Box-fresh boost Suzuki Baleno

BOX-FRESH BOOST Words: Marius Boonzaier mariusboonzaier

Featuring several big-car items and a punchier four-pot, the new Baleno is set to boost Suzuki SA’s record-breaking monthly sales figures…

SUZUKI BALENO 1.5 GLX MT

Suzuki Auto South Africa has been going from strength to strength. It’s become an increasing occurrence for the local arm of the Japanese manufacturer to best its monthly sales fi gures month on month. It’s a commendable achievement.

There are several reasons for this accomplishment. The fi rst is the fi rm’s approach to producing pocket-friendly cars that are seemingly fun to drive and, considering the ever-increasing fuel prices, have low fuel usage, and are reliable. The top-spec variants also gain an array of standard features. The second is the fi rm’s after-sales service.

Despite having all these attributes, the previous Baleno never seemed to reach the required sales fi gures. The introduction of its rebadged step-sibling, the Starlet, in 2022 did, of course, have a signifi cant infl uence.

However, with the box-fresh Baleno – not to mention a bullish marketing campaign with the tongue-in-cheek hashtag #OthersWillFollow – Suzuki SA aims to bolster its impressive month-on-month sales records further. The fi rm remains realistic about how many units will leave showroom fl oors. That said, the latest iteration should manage it.

So, what’s new? For starters, the new Baleno has ditched its forebear’s 68 kW/130 Nm naturally aspirated 1.4-litre fourcylinder engine for Suzuki’s K15B unit. The 1.5-litre fourpot produces 9 kW and 8 Nm more than the K14B-badged motor at 77 kW and 138 Nm. It’s worth noting that, with the addition of the K15B, the Baleno (in fi ve-speed manual guise) sips 0.3 L/100 km more than before. Average fuel consumption remains a commendable 5.4 L/100 km.

Although the fuel tank is on the smaller side – it has a capacity of 37 litres – matching this claimed fi gure

Thanks to the use of high-tensile steel, the new Balano’s platform and body shell are more rigid despite a decrease in weight (it tips the scales at 955 kg). Various chrome trimmings add sophistication. Boot stores up to 314 litres and can be increased to 1 057 litres when folding down the rear pews.

AT A GLANCE

SUZUKI BALENO 1.5 GLX MT

Since the automaker’s return to SA, Suzuki has gone from strength to strength. It’s no surprise. And with the new Baleno, the firm will undoubtedly continue its rise as one of SA’s best-selling car manufacturers.

Price: R275 900 Engine: 1.5 L, 4-cyl, petrol Transmission: 5-spd MT Driven wheels: F

Power: 77 kW @ 6 000 r/min Torque: 138 Nm @ 4 400 r/min 0-100 km/h: n/a Top speed: n/a Fuel consumption: 5.4 L/100 km CO2: 127 g/km still results in a range of 685 km. We managed a (still respectable) figure of 6.0 L/100 km on the launch route, which comprised urban and extra-urban driving. However, we did manage a remarkable figure of around the 4.5 L/100 km marker when travelling back to King Shaka International airport on the highway the following day. The steering was light and suspension supple.

As we’ve come to expect of Suzuki’s manual cog swappers, the five-speeder is a joy to operate. The manual is arguably the transmission of choice. Some may argue that with most vehicles, the mid-spec model is the one to get, but with Suzukis, we’d say the top-tier trim is well worth the extra money.

Specified in GLX guise, the Baleno boasts a generous amount of standard equipment, some of them big-car items. Exclusive to the Suzuki, these include a headup display and a 360-degree surround-view camera set-up. The nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GLX spec also ships with LED headlamps and 16-inch alloys (a full-size spare is included). Safety is taken care of with six airbags, Isofix anchorages, and ESP. A

Below: The 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporates screen mirroring and ‘Smart Vehicle Alerts’. Multifunction tiller wrapped in leather.