NamWheels Edition 26

FR EE

NamWheels www.namwheels.com

NAMIBIAN MOTORING FOCUS

EDITION 26 | OCT-NOV 2021

Alfa Romeo

NEWS & NEW MODELS

TOP 5 LIST

A GALIMOTO MEDIA PRODUCT

Giulia

TEST DRIVES / REVIEWS

www.825.co.za

SAFETY & DRIVING TIPS

LATEST VIDEOS

CLASSIFIEDS

CREATIVE CONTENT AGENCY

www.825.co.za

VIDEO PRODUCTION TRANSLATIONS NEWSLETTERSPRINT ADVERTISING BRAND BIBLES DIGITAL MARKETING

TEMPLATES WEBSITES

PHOTOGRAPHYDIGIZINES DTPSOUND EDITING INFO PACKS PRINT PUBLICATION AND LAYOUT SLIDE DESIGN FLYERS POSTERS BANNERS BROCHURES SIGNAGE CRM

EMAILERS YOUTUBE

PRICE LISTS AND FORM DESIGN

2

INDEX

OCT-NOV 2021

NamWheels ...is a motoring portal for petrolheads, by petrolheads, in our beautiful Land of the Brave, Namibia. We aim to bring you a fairly regular boost of all things automotive which should be exciting for viewers, beneficial to advertisers and something all Namibian car lovers can be proud of.

Some copyright and regional issues may apply. Unless otherwise stated, tests are conducted in South Africa at (or near) sea level while all prices and specifcations were correct at the time of being published. Please confirm local availability and pricing with your nearest dealer! We take great care during publishing, yet cannot be held liable for the results of incorrect data.

Publisher: Galimoto Media cc Distribution: The Interwebs Editor: Hanjo Stier Sub: Agent M Design: 825 Media Contributors: Franco Theron Nico Boshoff Karl-Heinz Eisenberg Advertise: 081 348 3348 info@namwheels.com www.namwheels.com

Page 3

News & New Models

Page 4

Videos on our YouTube channel

Page 5

NamWheels top5 List

Page 6

Review: Alfa Romeo Giulia

Page 7

Safety: Driving at Night

Page 8

Classifieds

Page 10 Launch Report: Mercedes-AMG SL Page 11 Sprint Review: Kia Rio Automatic

@ / GalimotoMedia

Page 12 Sprint Review: Suzuki Baleno

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

This publication requires an internet connection! We advise using someone else’s wifi.

Ad Space FOR SALE

NEWS

OCT-NOV 2021

NEWS AND NEW MODELS MAHINDRA IS #1 TRACTOR COMPANY

JAC MOTORS EXPANDS NETWORK

With Mahindra tractors and farming equipment sold in South Africa since 2019, Mahindra South Africa will for the first time distribute, sell and service Mahindra Farm Equipment products directly through its own authorised dealer network.

This represents the next step in the group's move to establish South Africa as its second home outside of India. It follows investments in a vehicle assembly plant (in 2018), a large vehicle fitment centre (2019), a new national warehouse facility (2020) and a large technical training facility (in 2020), among many other things.

Mahindra's strong support of the new agricultural division was applauded by its first seven dealers. They are situated in Randfontein, Malelane, Strand, Nigel, Brits, Groblersdal (with a satellite branch located in Middelburg) and Windhoek in Namibia.

In October, JAC Motors South Africa appointed four new dealers, increasing its total number of dealer outlets to sixty. Three dealerships are in South Africa, and the fourth one is in Matsapha, Eswatini.

The local dealerships are situated in Brackenfell (Cape Town), Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg. The four new additions to the JAC Motors dealer network now follow its first dealership in Windhoek in September this year, which became one of its top-selling dealerships overnight.

"The appointment of the two dealerships in neighbouring countries is an important milestone in our growth strategy. We will keep g ro w i n g o u r fo o t p r i n t locally and across our borders to support our customers from all corners of the market," says KarlHeinz Gö bel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.

55 000+ VW’S SOLD IN 10 MONTHS

1 MILLION KM CHERY WARRANTY

Volkswagen has remained South Africa's best-selling passenger car brand in the first 10 months of 2021 with 51,381 vehicles sold in the that market.

Ed: We assume that includes our Namibian sales as no separate mention of these was made.

Chery South Africa is giving South African motorists a million reasons to choose its modern and stylish SUVs. It recently launched the new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro with an astonishing 10-year or 1million-kilometre engine warranty. This beats the best industry warranties by 40% and the distance covered is better by a factor of five.

