Reno is the latest offering from the lesser-known Japanese automaker Suzuki. Suzuki, which is known more for motorcycles than automobiles here in the U.S., has of late been making serious attempts to change that perception. Beginning with the launch of the subcompact Aerio sedan and hatchback in 2002 and the arrival earlier this year of the compact Forenza and midsize Verona sedans, U.S. sales are up 25 percent. Suzuki plans to bring a total of seven new vehicles to the U.S. in five years, and will introduce a wagon version of the Forenza.

Reno is a front-wheel drive five-door compact built on the same platform as the Forenza sedan. The European-looking Reno was designed in Italy by Italdesign-Giugiaro studio, which means just because you're a small compact it doesn't mean you have to look boring. Like Verona and Forenza, Reno is built at GM's Daewoo plant in Korea.

After three unsuccessful years of trying to sell a trio of cars in the U.S., Daewoo went belly up. However, GM bought into Daewoo and their cars began to reappear in the U.S. The Daewoo Lanos was rebadged and is now sold as a Chevrolet Aveo. As part of Suzuki's longstanding relationship with GM the Daewoo Leganza is now the base for the Verona and the Nubira is the underpinnings of the Forenza and Reno.

The sporty-looking Reno comes in three trim levels: the base S ($13,994), mid-level LX ($15,894) and the top of the line EX ($17,494), shipping included in all prices. All three models along with the Forenza share the same 2.0-liter, 126-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and transmissions. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the S and LX. A four-speed automatic is standard on the EX and available as an $800 option on the S and LX.

Standard features included on all Reno models include an in-dash AM/FM/CD/ MP3 audio system with eight speakers, air conditioning with micron air filtration system, power windows/locks/heated outside mirrors, speed-sensitive power steering, tilt steering wheel with integrated audio controls and rear-window wiper/washer. Side airbags and four-wheel disc brakes are included on all models.

The LX model adds a power sunroof, 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lamps and remote keyless entry. The EX adds the automatic transmission and leather seating.

I had the opportunity to test the EX model extensively and came away very impressed with the vehicle. The Reno felt sold and was generally quiet except under hard acceleration as it moved through the automatic gears when the engine got noisy and harsh. Once at cruising speed the noise subsided.

The ride was noticeably smooth and unlike that found in most small compact cars. It handled well and would serve as reliable journeyman for commuters or retirees who don't need a larger sedan. If acceleration and performance handling are requirements don't expect the 126-horsepower teamed with the automatic to satisfy. It'll deliver adequate power for daily driving, and with four-wheel disc brakes, it stops well. But don't confuse the Reno with a sports sedan. It gets around just fine and rarely feels underpowered, but its power is no match cars like the Mazda3 or Ford Focus.

Outside the styling in sharp and the good-looking body has an understated sophistication that few if any cars in its price range can match. Tail lamps nicely wrap around the rear hatch, wheel openings are what Suzuki calls "muscular" lending a racy look to it. The smooth curves slope to the almond shaped headlamps. The overall look fits nicely into the current youth-oriented hatchback offerings of such cars as the Scion xA and xB, Mazda3, Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.

Inside, the cabin is roomy and attractive. At well over 6-feet tall, I had plenty of room thanks to a two-way adjustment to the set-bottom tilt, seat back recline adjustment and a long track for seat adjustment. The seat was comfortable and a padded center armrest afforded a place to lean an elbow on longer trips.

While it is always nice to have high quality interior materials to create a more comfortable and upscale environment, it just isn't realistic to expect it in an economy car. Here Suzuki did a pretty good job overall with the plastics and fabrics. While certainly not upscale in appearance, it was mostly attractive. The center console has dual cupholders and a storage bin is fitted beneath the drivers seat.

With the 60/40-split folding rear seat in the down position Reno cargo capacity is a generous 45.4 cubic feet. Not much smaller than a compact wagon. With the rear seat up however, trunk space is limited to just 9.7 feet.

Korean-built automobiles have worked hard to overcome their reputation for poor quality, and Kia and Hyundai now enjoy better quality scores than their Japanese counterparts. If you have any doubts about the quality of Suzuki vehicles consider the new-car warranty that covers the car bumper-to-bumper for three years or 36,000 miles, and the engine, transaxle, transmission and other drivetrain parts for up to seven years or 100,000 miles. This is the best warranty in the industry, is fully transferable to successive owners and, provides a warranty-repair loaner car for up to five days if the car has to be kept overnight.

For young buyers who don't have a second car to use to get to work, and need a warranty for the long haul, the Reno is one of the best choices for a first-time car buyer.

In addition to an engine that could use more horsepower, Reno's other weakness is fuel economy. If you assumed the lack of power meant increased gas mileage, you would be wrong. At 22/30 miles per gallon city/highway rating, Reno is among the worst in its class. Mazda3, with a more powerful engine gets, 25/32 miles per gallon. If you can live with those complaints, everything considered Reno is an excellent choice.

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