American Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced the launch of its first-ever six-cylinder sedan. The 2004 Verona, built by GM-Daewoo in South Korea, will be priced from $16,499 when it goes on sale in September, according to the company. The Italian-designed Verona is Suzuki’s version of the Daewoo Magnus and is the only midsize sedan in its class to offer a standard in-line, six-cylinder engine, mounted transversely. The mid-level Verona LX will be priced at $17,799 and the top EX model is $19,499. Standard on all models are the 155hp, in-line, six-cylinder 2.5-litre engine, adaptive automatic transmission, air conditioning with micron air-filter, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front fog lamps, heated power mirrors and AM/FM/CD/cassette player with six speakers and steering wheel controls. The LX adds automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and ABS, while the EX adds a power sunroof, heated leather seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. Traction control is optional on the EX. Suzuki says it will sell the Verona with a seven-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty transferable to successive owners, plus three-year roadside assistance and warranty repair courtesy car programs. The Verona is the first of nine new models to be launched by Suzuki as it plans to triple its US car sales by 2007.