The updated Suzuki Baleno is now available in South Africa, with the top-spec GLX model starting at a price of R275,900.
Around the same time Toyota brought out the facelifted Starlet, with its own top-of-the-line XR model costing R19,000 more than the GLX at R294,900.
We looked at these competing hatchbacks to see where the biggest differences lie.
Features
Starting with the Toyota, the manufacturer’s latest top-end hatch sports cruise control, automatic climate control, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a reverse camera, park distance control, hill assist, and automatic LED projector headlights.
Additionally, standard spec includes a 9-inch infotainment system with six speakers and support for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as Toyota Connect for in-car WiFi.
Moving to Suzuki’soffering, the new Baleno is similarly fitted with climate control, cruise control, a leather multifunction steering wheel, automatic LED headlights, hill assist, and rear parking sensors.
The infotainment system is much the same as the one on the Starlet, too, offering a 9-inch touchscreen that also supports smartphone mirroring.
Where the GLX really differentiates itself from its rival, however, is with three features not commonly seen on a car in this price bracket – keyless entry and start, a heads-up display, and a full 360-degree camera system.
As far as styling is concerned, both the Suzuki and Toyota have daytime-running lights, are fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, and are accentuated by chrome accents along the front grille and other areas such as the door handles or below the front lamps.
Due to their identical dimensions, both cars also have exactly the same size boot at 314 litres.
Engine
The Starlet XR and the Baleno GLX use the same 1.5-litre petrol engine, generating an identical 77kW and 138Nm.
Both range-topping trim lines also offer the buyer a choice between a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
As such, performance figures are very similar between the competitors as both average combined fuel consumptions of 5.4l/100km for the manual and 5.7l/100km for the automatic.
Suzuki has not revealed the top speed or 0-100km/h acceleration figures of the Baleno, but the Toyota’s is listed at 160km/h and 11.2 seconds, and it’s likely that the Suzuki’s performance is very similar.
Pricing
The South African starting pricing for the new Suzuki Baleno GLX is R275,900.
This includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 4-year/60,000km service plan
The Toyota Starlet XR has a South African starting price of R294,900.
Also included are a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-services/45,000km service plan.
Suzuki Baleno GLX
Toyota Starlet XR
Keyword: Top-of-the-line Suzuki Baleno vs Toyota Starlet – The differences