Spy Shots: Next Suzuki Verona caught in California

[Ming]

TheCarBlogger: Spy Shots: Next Suzuki Verona caught in California

GMDAT and Suzuki share alot of components and it seems that the partnership will continue on with these latest shots of what appears to be the Daewoo Tosca with Suzuki badges spotted in Southern California. Suzuki suffered poor sales from its rebadged product of the Daewoo Magnus mid-size sedan, which was introduced for the 2004 model year. Both the Chevrolet Epica sales in Canada and Suzuki Verona sales were discontinued for the 2007 model year.

Last year, GM Daewoo introduced the Tosca, the successor of the Magnus that spawned a different name in South Korea. It was also an in-house design, different to its predecessor which was designed by Giugiaro Designs. Not long after the ceremonious debut, Chevrolet introduced their rebadged variant of the Tosca, consisting of the Epica name. It was intended for European markets only. Nonetheless, it sparked alot of rumours of Suzuki introducing their variant of the Epica and reintroducing it in North America.

[Source: CarSpyShots.net]

Those rumours were denied by GM, and it disappointed the GM fans. The previous Verona was based on the Magnus Sedan, produced by Daewoo. It was an old design, which showed in its poor sales. However, the introduction of the Tosca sparked alot of praises both from the media and the public. It seems like Suzuki has responded.

The front shots shows a Suzuki badge, which surprisingly blends in nicely, and projector headlamps. Even though it was spotted in Southern California, the rear shot shows a Michigan manufacturer plate. There is no visible badge on the rear-end, but the front shot gives us enough clues that it is definitely a Suzuki mule. The spy photographer, a member of CarSpyShots.net, was clever enough to capture an image of the interior. Other than the Suzuki badge on the steering wheel, in place of the Chevrolet and GM Daewoo badge, no major changes are seen.

We were very impressed with the Tosca as its Euro-inspired design coupled with a variety of competent engine choices, was a good combination for a competitive mid-size sedan for North America. IF, the Suzuki Verona arrives in the States, it will be priced fairly low like its predeccesor. Suzuki has yet to confirm the arrival of a new Verona, but we have faith in GM that they are smart enough to bring over the car.