Suzuki Liana: The Unknown City Alternative

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Three years after its introduction, Suzuki revamped the Liana. For the mini-van, however, the Japanese automaker has only set small targets for sales expectations.

Thomas Flehmer

Suzuki goes on the offensive with the newly redesigned Liana three years after its German premiere. The hitherto almost completely unknown mixture of mini-van and compact class is intended to appeal to customers more in the new version and thus increase sales figures. After just 2732 Liana were sold in 2003, Suzuki is aiming for 3580 units with the new model in 2004. In order to encourage the desire to buy, commercials are shown on private television.

Lots of space for tall people

The 4.23 meter long five-door model initially arouses interest with its tall shape. With the 1.6 Comfort we drive, standard fog lights, radiator grille and front spoiler give the family model a sporty look.

Inside, the Liana, which celebrated its German premiere in Leipzig in 2001, proves its spaciousness. Tall drivers don't need to be afraid of bumping their heads, and there is still enough legroom on the individually foldable and comfortable rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the Liana offers 586 liters of storage space.

Return to analog fittings

In addition, the driver and front passenger sit higher than in other cars and are more secure thanks to the better overview. Side airbags, which are also standard in the 1.3 liter version, reinforce the feeling of safe driving. Even the straightforward, but clearly manageable fittings do not leave the driver in despair.

After customers had not accepted the digital displays of the first Liana generation, Suzuki is now relying on analog displays. Unfortunately, the mileage and the daily mileage are only visible separately. The bulky side panel also has weaknesses. No car atlas or useful items for on the go fit in the side shelf.

Very loud at high speeds

The faster the 1.6 Comfort moves from the spot. The 106 HP (78 KW) ensure quick progress, especially in the city. The Liana 1.6 Comfort consumes an average of just under seven liters per 100 kilometers.

The compact also keeps up well on long journeys. In good conditions, the speedometer needle shows more than the maximum speed specified by the factory at 175 km / h. But the top speeds cannot be driven for too long. On the one hand, the Liana is very susceptible to wind due to its height. At the latest from 150 km / h the engine roars very loudly. Then you have to turn up the standard Mitsubishi CD radio in the 1.6 Comfort and let the four loudspeakers shower you.

Diesel without a particle filter

In addition to the comfortable system, the 1.6 Comfort also offers heated front seats and exterior mirrors. The 1.3 and 1.6 versions will be followed in June by a 1.4 liter turbo diesel with the latest common rail injection technology and 90 PS (66 kW). Unfortunately, Suzuki does not equip the diesel version with a particulate filter.

While the 1.3 version with 90 hp is available from 13,970 euros, the basic version of the 1.6 starts at 15,750 euros. The 1.6 Comfort with a five-speed manual gearbox costs 16,050 euros, the automatic version (17,070) is just as much a thousand euros more expensive as the Fourgrip all-wheel drive (17,030).