Acceleration

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
4	4.4

With automatic transmission, good progress from a stop fades to modest acceleration as speed rises. Transmission downshifts very quickly for more power, but requires a hard shove on the throttle and results in more noise than progress at higher speeds. Acceleration livelier with manual transmission, though passing power lacking.

Fuel Economy

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
7	6.7

Not outstanding for a small, 4-cyl car. Extended-use-test Reno LX with manual transmission averaged 23.4 mpg over 10,094 miles. Reno runs fine on regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
5	4.9

Generally comfortable on broken surfaces, especially among the compact class, though bigger bumps jostle occupants. Less settled on rough roads than segment-leading Honda Civic, Mazda 3.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
5	5.6

Light, responsive steering, but noticeable body lean even at modest cornering speeds. Standard four-wheel disc brakes a nice plus in this price range, provide fine pedal feel.

Quietness

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
3	4.2

Engine roars intrusively during acceleration, turns buzzy at higher speeds. Some suspension pounding over bumps, substantial wind rush at freeway speeds.

Controls

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
6	5.9

Clear gauges nicely lit. Audio, climate controls simple to use and understand, though mounted just a bit low. Switchgear has quality feel. Materials impress for the price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
6	5.5

Plenty of head and leg room, even for taller folks. Standard tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat appreciated. Visibility better than average, though some testers say rear headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder view.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
4	3.9

Adequate head, leg, and toe room for adults as long as front seats aren't more than halfway back. Entry/exit good for a compact.

Cargo Room

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
6	4.7

Reno has usefully cargo hold and large hatch that makes loading big items easy. Interior storage generous for a small car.

Value within Class

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
5	6.2

Reno falls behind most class rivals in refinement, fuel economy, and acceleration with automatic transmission. Plus, Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes. But Reno has good interior room for the class, sports an impressive list of standard features, and is priced attractively.

Total Score

Reno LX hatch, man.	Class Average
51	52

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		52
High Score		64