2006 SUZUKI FORENZA SEDAN AND WAGON GET A STYLING UPDATE AND SIMPLIFIED MODEL STRATEGY
8/22/05



BREA, Calif. (August 22, 2005) - For 2006, the updated family of Forenza vehicles features new styling and revised model strategies while continuing to offer their strong roster of modern conveniences – a powerful engine, America’s #1 Warranty and clean European styling by the world famous Pininfarina Design Studio.

For 2006, the Forenza’s style evolves with a new front fascia design that incorporates a more contemporary look with a new Suzuki “family” grille. Also new for 2006 is the Forenza’s simplified model strategy. Instead of three models, the Forenzas now come as one well-equipped standard model and a fully loaded Premium Package.

The Forenza’s new front fascia has a sporty appearance and the sedan’s large greenhouse cab provides first-class visibility. On the Forenza Wagon, standard silver roof rails complement the sleek roofline.

Both models have 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks to maximize cargo carrying capacity; 12.4 cubic feet for Forenza sedan and an impressive 24.4 cubic feet for Forenza Wagon (61.8 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded). The Forenza Wagon’s lift gate makes loading long or bulky items a snap.



Simplified Trim Level Structure

MSRPs begin at just $13,699 for the Forenza sedan and $14,399 for the Forenza Wagon. The premium package includes fog lights, new 15-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and cruise control. The Forenza sedan’s MSRP with Premium Package is $14,999, while the Forenza Wagon’s MSRP with Premium Package is value-priced at $15,699.

The 2006 Forenza vehicles share a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine driving the front wheels. The engine produces a solid 127 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Forenza sedan delivers an EPA estimated 23/30-mpg city/highway for the manual transmission model and 22/31-mpg city/highway for the automatic transmission model. The Forenza Wagon delivers an EPA estimated 22/30-mpg city/highway for the manual transmission model and 21/30-mpg city/highway for the automatic transmission model. For 2006, the ULEV-II emissions system has been upgraded with enhanced OBDII for more efficient diagnostics capability.

The Forenza sedan and Wagon are equipped with 15-inch steel wheels with new flush wheel covers and P195/55R15 all-season tires. The aluminum alloy wheels included in the Premium Package are new for 2006.

They failed to mention it is a rebadged Daewoo. Also marketed as a Chevy Optra in Canada. Suzuki reportedly is not happy with the quality of this vehicle.

Well, they de-uglified the grille but it still a pretty milquetoast car.

new Suzuki ad "Now more like the Suzuki Esteem you knew and loved!"

Edited August 24, 200519 yr by Oldsmoboi

Now what's interesting, I understand the Suzuki Forenza and Chevy Optima are built in different factories. Chevy claims it doesn't have the quality issues that Suzuki is with the Forenza.


Almost identical Chevy Optima sedan:

Edited August 24, 200519 yr by HarleyEarl

I find it odd that they mention a 'powerful' engine. The same engine in our Optra5 (2.0 Litre D-TEC) produces 119 HP by Chevrolet's numbers. Now the Suzuki has one more HP than last, and it's suddenly powerful? Um... I don't think so. Heck, the automatic transmission is really a main reason the punch doesn't seem to exist. The gear ratios aren't tailored for any sort of aggressive nature; therefore, any gain from the engine is rather negligible.

They failed to mention it is a rebadged Daewoo.  Also marketed as a Chevy Optra in Canada.  Suzuki reportedly is not happy with the quality of this vehicle.

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I read that news story and had to ask myself...what kind of standard does Suzuki really have. Esteem? Swift? C'mon...Daewoos are at least as good as previous Suzukis.

The grille looks less like a Daewoo, but it's about as generic as you can get. The mileage ratings seem very, very low.

I take it Kia is not sold in Canada if Chevy called that car the optima,,, wait a minute its Optra not Optima

I take it Kia is not sold in Canada if Chevy called that car the optima... wait a minute its Optra not Optima

Not that it would matter: the Kia Optima is named Magentis in Canada.

Also, a range of about 20-30mpg isn't really that impressive. I'm averaging about 20mpg right now and that's out of a two-ton 250hp V8-powered sedan with city-biased driving and near constant A/C use.

I read that news story and had to ask myself...what kind of standard does Suzuki really have. Esteem? Swift? C'mon...Daewoos are at least as good as previous Suzukis.

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What previous Suzuki products (Japan built product, not Korean built) may have lacked in style, cache and name (i.e. Esteem) they sure made up for in reliability..most of Suzuki products are actually bulletproof. Ask anybody that will admit to owning one. The new Korean product (Forenza, Verona etc.) does have Suzuki ticked off. Look for all of this to change...the new Grand Vitara (maybe still a name issue there) is a solid piece with respect to drive, fit and finish and looks.

Unfortunately, both the Optra and Epica are proving to be unreliable. We are experiencing problems with both, including the first ever car we had to buy back in the 8 years I've been in this business - an Epica. The trannies are horrible. I wouldn't even consider one with an automatic. It is too bad, really - both cars have excellent erganomics, fit and finish, even the materials are better than what the Cobalt has; however, we have an Optra wagon sitting here that the customer is refusing to drive because of all the problems they have had. I hope GM gets a handle on this before it begins to drag all our numbers down.

The automatics are ZF units built under licence in Korea. The company, originally part of Daewoo Telecom, has been bought by GM Daewoo and will later introduce new GM 6-speed autos.

An explanation as to why Suzuki doesn't put the more powerful and efficient Aerio engine in their other small cars?

An explanation as to why Suzuki doesn't put the more powerful and efficient Aerio engine in their other small cars?

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I do not know what other enginerring issues might be involved in using the Aerio engine as the cars do not share any common components, but my first thought would be that the reason is becasue the Aerio is built in Japan by Suzuki and the Forenza is a GM/Daewoo product built in Korea...not sure what logisitcal/political/red tape isssues might also be involved.

Unfortunately, both the Optra and Epica are proving to be unreliable. We are experiencing problems with both, including the first ever car we had to buy back in the 8 years I've been in this business - an Epica.
 

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Does this bode poorley for the Aveo?

Now what's interesting, I understand the Suzuki Forenza and Chevy Optima are built in different factories. Chevy claims it doesn't have the quality issues that Suzuki is with the Forenza.
Almost identical Chevy Optima sedan:

I bought a 2005 Chevy Optra Wagon with standard transmission in Canada. It now has just over 60,000 km's on the odometer. I put a K&N type air filter on it which has made it torquer and rev easier. There was a recall on the headlight wiring harness, no big deal it was done promptly at the dealer. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase, it has the extra room our family needs and its decent on gas. It was priced right, thousands less then the Ford focus and it has four wheel disc brakes and I really like the styling. It's not nearly as common as the other wagons here in Canada, I would definately buy another one. As for improvements, it would be a 6 speed manual for better highway economy!!

Thanks for the great forum guys!

RandyT.