Background: Back in 2002, American Suzuki embarked on an ambitious mission to reach 200,000 annual sales in the United States by 2007. That's quite a jump from 68,000 vehicles sold in calendar year 2002. To help facilitate this enormous stretch, Suzuki plans to roll out nine new offerings between 2002 and 2007. Final numbers for 2004 are now in and Suzuki's car and light truck sales in the U.S. reached 73,946; much closer to the 68,000 2002 figure than the 200,000 2007 goal.
"We're aiming to become America's number one automotive value," according to Tom Carney, director of Automotive Marketing.
Suzuki offers a large assortment of small-to-medium-sized cars and car-based sport utilities all starting below $30,000. Three of the seven vehicles available in the 2005 model year are value-priced, starting at $13,449 including our test vehicle of the week, the all-new compact Reno hatchback. Suzuki is a relative newcomer to the U.S. market, entering in April of 1985. Suzuki has 450 dealerships in the United States.
As with the compact Suzuki Forenza first introduced at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show, Reno is assembled in South Korea, not Japan (Suzuki's home base). Both Forenza and Reno share several underpinnings and engine parts although Reno employees a bit more styling cache.
In the United States, Suzuki is on slightly more solid financial ground than a few other Japanese counterparts including Isuzu and Mitsubishi, but has a ways to go to catch up to Japan's big three of Toyota, Nissan and Honda. General Motors, the world's largest automaker, owns a 20 percent equity interest in Suzuki, helping to bank roll the aggressive growth strategy. In fact, Reno and Forenza are products of General Motors' recently formed 'GM Daewoo Auto & Technology' division. Chevrolet's recently introduced compact Aveo is another product from this Korean subsidiary.
The front-wheel-drive, five-door Reno's sole body style falls somewhere between a conventional wagon and traditional sport utility; a compact crossover design so to speak. It comes nicely equipped and competes in a growing segment of small wagon-like offerings including the Ford Focus wagon, Scion xA, Kia Spectra 5, Mazda3 and slightly pricier MINI.
Suzuki's 2005 lineup includes the compact Reno and Forenza, premium compact Aerio sedan and wagon, the mid-size Verona, Grand Vitara SUV and larger seven-passenger XL-7 SUV.
Engine/trim level: One four-cylinder engine powers all three front-wheel-drive Reno trim levels (S, LX and up-level EX). The 2.0-liter, inline, 16-valve, double overhead cam engine delivers 126 horsepower. The fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons of regular unleaded fuel.
Reno averages 22 miles in city travel and 30 m.p.g. highway in both five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission versions; slightly below average of other vehicles in this segment. Both the S and LX come with five-speed manual standard (four-speed automatic is optional).
The press guide lists EX available only with automatic transmission, but the test EX model strangely enough included the spunky five-speed manual. After a quick check with Suzuki's California home office, it was determined that the EX test model was a pre-production variant with a five-speed, a bit of a 'lone wolf' so to speak. However, if a customer desires a five-speed EX production model, it can be ordered.
Features: All three trim levels include an eight-speaker AM/FM sound system with single-feed compact disc player, power locks, rear window defroster, heated power outside rearview mirrors, rear window wiper, power windows, air conditioning and tilt steering wheel. Cruise control, front fog lamps and power moonroof are standard in EX and LX, but not offered in base S editions.
Price: Our bright red, decently-equipped, manual transmissioned Reno EX included a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $16,149. The only option was $500 anti-lock brakes which brought the bottom line to $17,194 including a $545 destination charge.
The lowest-priced "S" edition starts at $13,499 while the lowest-priced LX model checks in at $15,349.
Competitor's prices starting in the same ball park as the Reno include: the 1.8-liter, 138 horsepower Korean-built Kia Spectra 5 ($14,995), the Japan-built 2.3-liter, 160 horsepower Mazda3 ($17,105) and the Japan-built 1.5-liter, 108 horsepower Scion xA ($12,480) . All entry trim level varieties utilize four-cylinder engines mated to manual transmissions.
Interior: Cloth-trimmed seat upholstery is standard in S and LX while EX versions feature leather-trimmed door inserts and seats. All are gray hued. Press materials indicate Reno seats five, but if it's an adults-only trip, plan on four riders. Rear seat backs fold with a 60/40 split onto the cushions, increasing luggage capacity to 45.4 cubic feet.
The dashboard layout is simple, driver friendly and more sparse than what's found in the uplevel Aerio. All three trim levels include secondary audio controls at the 7 o'clock position on the steering wheel, something not all competitors in this class can boast. Three cruise control buttons are at the 5 o'clock position for those trims with this feature. A lever unlocking the side fuel door is on the floor left of the driver's seat.
The turn signal stalk is home to headlight controls; a right-side stalk activates both front and rear wipers. The ignition cylinder is on the right side of the steering column. Side view mirror controls are on the lower part of the driver's side 'A' pillar while the driver's door has buttons controlling all four power windows.
High atop the center dash is a digital clock with the sound system below. Three easy-to-grab dials monitor ventilation control. Below are air conditioning and rear defrost buttons. A hand-operated parking brake is between the front bucket seats along with a dual, inline beverage holder and floor-mounted transmission shifter.
The instrument panel features three flat semi-circular analog gauges with a digital odometer in the center speedometer gauge. A temporary spare tire is found under the small, flat-floor cargo area.
Exterior: Reno's rounded hatch area differs from many wagons which incorporate a more square rear. Viewing from the side, Reno's thick rear 'C' pillars widen at the bottom creating a more rounded look. Hinged at the top, it lifts up from the bottom as one unit. A square fuel door is on the right rear passenger-side fender. On LX and EX models, a small rear spoiler above the window comes standard.
The radio antenna is mounted into the front windshield. All flush-mounted door handles are body colored as are side-view mirrors. In front, cat's eye headlight housing flanks a small grille with the Suzuki "S" logo front and center.
Warranty: All Suzuki vehicles carry one of the longer-duration warranties available. The limited powertrain warranty is covered by a seven-year/100,000-mile (which ever comes first) duration. This includes the engine, transaxle, transmission, front-wheel drive system and transfer case. This warranty is transferable from one owner to the next during the life of the warranty, increasing Reno's value when and if trade-in time rolls around. There is no out-of-pocket deductible either. A limited warranty covering many items outside the powertrain sphere is good for three years or 36,000miles. Roadside assistance is also good for three years or 36,000 miles.
Some automakers offer warranties up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, but shoppers need to read the fine print because many of these are not transferable.
Safety features: All three trim levels include driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags, front-seat mounted side air bags, daytime running lights and rear-door child locks. Remote keyless entry with anti-theft device is standard in LX and EX and not offered in S. Antilock brakes are optional across the board.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Overall length: 169.1 inches
Overall width: 67.9 inches
Overall height: 56.9 inches
Curb weight: 2,783 pounds
Final thoughts: Our test vehicle's manual transmission shifter had more play than many others, most of which had a stiffer feel; but provided more pickup punch than an automatic version.
The bottom line? Reno's bottom line may be its best attribute. This nicely equipped, solidly-built vehicle competes head on with other value-driven cars including the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo and Kia Spectra 5. Although fuel mileage is not up to Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic numbers (both vehicles are priced higher than Reno), its still worth a look for those on a tight budget wanting to buy new instead of used. Reno's youthful styling and five-door hatchback versatility is a good fit for the college-aged crowd and those just starting careers. |
