Suzuki’s forgotten car. The Japanese brand has earned a loyal following with its Swift city car and its pint-sized Ignis SUV sibling, but the Baleno is its third compact car offering. It’s slightly bigger than the Swift but still small enough the be considered a city car.
There are only two models to choose from, the entry-level GL and the GLX Turbo. Aside from more equipment - including keyless entry and ignition, reach-adjustable steering and automatic air-conditioning - the higher-grade model gets a different engine. As the name implies instead of the 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the GL, the GLX Turbo has a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.
Suzuki doesn’t offer any options but there’s a range of dealer-fitted accessories you can choose from, including a bodykit, carpet mats and black alloy wheels.
Suzuki covers the Baleno with a five-year capped price servicing program. Unlike most of its rivals the Baleno needs visits to the service centre every six months/10,000km - instead of annually.
As for the difference between the two different models, the GL will cost you $2452 over the first five years, while the GLX Turbo is actually cheaper to service at just $2358 over the same period.
We haven’t heard of any significant or common problems since the latest Baleno launched in 2016.
The GL’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder produces a modest 68kW of power and 130Nm of torque and is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It’s official fuel consumption is 5.1-litres per 100km with the manual and 5.4L/100km with the auto.
In contrast the GLX Turbo offers up 82kW and 160Nm and is exclusively mated to a six-speed automatic and uses 5.2L/100km to undercut the GL auto.
Both models have the same safety equipment but it’s only the basic coverage - six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes. There’s no active safety such as autonomous emergency braking available.
Our pick is the GLX Turbo, with its more powerful engine and better transmission. While 82kW/160Nm isn’t particularly impressive on paper, the Baleno only weighs 975kg so it doesn’t need lots of grunt.
There’s a little bit of turbo lag down low in the rev range but once the engine’s on the boil the GLX Turbo offers up good performance for a city car.
As with most modern Suzuki’s the Baleno drives well too. It may not set the class benchmark for dynamics but it rides comfortably and the steering and chassis are responsive to the driver.
The combination of its sharp handling and it’s relatively high seating position make it an easy car to zip in and out of traffic with, which is a big positive for a city car.
Suzuki is currently offering the GL model with a free auto, so it’s $16,990 drive-away.
Our pick is the GLX Turbo. It may be significantly more expensive than the entry-level model but it justifies the price with what it offers. It has better performance, greater fuel efficiency than the GL auto and a nicer driving experience.
Interested in buying Suzuki Baleno? Visit our Suzuki Baleno showroom for more information.
5 Door Hatchback, 5 Seat, 1.4 Litre, ULP, Manual.
5 Door Hatchback, 5 Seat, 1.4 Litre, ULP, Automatic.
5 Door Hatchback, 5 Seat, 1.0 Litre, P/ULP, Sports Automatic.
They just need to put a Toyota badge on it, it will sell no matter how bad and doesn't Toyota own Suzuki?