SUZUKI Aerio / Liana Hatchback Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Suzuki introduced a new model in its lineup, the Aerio/Liana, replacing the former Baleno on most of the markets and thus combining three vehicles into one, especially with the hatchback version.

While in the U.S., this vehicle was known as the Aerio, the rest of the world met this vehicle as Liana. And no, it wasn't a name from a girl. It was an acronym for Life In A New Ege. In the hatchback shape, it combined an MPV, an all-wheel drive version, and a family sedan. That was the idea of a Crossover that Suzuki had in 2001 when it launched the model.

In this hatchback shape, the Aerio featured a front fascia with its sedan sibling. At the front, it featured a pair of curved, triangular headlights with a two-slat grille between them that sported the Suzuki badge. Its wrapped-around plastic bumper had a broad grille in the middle flanked by two fake scoops or a pair of fog lights, depending on the option. The profile has revealed the long roof and the tilted forward tailgate.

Inside, the carmaker installed a curved plastic dashboard enhanced with light-gray trims on the center stack and air vents. A rounded instrument cluster sported a panel with two larger dials for the speedometer and tachometer and two smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature, with an option for a digital instrument panel. Unlike its sedan sibling, the Aerio/Liana hatchback was fitted with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench that could accommodate up to three passengers.

Under the hood, Suzuki installed a wide choice of engines, depending on the market. While the U.S. customers could get a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated powerplant, the rest of the world could get the vehicle with smaller units and even a turbo-diesel. Most versions got an FWD system, while an AWD version was also available.