The 2007 Suzuki Aerio is offered as a surprisingly well-equipped four-door sedan in Base and Premium trim. Standard features on all include daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with steering-wheel controls, powered accessories, keyless entry, cruise control and an outside temperature readout. The Premium package adds an in-dash CD changer with seven-speaker sound, heated outside mirrors, variable-speed wipers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. No real changes have been made for the Suzuki Aerio.

Suzuki has introduced an all-new vehicle called the Aerio. The Aerio is among the new class of crossover vehicles that are a blend between two different kinds of vehicles. Suzuki calls the Aerio SX a “sport crossover” vehicle, a cross between a sport sedan and, well, something more versatile. A minivan? SUV? Wagon? We’re not sure, but it’s certainly different, much like the new Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, and similar to the Ford Focus ZX3 and ZX5 and Mazda Protege5. Regardless of what you call these cars, they are more entertaining than a station wagon, but have similar cargo capacity.

To a certain extent, the Aerio is Suzuki’s replacement for the Esteem (which remains on sale through August, 2002). The Suzuki Esteem has been an acceptably nice small car, offered in sedan and wagon form, both handsome in a conventional way. But it has not been a runaway sales success, restricted by both a limited dealership network and the difficulty of getting noticed in a crowded marketplace.

The Aerio is more likely to get noticed. Suzuki had maintained a reputation for producing economical cars. Some might call them cheap. So even though the Aerio is not as well equipped with sound deadening materials, it’s reasonably quiet. There is some engine noise on hard acceleration and the doors don’t have a nice sound when they’re closed. The sound is actually tinnier than I’d prefer.

There isn’t a lot of wind noise at highway speeds, which is a tribute to the aerodynamic styling. Among the standard items in the Aerio were fog lamps, remote keyless entry, power windows and locks, and power and heated mirrors. The Suzuki Aerio is a good value. It offers a lot of amenities and well as utility. Throw in the AWD and you have