accents on the doors and center console provide a technical contrast with rich textures. A highly legible instrument cluster highlights the curved dash. Metallic silver accents surround the analog gauges, with the boldest reserved for the centrally located speedometer. After dark, the instrument panel enhances visibility with a backlit jade-green glow.

The Forenza driver can get comfortable for long-distance motoring with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable, supportive bucket seat. Passengers enjoy ample space by all measures, but legroom is particularly generous. This allows everyone, including rear passengers, to stretch out. Rear seat legroom (36.7 in.) tops Civic and Corolla on all trim levels. Plus, rear shoulder room (53.7 in.) beats all competitors. The 12.4-cubic-foot trunk is complemented by split-folding rear seats that reveal an extra-large trunk pass-through designed for easy loading of large objects.

Owner-pleasing comprehensive standard features

The Forenza sedan comes in three trim levels: S, LX and EX. The Forenza S comes standard with air conditioning, complete with micron air-filtration system that filters out dust, dirt and pollen to help keep cabin air fresh; power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote fuel door release; additional 12-volt power outlet; tachometer; intermittent wipers; digital clock; floor mats; timed rear-window defroster; driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors; and heated side mirrors to help increase visibility on frosty mornings. A great-sounding AM/FM CD/cassette audio system is also standard. This class-leading system has eight speakers and four tweeters; and to help the driver remain focused on the business of driving, the Forenza features steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

In the Forenza LX, the equipment list expands to include a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, plus a remote keyless entry system integrated into the key fob that activates an anti-theft device. The LX also has aluminum alloy wheels, front fog lights and cruise control.

The top-of-the-line Forenza EX is a rarity in the compact class: a sedan with the luxury and beauty of leather seating surfaces. The EX comes standard with a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission (which is optional on other trim levels). In other respects, the EX has an identical equipment roster as the LX model. An anti-lock brake system is available as an option on all Forenza trim levels.

Smooth and assertive DOHC powerplant

The Forenza is powered by a 16-valve double-overhead cam (DOHC), in-line four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. With a displacement of two liters, this powerplant produces 126 horsepower and a generous 131 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 4,000 rpm. That's more torque than competitors like the Corolla and Civic (all models), plus the Forenza demands less engine revs to reach that peak, so responsive acceleration is always at the ready.

The powerplant is paired to either the standard five-speed manual or an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission that features a 'hold' button to prevent unwanted gear hunting. Bi-directional hydraulic engine and transmission mounts help cancel out engine noise and vibration to keep the passenger compartment quiet. An insulated engine cover, triple muffler system and tri-fold weather stripping around the door openings also work together to keep interior sound levels very low.

A carefully tuned ride and handling package

Comfort is key in a small sedan, yet handling has to be solid and secure. To accomplish both ends, the Forenza has an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a dual-link system in back, with gas-pressurized shocks at all four corners to control ride motion and minimize damping fade. The Forenza handling balance is fine-tuned with front and rear stabilizer bars. Speed-sensitive power steering (which automatically adjusts the power steering assist according to the vehicle's speed) provides extra boost for slow-speed parking maneuvers and has a precise and secure feel at highway speeds. All Forenza trim levels are equipped with 15-inch wheels and P195/55R15 all-season tires.

Added safety features

For 2005, all Forenza models now feature an advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag. It also features front seat-mounted side airbags for protection. Front and rear crumple zones work with robust high-tensile steel cabin structural features and front and rear side-impact door beams to reduce the impact forces that passengers might be subjected to and to help minimize intrusion into the interior. Height-adjustable front shoulder belts and seatbelt pretensioners help provide optimal belt positioning and automatically take slack out of the front seatbelts the instant after a collision. Three-point seatbelts for all passengers in the back seat and the LATCH child seat system provide additional layers of security.

The Forenza is equipped with standard four-wheel disc brakes for superior fade-resistant stopping power. The optional four-channel Bosch anti-lock brake system features electronic brake-force distribution, which redistributes braking force according to changing vehicle loads.

America's #1 Warranty

Like all 2005 Suzuki models, the Forenza is covered by an unmatched warranty. All Suzuki vehicles boast a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty that's fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This is on top of the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty. The 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty covers the engine, transaxle, transmission, front and/or rear drive system and transfer case (when so equipped). The Suzuki powertrain limited warranty is designed to boost resale or trade-in value and underscores the corporation's confidence in its product quality.

Other components of Suzuki's commitment to customer satisfaction include an extensive three-year Roadside Assistance Program and a Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program. The Roadside Assistance Program covers any new Suzuki vehicle during the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty period. Available services include tire changes, jump-starts, lockout service, mechanical first aid and towing to the nearest Suzuki dealer or service center. If a Suzuki dealer has to keep a vehicle overnight for certain repairs during the new-vehicle limited warranty period, the owner will be provided with a free Enterprise rental car for up to five days.

Source - Suzuki