The base spec Suzuki Baleno GL.
The new Baleno comes with sharper aesthetics but a familiar shape.
Projector housings make use of either halogen or LED technology, depending on the derivative.
Hot off of recent sales successes, Suzuki hosted us in the lush Midlands to experience the all new Suzuki Baleno in what they hope will continue to be a strong contender in the subcompact hatchback segment. With its competitive pricing and impressive standard features, it may continue to take the brand to unprecedented heights.
The base spec Suzuki Baleno GL.
Starting from humble beginnings well over a decade ago in 2008, Suzuki has grown from strength to strength in our local market. As of last month, the Japanese automaker managed to capitalise on the misfortune Toyota have experienced after catastrophic flooding in Durban hampered their local supply chain of new vehicles. This means that the Japanese automaker has managed to overshadow their larger adversary by reigning supreme in new passenger vehicle sales during the month of May after managing to sell a record 31 000 units in the 2021 fiscal year.
It is no secret that the Baleno and Toyota Starlet are as closely related as a set of Siamese twins and this means that all of the abovementioned tweaks are shared between the models. Infact, the punchy K15B has already been put to the test in the Toyota Urban Cruiser/Suzuki Vitara Brezza, among other applications. Other than cosmetic trim and badges fore and aft, the models are almost identical. Almost being the operative word here since the differentiating aspects on the aforementioned hatchbacks are the standard features with which they are equipped.
Read our Driven review of the Toyota Starlet 1,5 Xr MT which also happened earlier this week.
The co-developed Suzuki Baleno boasts a standard spec feature list which isn’t only impressive when compared to its Toyota twin but when analogized against the whole segment too. The base spec GL model as well as the more premium Baleno GLX now include certain features that would have previously only been reserved for more expensive and premium offerings; a perk of platform sharing between manufacturers is the reduced production costs which means we get more bells and whistles for less financial outlay than before. All models in the lineup include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity while the respective infotainment screens broadcast a rear reverse camera. The interiors are further fitted with automatic climate control cruise control, front USB and accessory sockets while a sliding front armrest is sandwiched ergonomically between the two front seats. Active safety systems include ABS, EBD, ESP and hill hold assist.
The distinguishing aspects of the new Suzuki Baleno really are centred around value for money with the Baleno GL including a high resolution 7-inch touch infotainment system while one of the dual front airbags are concealed within the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The exterior is equipped with 15-inch steel rims and hubcaps while halogen projectors and LED foglamps illuminate the road ahead.
Projector housings make use of either halogen or LED technology, depending on the derivative.
With the winter solstice quickly approaching and darkness creeping earlier into the evenings, the LED projector headlamps in the GLX were expectedly the superior choice. Standard equipment also includes a 9-inch touch infotainment system that projects a 360° view navigation view compliments of cameras on each facade of the car. The top spec model also adds side and curtain airbags bringing the total tally for the safety department to 6. A new colour instrument cluster between the speedometer and tachometer can now also display driving statistics which include fuel efficiency, braking and accelerating behaviour, a G-Force metre and instantaneous torque/power. Other niceties include 16-inch polished alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button start and a configurable heads up display. A limited number of cosmetic interior and exterior accessories can also be added onto the models for an additional cost.
The top spec Suzuki Baleno GLX.
For the time being, Suzuki will continue to contend in the hatchback segment despite the ongoing trend of Brands upsizing to embellished SUVs. That being said, the Maruti made model boasts high ground clearance akin to that of a B segment SUV with plush suspension complemented by chunky tyres too. The Baleno was unphased by the winding roads of the midlands, dotted with imperfections and treacherous potholes although this all meant that body roll was more prevalent in cornering. The more powerful motor is better suited to the new Suzuki Baleno although the 4-speed automatic transmission feels lacking when driving with a sense of urgency. In the same breath, the hatch feels more nippy when the motor is coupled to the 5 speed manual gearbox instead although the quiet engine speeds do linger around 3 000 rpm at the national speed limit may have you longing for an extra cog. Despite this, our test model was able to achieve within the claimed region of 5,4 L/100 km with momenatry yields of 5 L/100 km during some parts of the journey.
Pricing and Model Line-up
The Suzuki Baleno range is available as follows;
Baleno 1.5 GL 5MT – R225 900
Baleno 1.5 GL 4AT – R245 900
Baleno 1.5 GLX 5MT – R275 900
Baleno 1.5 GLX 4AT – R295 900
All Suzuki Balenos come with a 5-year/200 000km promotional warranty as well as a 4 year/60 000km service plan.
The new Baleno comes with sharper aesthetics but a familiar shape.
The Toyota Starlet has sold in droves since it was first launched although the competitive pricing of the Suzuki Baleno as well as its superior standard features should warrant a second consideration for buyers in the segment, after all, the oil bits underneath the sheet metal bodywork are all the same. Considering it has also sold over a million units globally in its 6 year nameplate lifecycle with 14 000 global sales per month, the local branch of Suzuki is hoping to achieve as many as 500 units per month which is considerably more than the 60+ average currently.
Keyword: DRIVEN: Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX MT