When Suzuki set out to design the Baleno, the motto by which they operated was ‘hold nothing back.’ The Suzuki Baleno certainly is different to what you expect from the car brand. You can see these differences in the exterior design, drive and interior as well.
Every other time I have taken a car for a test I have known a bit about it beforehand. This time I didn’t know much about the Baleno and when I did do my research I was pleasantly surprised. It is just above the Suzuki Swift in price but offers so much more, which to me, makes it a better option and I have always liked the Swift.
According to Suzuki, their new design is meant to emulate elegance and power. From the front, the design is appealing. It, however, loses it a bit as go towards the back end of the car.
One of my favourite parts was the interior of the car. The blue lights used by the speedometer and on the infotainment screen which gave it an edgy and sexy look. It also has all the technology and perks of a more expensive car like a touch screen infotainment centre, illustrations of performance like torque and power. The ‘guide me lights’ in the interior and exterior are an appealing touch as well.
What I did not like was the toggle to switch on the headlights. The parking lights and high beams were easy to switch on; just like every other car I have driven. The normal lights on the other hand were unnecessarily different. It took needless time to figure it out which is not ideal when you just want to quickly flick them on. Different is not necessarily better. This will, however, be a temporary issue if you buy the car.
It also measures your fuel efficiency and displays it prominently in front of you, almost as if reminding you to drive efficiently at all times (I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing). The test sat at 6l/100km for the trip I took despite my best efforts to get it lower. I have heard of others getting it below 5l/100km.
Fuel efficiency was a major focus in the car’s design. The various Suzuki Baleno models feature new technology which assists in achieving this: a new-generation platform, the new BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine and the SHVS mild hybrid system. The claimed fuel economy is 5.1l/100km and has a CO2 emissions target of 93g/km.
The drive was a comfortable one, handling everything well from bumps in the road to sharp corners. I felt it had less zest than other 1.4 litre engines I have driven before. It was not enough, though, to put me off the car. The Suzuki Baleno’s BOOSTERJET engine has a maximum output of 82 kW and 170 Nm of torque.
Overall, it was a very comfortable drive made even better with the technology it had to offer. The Suzuki Baleno starts at R199 900 and has a 3 year/100 000km warranty and a 4 year/ 60 000km service plan.
Good to know
Engine: 1.4 litre
Power: 68 kW
Torque: 170 Nm
0-100km: 10.9 seconds
Top speed: 175km/h
Economy: 5.1l/100km
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