This new warranty has two elements: a 5-year / 150 000 km factory warranty applies to all new Tiggo 4 Pros sold and stays with the vehicle.

The second, a free extension for another five years and a massive 850 000 km with a focus on the engine, is added automatically at the end of the first warranty, provided that the vehicle is still owned by the original owner.

Ed: at the time of publishing, no official statement was made regarding Namibia.

EV6 SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD The all-new Kia EV6 has been shortlisted for the final round of the 2022 European Car of the Year (”ECOTY”) awards.

The electric crossover was provisionally listed among a further 60-odd new models launched this year and has now been selected by the 61 ECOTY jurors from 23 countries for the sevenstrong shortlist. The ECOTY winner will be announced in February 2022.

NEW FORD RANGER ACCESSORIES

NEW ENTRY-LEVEL HYUNDAI VENUE

NEW JAC T8 FLAGSHIP

Customers will be able to personalize their next-gen Ranger with a range of almost 600 factory-backed work, urban and adventure accessories, depending on market. These accessories include Ford and ARB 4x4 Accessories collaborations which will initially be rolling out in select markets.

The new Ranger will be built at Ford's plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022, with other markets to be announced at a later date. Specific market launch details will be announced in due course.

Hyundai's Venue SUV range has been boosted by the addition of a new entryderivative that places this highly versatile and modern compact vehicle in reach of more buyers.

Since its launch in 2019, the Venue has proven to be a hit with perky design, compact size yet roomy interior, and the reliability that Hyundai has become renowned for.

The new Venue 1.2 Motion Manual costs R259 900 (in South Africa) and boasts an impressive list of standard features.

The T8 is the most advanced pick-up ever developed by JAC Motors in its 58-year history. Based on the 8thgeneration JAC platform, it provides increased stability, safety and comfort.

It is manufactured in China and exported to more than 40 countries.

The new eye-catching T8 2.0L CTi will now lead JAC Motors' charge in the rapidly growing leisure-orientated double-cab market segment.

The new T8 2.0L CTi line-up comprises a 4×2 and a 4×4 derivative.

Off-roading

with Dad

Supercars!

gift

EXPERIENCE

.CO.ZA

Driving Memories that will last forever...

www.giftexperience.co.za

4

LATEST VIDEOS

NEW ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

OCT-NOV 2021

THIS is a Mahindra PikUp S11 Karoo Edition

HERE OTHER VIDEOS

is where you can watch us drive it more than 7,000km

Timed 0-100km/h acceleration runs, digital instrument demonstrations, roof mechanism operation and many more!

HONDA Fit 1.5 acceleration

MITSUBISHI Xpander Anti-Review

FORD Ranger FX LT RT JK acceleration

PEUGEOT 3008 GT Anti-Review

ANTI-REVIEW: Volkswagen T-Roc

MERCEDES-AMG E53 acceleration

DRAG RACE Kiger vs Magnite

ACCELERATION Baleno vs Starlet

OLDwebsite this digizine might be much cooler but we’re still mighty proud of our Namibian automotive portal called

www.namwheels.com

featuring news, reviews, tips, lists, launch reports, historic articles, wiki, comparisons, videos & local stories

1,600+ ARTICLES!

TIPS & LISTS

the NamWheels Welcome to a regular NamWheels feature: our top 5 car-related list.

The mad rush to our coastal villages may still be a few weeks away but it’s never too early to get your karretjie checked out and readied for those dry stretches of the Namib desert...

This list should be a handy guide as to what needs to be addressed before you load the bags, kids, pets, trailer, sunnies and padkos when suddenly you find a large puddle under the car.

Feel free to send us your comments or feedback: info@namwheels.com

OCT-NOV 2021

top5

PRE-TRIP SAFETY CHECKS SERVICE HISTORY

We put this item first because in some cases - like any vehicle that’s still covered by a manufacturer warranty - this will take care of all other items as the workshop staff usually perform safety checks with each service.

So it goes without saying that keeping your car serviced will prevent most problems on the road.

If your car is not covered by a guarantee, it’s still a good idea to book it in for a safety check with a reputable workshop; including the agents.

WHEELS AND TYRES

One of the most critical areas of any vehicle is the four patches of rubber that keep it in contact with the road. Having faulty tyres on your car can lead to absolutely catastrophic results; for you, your passengers, your car and other road users!

