Teresa’s View: A practical rig that’s easy on pocketbook, eyes

Are you hesitating about taking that adult step to a minivan? Does the size of an SUV price tag cause heart palpitations? Ever thought about a station wagon?

Believe me, I don’t make this suggestion lightly. I still have station-wagon flashbacks involving me and my five brothers and sisters. While some of the same traits that appealed to parents in the 1960s still apply, today’s wagons have even more to recommend them.

The Suzuki Forenza Wagon, for example, is as easy on the pocketbook at it is on the eye. Less than $14K will get you into a right handsome European-looking rig.

The Forenza’s plush interior belies its reasonable price. It’s so chock-full of features Suzuki calls it a premium compact. The upscale EX trim includes leather seats, steering wheel, shift knob and trim that’s not only tasteful, but imparts a lovely aroma. A sunroof is standard on the LX and EX trims.

Wagons are practical. They can match a sport-ute for cargo space without the tall liftover. The Forenza includes 60/40 split rear seat backs for added flexibility.

Gas mileage is another plus. The Forenza boasts 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway figures.

There are some downsides. Fully loaded with passengers and their playthings, the Forenza is underpowered. It also lacks adequate soundproofing. When the engine is working hard, everyone knows it.

What Is It?: The Forenza comes as a compact sedan or wagon in three versions: the base model S, middle-of-the-road LX and top-of-the-line EX. All three trims get the same engine, a 2.0-liter inline, four-cylinder power plant that makes 126 horsepower.

Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. Standard features on the S include air conditioning, rear windshield wipers and power windows, mirrors and door locks, plus an audio system with radio, cassette and CD player and eight speakers. The LX and EX add cruise control and remote keyless entry.

Safety: All passengers get a three-point seatbelt and headrest. Best part? Roadside assistance is provided 24/7/365 with the long-lasting warranty. Worst part? Antilock brakes are a $500 option on all trims.

The Cheat Sheet: Suzuki builds the Forenza under a complicated joint venture agreement with General Motors.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The Forenza is assembled in Gunsan, Korea.