Test drive: Reno quick, fun to drive

This week we hop in a lively compact, the 2007 Suzuki Reno, a simple yet sophisticated 4-door sub-compact.

It’s simple in that you’ll need a key to unlock the door, unless you purchase the optional convenience package. Suzuki also simplifies the Reno model strategy for 2007 with just one trim level; there’s no S, LS, LX or whatever. Just Suzuki Reno in base or convenience dress. Customers can, however, add ABS with electronic brake-force distribution as an option or the Convenience Package.

As for sophistication, imagine a sub-$14,000 four-door hatchback that has a tire pressure monitoring system (new for 2007) and an eight-speaker audio/MP3 player as part of its standard audio system. We found this mix of simplicity and classiness to our liking.

Introduced in 2005, Reno for 2007 includes the same 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine that motivated last year’s Renos. It produces 127 horsepower and comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed electronically controlled automatic with gated shifter and “hold” mode switch is offered as an option.

In appearance, Suzuki touts Reno’s Italian styling (by Italdesign). Well, maybe not “Italian” as in “Ferrari,” but sharp nonetheless. What catches our eye most is the substantial slope to the rear end, which creates a racy appearance, not particularly common for a hatchback. In reality, Reno is a mongrel, built in South Korea, designed in Italy and marketed via Japan.

We think the interior is especially pleasing. The seats and door trim feature a mesh-metallic looking fabric, bordered in black. There is ample storage area, including a large glove box, map pockets and a holder for sunglasses along the roof above the driver’s door, where a handgrip is often found.

As a four-door sedan, we are impressed with the wide, easy-entry rear doors for Reno’s subcompact designation. As a cargo hauler with the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks in fold down mode, Reno offers 45.4 cubic feet of hatchback area.

In addition to the new tire monitoring system, other standard Reno features include four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, tilt wheel, power windows and locks, dual sun visors with vanity mirrors (no lights), remote fuel door release, rear window wiper, rear defrost, air conditioning system, rear center armrest with cup holders, and heated, flip-in, power side mirrors. (See what we mean about sophistication for a compact?)

If purchased, the aforementioned optional convenience package adds remote keyless entry, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission lever, security alarm system and cruise control, to arrive at a $14,949 price tag.

Reno’s safety technologies include advanced dual-stage front airbags, advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag and driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags. There are front and rear crumple zones, along with guard beams in the side doors to help control impact energy.

All 2007 Suzuki vehicles are backed by a 100,000-mile, seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

Important numbers include a long 102.4-inch wheelbase; 14.5-gallon fuel tank; 2,745-pound curb weight; and 23-MPG city and 30 highway EPA fuel mileage estimates.

In a direct comparison, there are pros and cons. Ford’s Focus, which is nearly identical to Reno in wheelbase and curb weight, gets 27 and 37-MPG with its 2-liter, 136-horsepower engine. However, when you compare Reno amongst other tough company, including Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Chevy Aveo, you’ll find some lower prices, but fewer features, too. Additionally, Suzuki’s Aerio may be a better value, overall, if you want to spend a few more dollars.

Overall, however, we enjoy driving the Reno, although it’s not the greatest of handlers by any means. The suspension is on the soft side, yet it’s still quick and fun to drive. With that, we rate Reno a solid 7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Lots of standard features, great price, 4-wheel disc brakes, 100,000-mile warranty.

Dislikes: High beam indicator difficult to find, soft handling, re-sale value, ABS should be standard.