Saturday, August 3, 2013
2006 Suzuki Reno
New for 2006The 2006 Suzuki Reno is upgraded with Italian styling, a standard tilt steering wheel, new seat fabric and an improved emissions system for more efficient diagnostic capability. The base sticker price has been reduced by $250 to $13,199. A new Convenience trim level features MP3 audio capability, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, power sunroof, remote keyless entry and electronic cruise control. The Premium trim includes new 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler and four-channel ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.
The 2006 Suzuki Reno offers a practical and youthful alternative to the Forenza sedan and wagon, but the driving experience is similarly unrefined.
For power, the 2006 Suzuki Reno offers a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated for 127 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. The Reno gets around OK when equipped with a manual transmission but feels underpowered with the automatic. Fuel economy is not a strong point of this engine, as it turns in lower numbers than any other car in this price range. Driving dynamics are another sore spot, as the Reno exhibits sloppy handling and a less composed ride than competitors. Additionally, wind noise tends to be excessive when cruising on the highway.
Suzuki has attempted to distinguish its Reno from the competition with a roomy interior and a lengthy list of standard features. Unfortunately, inconsistent materials quality detracts from the otherwise inviting interior. On paper, the stylish Suzuki Reno hatchback looks like a good value. Unfortunately, its acceleration, fuel economy and handling fall well short of the leaders in this segment. Bargain hunters would be wise to put their money on a Kia Spectra5 instead.
Another new Suzuki car
The Reno is the fourth new nameplate at Suzuki recently, and the fourth car. The others are the Suzuki Aerio, a compact sedan and hatchback whose 5-door model, interestingly, is offered with all-wheel drive; the Suzuki Forenza, another compact sedan that added a wagon for the 2005 model year, and the Suzuki Verona, a bit pricier midsize sedan. (If you remember the Suzuki Esteem, you might want to know it has been eliminated from the lineup.)
But yes, with the Reno, Suzuki now has three compact car nameplates, and like the Forenza, the Reno was designed by an Italian design firm and is built not in Suzukis Japan homeland but in a factory in South Korea.
The Italian designers gave the Reno some European styling, which is pleasant, even if its not terribly eye-catching or memorable on American streets.
But, a buyer can always add an optional "street package" that Suzuki is selling for the first time in the U.S. Its called the Suzuki Works Techno package and sells well for Suzuki vehicles in Japan. Pricing is about $500 and the package adds such things as unique rear spoiler and trunk gear net.
But heres what I noticed: The Renos tires and wheels arent large enough to help this car make a statement on the road. My test Reno was the top-level EX and it rode on rather plain, 15-inch wheels.
Interior Design and Special Features:
To liven things up a bit, designers used plenty of metallic accents throughout the cabin and an attractive set of gauges. The door panels and dash arrangement are sportier-looking than the Forenzas with more distinctive circular patterns. The Suzuki Reno has no less than 11 storage compartments and is available with leather seating. The driver seat offers two-way seat-bottom tilt, and most people will be able to find a comfortable driving position. A padded center armrest provides a comfortable place to rest an elbow on long trips. In back, passengers are treated to competitive amounts of leg- and shoulder room, along with a fold-down center armrest. Cargo capacity measures just 8.8 cubic feet with the rear seat in use, but opens up to a very accommodating 45.4 cubes when you fold the seat.
Only one 4 cylinder
The Reno, however, can feel anemic if its carrying more than one or two people and some cargo. The only engine is a 2.0-liter double overhead cam, inline 4 that generates 126 horses and 131 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
I heard this engine readily as I drove. I also heard as it downshifted and worked up a noisy buzziness to get the car up hilly roads. This is not a refined, quiet ride.
A 5-speed manual is offered, but the tester had the 4-speed automatic that, at times, shared with passengers its shifting from gear to gear. This isnt the smoothest shifting tranny, and the 22/30-mile-per-gallon, city/highway fuel economy rating for this model of Reno is about mid-pack for the compact car class. Vehicles in the segment that have higher fuel economy include some well-known models, such as the Honda Civic (35/40-mpg with automatic), Toyota Echo (33/39-mpg with automatic), and Toyota Corolla (30/38-mpg with automatic).
Note the Mazda3 hatchback has a more powerful 4 cylinder: A 160-horse 2.3-liter engine capable of 150 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The Matrix has two 4-cylinder engines, the top one producing 170 horses and 127 lb-ft at 4400 rpm.
The Renos rack-and-pinion steering and small size make for nimble maneuvers. The ride is fine for a mainstream small car. The car passes over most road bumps without harshness.
But I seemed to hear the impact of expansion cracks and road bumps more than I felt them, making me wonder about the sound insulation of this car. I also noticed the Renos doors felt lightweight when I opened and closed them, and on a windy day, the Reno was buffeted by crosswinds at times. Also, one rainy day, I felt compelled to close the inside shade on the closed sunroof that was in the test car. The noise from the downpour was very loud.
Safety:
Side airbags and four-wheel disc brakes are standard, and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is optional. Front-seat occupants get seatbelt pre-tensioners and height adjusters, while rear-seat passengers get a full set of head restraints and three-point belts. NHTSA has conducted no crash tests on the Suzuki Reno. The IIHS rates the Suzuki car "Acceptable" (second highest) for frontal-offset crash protection.
Driving Impressions:
When equipped with the manual gearbox, the Reno has little difficulty keeping up in traffic. However, when the Suzuki car is saddled with the automatic transmission, acceleration is weak and highway maneuvers take planning. Compared with other budget hatchbacks, the 2006 Suzuki Reno also comes up short in ride quality. It strives for comfort with its soft suspension, but theres too much movement over bumps and ruts. Handling while cornering is sloppy as well, as the suspension allows too much body roll, while cheap tires offer little grip. On the positive side, the Renos four-wheel disc brakes provide short stopping distances (although pedal feel and stability are unimpressive).
Dont Push Hard
The power steering is quick, with decent road feel, but is somewhat heavy. The all-independent suspension and rather long (for a compact car) 102.4-inch wheelbase help provide a good ride. Handling is OK if the Reno isnt pushed hard, and braking is decent, with linear pedal action.
The Reno is styled by Italys famous Italdesign studio. But while smooth, the styling isnt very impressive. After all, theres only so much that can be done to make a small 4-door hatchback look distinctive.
Color is important with this car—the brighter the better. For instance, my test Reno drew some second glances because it had extremely bright red paint, which enhances the appearance of nearly all small cars.
Pros: Vehicle is sporty looking and quick from start to finnish with a nice smooth ride and good handeling for a hatchback.Fun to drive, seems ok on gas.could be better? Nice car for money and this is coming from someone who drives a 2006 charger also.Get a bright color like the blue will turn heads.
Cons: Nothing.
Overall Review: good fun 2nd car to own was impressed with dealership.
