2004 Detroit Auto Show: American Suzuki Unveils Reno Five-Door Crossover

- New Model Targets Versatility-Seeking Buyers of All Ages With Five-Door Functionality, Italian Design and MSRP Between $13,000 and $15,000 -

DETROIT, Jan. 5 -- Continuing an unprecedented new product surge begun with last year's launch of the midsize Verona and premium compact Forenza sedans, American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today unveiled its third all-new model in less than a year, the Suzuki Reno -- a new breed of compact crossover vehicle blending five-door functionality with the style and sportiness of a European sedan -- at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Designed by Ital Design, the Reno targets discriminating buyers of all ages wanting a fresh, five-door compact crossover design able to support a multitude of recreational and lifestyle pursuits and priced to start around $13,000. The all-new model follows the Suzuki trend, forged with the Verona and Forenza, of combining distinctive European design with the performance, interior space and standard features of competing models typically costing thousands of dollars more.

Targeting the diverse spectrum of buyers whose active, sports-oriented lifestyles don't eliminate the need for a quiet ride, the Reno handles in a smooth, sophisticated manner without sacrificing performance. The result is a blend of functionality, drivability and style -- with a price tag allowing for mass appeal.

"The Suzuki Reno is a versatile vehicle specifically designed to appeal to a wide variety of function-seeking and value-oriented car buyers from Gen Y to Gen X to Baby Boomers," explained Director of Automotive Marketing Tom Carney. "As such, we expect it to compete as much with the likes of the Scion, Mazda3 and Toyota Matrix as we do with the Hyundai Elantra."

Plans call for the Reno to go on sale with an MSRP ranging from $13,000 to $15,000 -- giving it a distinct value advantage over other crossover vehicles in its class. The car is the third of nine new vehicles Suzuki will debut as the cornerstone of its plan to triple sales to 200,000 vehicles by 2007. Originating from Suzuki's $100-million investment in GMDAT, the Reno further cements Suzuki's position as a maker of stylish, customer-focused and value-packed vehicles in the U.S.

Sleek, Sensible European Design

The Reno's diverse personality starts with a bold, smart crossover design created by Ital Design. From the available fog lamps embedded in the lower bumper, across the almond-shaped, clear-glass headlamps and bold front grille displaying the Suzuki emblem, gracefully rising style lines guide the eye over muscular wheel arches to a distinctive rear profile dominated by a versatile rear hatch and wrap-around taillights.

The roofline is punctuated by roof-rack grooves designed for easy installation of accessories to carry mountain bikes, skis, camping gear -- even a canoe. Reno's athletically refined side profile is enhanced with color-keyed door handles, power side mirrors, side moldings and 15" aluminum-alloy wheels. Reno also comes with available power tilt and slide sunroof.

Inside, the Reno's roomy, five-passenger compartment and six-window greenhouse speak to recreational-minded buyers looking to make a style statement without sacrificing multi-use practicality. Compact in name only, the car offers maximum space utilization resulting in class-leading interior dimensions -- including more front and rear legroom than, Mazda3, and Matrix and more front and rear shoulder room than Matrix. Targeting utility and riding comfort for every passenger, the Reno offers a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with three adjustable headrests.

Efficient Power and Performance

The Reno comes equipped with a four-cylinder, 2-liter, DOHC, 16-valve engine, which pushes performance output to 126 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 131 foot-pounds of torque at a low 4,000 rpm. In addition to boasting a larger and more powerful engine than the Scion, the Reno employs an efficient engine design to optimize power, acceleration and fuel efficiency while reducing noise.

The front-wheel-drive Reno is available with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission featuring an adaptive control system and step-gate shifter. Speed-sensing power steering, standard on all models, self-adjusts the amount of steering assist for driving ease at any speed while MacPherson Struts up front and dual-link suspension in the rear combine to ensure a smooth ride, solid handling and responsiveness.

The Reno delivers excellent fuel economy: when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, it earns a strong 22/30 -mpg city/highway EPA rating. Buyers choosing the Reno with four-speed automatic transmission get 21/29.

Impressive Standard Features

Behind the Reno's stylish sheet metal is a functionally sculptured two-toned interior reflecting the car's athletic modernity and offering standard features typically reserved for more expensive models. Highlighting the sporty dash with geometrically rounded instruments and silver metallic accents is an in-dash AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, integrated steering wheel controls and eight speakers -- the only standard eight-speaker stereo in its class. Adding appeal are such distinctions as heated power side mirrors and handy steering wheel-mounted cruise control.

Other standard touches include power door locks, heated mirrors, key-hole illumination, factory-installed floor mats, overhead sun visor vanity mirrors with ticket holders, a center-dash 12-volt power outlet, timed rear window defroster and deluxe cloth seating surfaces. For optimal driving comfort, Reno drivers can adjust the driver's seat using the dual-height and lumbar support adjustments along with the headrest and steering wheel tilt-to-fit individual selections, and set the easy-to-use air conditioning or heating at a comfortable setting.

Accommodating buyers' active lifestyles -- as well as their CDs, sunglasses, trail maps, beverages and other trip essentials -- are a wealth of storage possibilities ranging from a center console fitted with dual cupholders and large forward storage compartment to an under-driver's seat storage bin, front and rear door compartments, driver and passenger seatback pockets, lighted glove box, sunglass holder and driver's-side change tray.

Reno buyers can enjoy the available power tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather-trimmed steering wheel and front fog lamps, while the top-of-the-line Reno adds supple leather seating surfaces as well as standard four-speed automatic transmission.

Suzuki Safety

The Suzuki Reno comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes -- a safety feature typically found only on sports cars and more expensive crossover models. The Reno also offers a dual-airbag system for the driver and an advanced dual-airbag system for the passenger as well as height-adjustable shoulder belts. Rear-seat passengers are protected with the help of a center headrest and three-point seatbelts for all three passengers. Keeping the family in mind, the Reno offers the child seat LATCH system, rear seat child safety door locks, and luminescent trunk release lever. ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is offered on all models as an option.

America's #1 Warranty

Like the current Suzuki models, the Reno will be covered by Suzuki's Open Road Promise, featuring a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty that's fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This is in addition to the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty.

Other components of Suzuki's Open Road Promise include a three-year Roadside Assistance Program and a Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program.

Fit with the ASMC Line

The launch of the new Reno enables Suzuki to complement its popular Aerio SX, which debuted in 2002 for buyers wanting to make a more extreme driving and personal style statement. While both combine the driving fun and maneuverability of a sports sedan and practicality of an SUV, the Reno is for slightly more diverse and mature buyers to whom five-door functionality is most important to their multi-faceted lifestyles. The new Reno joins the Verona and Forenza in accelerating Suzuki's new-model launch schedule and strengthened positioning at the center of the U.S. automotive mainstream.

About ASMC

The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of more than 470 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it is based in Hamamatsu, Japan, and has 141 distributors in 127 countries.