With the Swift, Suzuki already has a supermini contender. So the addition of the Indian-built Baleno to the range might seem like needless duplication.
Measuring 3,995 mm (157.3”) from bumper to bumper, the Baleno – which is available in five-door form only – is 145 mm (5.7”) longer than a Swift. That makes it about the same size as the Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio, two of the B-segment's largest current members.
A couple of trim grades keep the Baleno line-up very simple. Equipment levels appear generous enough though, as both variants boast satellite navigation, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, cruise control, HID headlights and 16” alloy wheels. MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are supported too.
Moving up to the slightly posher SZ5 sees the standard air conditioning upgraded to climate control, plus the cruise control gains an adaptive function. Furthermore, a 4.2” central colour trip display, LED rear lights and Radar Brake Support are fitted as well.
In a similar vein, engine choice is pretty straightforward. A 1.0 litre, three-cylinder turbocharged Boosterjet petrol unit should account for the majority of sales.
Developing 110 bhp (82 kW / 111 PS) with 170 Nm (125 lb/ft) of peak torque, it delivers a fairly lively 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 11.4 seconds when paired with a manual gearbox. Efficiency is also acceptable, as evidenced by official combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures of 62.7 mpg (4.5 l/100km) and 105 g/km respectively.
More interesting (and better value) is the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) alternative.
This features a 89 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) 1.2 litre four-cylinder Dualjet petrol engine, which is combined with a belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator to aid acceleration and provide regenerative braking. Electricity produced is stored in a compact lithium-ion battery pack.
70.6 mpg (4.0 l/100km) and 94 g/km on the combined cycle are impressive, but performance does suffer. The 0-62 mph sprint takes 12.3 seconds, for example, while an SHVS-equipped Baleno can only reach a top speed of 111 mph (178 km/h).
Deliveries are due to begin in the UK next month. The price list is another thing that clashes with the Swift...
Related posts:
Suzuki Swift SZ-L special edition reintroduced
Suzuki adds the Vitara S to its range
2016 Suzuki Baleno first view
Measuring 3,995 mm (157.3”) from bumper to bumper, the Baleno – which is available in five-door form only – is 145 mm (5.7”) longer than a Swift. That makes it about the same size as the Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio, two of the B-segment's largest current members.
A couple of trim grades keep the Baleno line-up very simple. Equipment levels appear generous enough though, as both variants boast satellite navigation, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, cruise control, HID headlights and 16” alloy wheels. MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are supported too.
Moving up to the slightly posher SZ5 sees the standard air conditioning upgraded to climate control, plus the cruise control gains an adaptive function. Furthermore, a 4.2” central colour trip display, LED rear lights and Radar Brake Support are fitted as well.
In a similar vein, engine choice is pretty straightforward. A 1.0 litre, three-cylinder turbocharged Boosterjet petrol unit should account for the majority of sales.
Developing 110 bhp (82 kW / 111 PS) with 170 Nm (125 lb/ft) of peak torque, it delivers a fairly lively 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 11.4 seconds when paired with a manual gearbox. Efficiency is also acceptable, as evidenced by official combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures of 62.7 mpg (4.5 l/100km) and 105 g/km respectively.
More interesting (and better value) is the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) alternative.
This features a 89 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) 1.2 litre four-cylinder Dualjet petrol engine, which is combined with a belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator to aid acceleration and provide regenerative braking. Electricity produced is stored in a compact lithium-ion battery pack.
70.6 mpg (4.0 l/100km) and 94 g/km on the combined cycle are impressive, but performance does suffer. The 0-62 mph sprint takes 12.3 seconds, for example, while an SHVS-equipped Baleno can only reach a top speed of 111 mph (178 km/h).
Deliveries are due to begin in the UK next month. The price list is another thing that clashes with the Swift...
| Suzuki Baleno – UK prices | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Engine | Transmission | Price |
| SZ-T | 1.0 litre Boosterjet | 5-speed manual | £12,999 |
| SZ5 | 1.2 litre SHVS | 5-speed manual | £13,499 |
| SZ5 | 1.0 litre Boosterjet | 5-speed manual | £13,999 |
| SZ5 | 1.0 litre Boosterjet | 6-speed automatic | £15,349 |
Related posts:
Suzuki Swift SZ-L special edition reintroduced
Suzuki adds the Vitara S to its range
2016 Suzuki Baleno first view
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