Inspect your vehicle’s tyres (or ask an expert) to make sure they are not old, worn or damaged in any way. Replace dodgy tyres or rims immediately and try to stay away from second-hand items. New wheels can make a huge difference!

BRAKES AND SUSPENSION

Your vehicle’s brake and suspension parts are yet more components which you shouldn’t neglect until it’s too late. Nothing will be more frightening than stepping on the brake pedal without the desired effect... or to find a wheel overtaking you.

Again, if you are unsure what to look for, please get a professional to inspect these parts of your car and advise on potential replacements. It’s very dangerous to drive with faulty brakes or broken suspension.

BATTERY AND LIGHTS

Even if you don’t plan on driving at night, it’s essential that your vehicle’s battery and lights are all in working order. A failing or flat battery can also be the sign of a broken alternator, which will eventually leave you stranded at the roadside.

Check that the battery holds charge over a longer period of time, and inspect all the lights as well: “hazards” and indicators, park lights, headlights (and main beam or “brights”) as well as fog lights... in that order.

WINDSCREEN AND WIPERS

A chipped or cracked windscreen is the least of your troubles on a long journey; unless that crack starts running through your field of vision. If that has already happened, we highly recommend that you have the glass replaced before going away.

While you’re at it, check what state your wipers are in, as most Namibian cars are fried relentlessly by the sun. Those thin rubber strips can become hard and brittle, and thus a tad useless at clearing the windscreen of water, dirt or bugs.

REASONS NOT TO DRIVE If your car is not behaving as it should, or you think that it will give up soon... please do yourself a huge favour and get an expert to check it out as soon as possible!

There’s a good chance that it may be nothing to worry about, or just a small repair that is needed, but the alternative is standing next to the road with a broken car.

DISCLAIMER

We mean well by helping you with the upkeep of your vehicle but this information is given without guarantees nor can we be held responsible for any unfortunate incidents arising from its use.

HOW TO USE A

DUAL-LANE HIGHWAY Although Namibia doesn’t have a lot of them, it’s still important to know how you should drive on a multi-lane highway.

The first rule is simple: keep left and pass (overtake) right. This is the main reason for having more than one lane in each direction: to make the flow of traffic easier by allowing faster vehicles to pass freely.

Please note: it doesn’t matter if you are adhering to the posted speed limit, or if there aren’t any other cars near yours, the rule of the road states that you must stay in the furthest left lane unless you need to pass other traffic.

We must also caution speedy drivers against under-taking: the process of passing cars on the left. This can be dangerous as other (and much slower) drivers are not expecting fast traffic on their left. Only pass left if the traffic leaves you no other choice; and the upholding of our laws is the job of traffic officials.

KEEP LEFT PASS RIGHT • It is illegal for cyclists, pedestrians or animals to be on the main part of any highway.

• Adhere to all posted speed limits.

• Ensure that your vehicle is capable of the minimum speed.

• Always indicate when changing lanes.

• Give extra space and allow more time for large vehicles to make a lane change.

• Speed up as quickly as possible when joining a highway to match the prevailing traffic flow.

• NEVER stop and yield when entering a busy highway!

• Change lanes or leave a gap for vehicles joining the highway.

• Keep left, pass right.

Keep left, pass right!!

KEEP LEFT, pass right!!!

Ad Space FOR SALE

SPRINT REVIEW

OCT-NOV 2021

Alfa Romeo

Giulia Text & Images: Hanjo Stier

COASTAL VS

INLAND

POWER?

Is beauty a valid argument for buying a car? In our rugged Namibian environment with its even more rugged vehicles and drivers, we think that it certainly can be. A quick test of this Alfa Romeo Giulia proves that…

Let's get one thing straight, Alfas are just beautiful. Full stop. Try to think of a single ungainly or ugly A.R. product and I'll be happy to counter your argument. RZ? Nope, that's a highly collectible classic. 155? What a legend!

Pre-facelift 147? Still prettier than a new Audi.

I won't drag this any further than necessary as there are other attractive cars on the market, past and present. Yet Alfa Romeo is one of the few brands which gets accepted (or in the very least, acknowledged) for its appealing designs.

That puts them on the same level as Ferrari, Lamborghini and other exotic carmakers.

Sure, those countrymen have superior power but spirited handling and (comparably) exciting power delivery have always been a hallmark of the cloverleaf products. And after just a short stint in the captain's chair of this 2021 Giulia Base 2.0T, I can con irm that their ethos is still very much in place.

