I’d driven this car, or a variant of it, during the early Summer of 2004 in Germany. It was part of a GM ride-and-drive event that put me behind the wheel of a Daewoo Nubira station wagon straight off the plane. Placing someone who is fresh from eight hours of travel, few of those comatose, is a risky proposition since any negatives to the design are easily magnified in this sleep-deprived state. Fortunately, the Nubira acquitted itself well, proving to be an impressive though not world-leading design.

In the U.S., the Nubira loses the Daewoo badge and becomes the Suzuki Forenza. Little is changed from the European version, though the grille’s design is closer to what Italian designer Giorgio Giugiaro’s Ital Design intended, and it is the better for it. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 126 hp @ 5,400 rpm and 131 lb-ft @ 4,000 replaces the less powerful 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engines found in Europe, which makes for a more pleasant driving experience. The standard four-speed automatic transmission is unobtrusive under most conditions.

Where the Forenza stands out, however, is in the design of its interior, especially the instrument panel. Everyone who sat in the front seat remarked at the handsome design of the tri-tone, tri-level panel, and how rich looking it appears. These are not words one normally associates with a sub-$20,000 car made in South Korea. Nor do you expect the materials to be of a higher tactile quality than many vehicles costing more, or not to squeak in extremes of temperature on rough roads. Yet the Forenza’s instrument panel did this without bother, and had the added bonus of a large speedometer ringed with a light green translucent band that makes the gauge package stand out in a subtle, refined way.

The silver trim that divides the hard plastic lower from the darker and softer upper is repeated as arcs across the door panels, and echoed in the air vents. No one this side of Helen Keller would ever mistake them for aluminum, nor chide Suzuki for tricking them with a well-chosen paint. Instead, the silver is used as a highlight, and is of a hue that it doesn’t promise more than it can deliver. Which speaks to the basic honesty of this car.

In no other way, however, will the Forenza stir the soul. The handling is safe, the engine more than adequate, the tires and suspension tuned for the everyday. However, grippier tires, a supple-but-firm spring and damper package, less understeer, a less intrusive dead pedal, and better plastic for the stalks and the steering column surround would enliven the Forenza and making it much more “friend” than “appliance.”

With a base price of $17,449 ($18,494 with the $500 ABS option and $545 destination charge), the Forenza has an impressive standard equipment list, but little else to bring it above the level of its direct competition in terms of desirability. With a bit more work, the Forenza can easily become a vehicle buyers want to buy for its fun personality and dynamic abilities, rather than the latest vehicle that  offers more stuff per dollar. Learn a lesson from the instrument panel, Suzuki. The possibility exists to give the buyer more than they expect through thoughtful design, careful planning, and smart use of materials. Carrying this lesson over to the rest of the car will bring untold dividends, and many repeat customers who choose your product for more than its price.