Mid-size family sedans are serious business. More than two billion are gobbled up every year, all at decent profits. The formula for success has long been established, and it's pretty close to a pure meritocracy: nail the key qualitities and you will be rewarded. Fads and whims do not apply. At last count, there were 18 mouths fighting for a piece of this pie, many of them with very strong reputations. This isn't a segment you just waltz into unless you think you've got something special to offer.
Apparently, Suzuki does. This marks new territory for a company whose most capacious sedan to date is the current 166-inch-long Aerio, a runt that Honda Civics beat up for fun. With the Verona, Suzuki is ready to strike back. Automaker Daewoo, now called GM Daewoo, lent a hand in the Verona's development (clue: they did the whole thing) and didn't send it into battle empty-handed. It has more standard engine than any rival, a large load of features even in its lowliest trim line, and came all dressed up in a handsome Mercury Sable suit. As usual for newcomers, the Verona also began life at the Wal-Mart end of the price ladder. Wouldn't you call that a promising beginning?
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