Baleno strengthens the Suzuki SA family

The all-new 2017 Suzuki Baleno is the first from Suzuki to feature a completely new platform that incorporates high rigidity with low mass to bring an end product 110kg lighter than the Suzuki Swift… despite being a larger and more spacious vehicle.

In terms of segments, the Suzuki Baleno fits perfectly between the AB and B segment – between the Swift and the Ciaz.

The Suzuki Baleno has good intentions. It is not there to replace the Swift; but to offer an entirely new option for young couples, singles and young families who are looking for something slightly different to the ordinary hatchback. With styling, performance and fuel efficiency being the strong suit of the Baleno

“The new Baleno adds a larger and more spacious hatchback to our new car portfolio,” says Charl Grobler, manager of sales and product planning at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “It’s ideal for individuals and families seeking the extra comfort and convenience of larger hatchback, but don’t want to give up the agility and efficiency of the Swift.”

The Baleno wears a liquid flow design which gives the impression that the car looks like it is moving even though it may be stationary. The styling of the Baleno is unique; sculpted flanks and short overhangs form part of the strong identity.

In terms of performance, the Baleno really makes a statement for naturally aspirated engines although in other international markets Suzuki’s 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo is available and initially we must admit to being slightly disappointed. We didn’t lament the news for long though with the sort of fuel economy that rivals’ modern turbo engines crushingly fail to match.

The completely new platform has resulted in a lighter and more rigid car, weighing in at 10% less than the smaller Suzuki Swift. Powering the Baleno is the K14B 4-cylinder 1,4- litre engine with a lively 68 kW of maximum power at 6 000 r/min combined with a torque peak of 130 Nm at 4 200 r/min. The torque figure is lower than the Boosterjet’s 170Nm and when you add weight to the Baleno in the form of people and luggage, that might count for something.

The new platform is not the only thing that the Baleno pioneers; it is also the first Suzuki to feature a touchscreen radio.  In terms of interior – the first thing you will notice setting foot inside the Baleno is the space, and not only upfront but in the back and as well as the boot.

Model Range and specification:

The Baleno will be offered in two specs – the GL and the GLX. The GL acts as the slightly more affordable option that sports a manual gearbox only. Meanwhile the GLX can be ordered with either manual or automatic transmission. The GLX is everything of the GL but more – aesthetically the headlamps feature LED daytime running lights, chrome door handles, a roof end spoiler as well as privacy glass for the rear window.

Interior wise there are no major differences in comparison to the GL model; the same smart fabric upholstery as well as dashboard finishes are used and finished off with silver accents. Central to the interior of the GL and GLX models is a 6.2–inch colour screen which acts as the interface for the Baleno’s infotainment system

Driving Impressions:

The Suzuki Baleno 1.4-litre truly makes a name for itself in that it differentiates itself completely to ordinary hatchbacks. The power to weight ratio offers impressive performance and brilliant fuel consumption. Keeping in mind that the Baleno is powered by a 1,4- litre naturally aspirated engine it is a car that possesses many of the Swift’s laudable zippy and fun traits. The manual Suzuki Baleno reaches 100km/h in 10.9 seconds and reaches an overall top speed of 180 km/h; the automatic is slightly slower to 100km/h than the manual and also has a lower top speed.

Verdict

Suzuki has always excelled around this price point by providing good build quality, perky engines and roadholding that very few cars in the segment can emulate. The lack of the Boosterjet turbo charged engine isn’t nearly as critical as we expected and although Baleno is hardly the leader in segment innovation it becomes an endearing well-rounded package.

Price (Including VAT):

The new Baleno is covered by a standard three-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000 km/12 month intervals.