In this regard, again, tested in our speed-bump infested capital, this Alfa never disappointed.

You may think that eight gears are excessive but the joy of having almost double-digit cogs whirring beside your left leg is that the powerful engine always inds the right ratio to move you along. Its maximum torque of 330Nm comes on song from 1,750rpm while power (147kW) only drops off after 5,000rpm.

Which means that you can either ride a wave of low-rev torque or punch your way towards the 5,500rpm redline. There's a wonderfully grainy thrum to this force-fed four pot and, much like sporty old BMW's, under hard acceleration this willing motor will venture into its red zone. It all adds up to an exhilarating and dynamic package.

A 3-way “d-n-a” drive mode selector lets you choose between dynamic, natural (normal) and all-weather settings.

Have I mentioned the brakes? Again, the pedal asks a gentle touch if you're not used to its sharp reactions. This gives any driver the con idence that your Giulia Super will stop as well as it goes, should the situation demand it. Our test car's four disc brakes were hiding behind intricate multi-spoke wheels with red pin striping.

The 2-litre turbo-petrol power plant responds quickly, its 8-speed automatic is equally fast while steering response is crisp; erring on the side of nervous. Around town I also noticed a slight edginess to the ride but this – together with the lively steering – will only be a problem for those who drive vague old tanks.

We even found a fairly large boot (480L), four spacious and comfortable seats and a sporty instrument cluster with an intricate trip / info display. The Alfa Romeo infotainment system isn't everyone's cup of tea but I found that a few rounds of practice made it just as easy to operate as those in most competing sedans.

The Giulia's combination of agitated responses makes it a permanent delight for the keen driver, especially on a dreary work commute or lengthy country drive. And there's plenty of power to play with. Our best 0-100km/h test run at Khomas altitude was a GPS- veri ied 8.27 seconds. Alfa claims 6.6. (see grey box top right)

A few things I can caution you about is the handsome Italian's low front apron, low ride height, low-pro ile tyres, and the obviously low dealer count. Its maker alleges average fuel use around 5.9L/100km from the 58L tank but I think that will only be possible on a steady cruise.

Most of the time – trust me on this – you'll use more fuel with a fat grin on your face.

A few years ago we performance-tested a similar model at sea level and it managed the 0100 sprint in seven seconds lat. That may seem like a vast difference but it's fairly negligible in the greater scheme of things because, besides the thinner air around Windhoek, this boldlywrapped example wasn't quite run in yet, wore fatter tyres and drank inferior petrol.

The most important bit is how the car behaves in everyday situations, pulling away from a light, accelerating through its mid-range power band or overtaking on a highway.

Typing of which, the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0T Super is not just a pretty face. There's a properly engineered and jolly involving car behind all those striking lines, attractive light clusters and sexy curves. So if they are the only reason you want this sleek saloon, you have my wholehearted approval.

SAFETY

OCT-NOV 2021

DRIVING AT

NIGHT

Whether you’re a seasoned night driver or new to the experience of driving after dark, we at NamWheels compiled a few helpful tips to make your nighttime journey safer and a little more pleasant.

• PLAN AND PREPARE

• TAKE IT EASY

• GET SOME REST

Preparation is your best friend in most situations so we highly recommend that you plan a safe route and prepare your vehicle as well. Check all electrics, including indicators and hazards, while not forgetting about the usual stuff like tyres, fluids, windscreen wipers, etc. because the last thing you want at night is to attempt a repair in the dark.

You may be tempted to “put foot” in the dark because there’s less traffic but you still run the risk of crossing paths with an animal or sudden obstacle in the road. We suggest a moderate speed which leaves you enough time (and distance) to react to a sudden surprise.

Never start or continue a nighttime journey if you are feeling tired. Rather get some rest and continue during the day, as falling asleep at the wheel is way more likely to happen in the dark.

• CHECK ALL LIGHTS

A lot of Namibia’s wildlife is active at night and that doesn’t just include the usual suspects like kudu or warthog. Other antilope or small cats may also cross the road from time to time, plus you might encounter more nocturnal creatures like porcupines, hares and jackals.

To start off with, make sure that all side/park and the headlights of your vehicle are fully functional. There’s nothing more disconcerting to other drivers than a one-eyed car. Roadblock officers like to pull them off, too...

• WATCH OUT FOR ANIMALS

Same goes for the rear- or tail-lights of your vehicle, it can be extremely dangerous to drive in the dark with only one, or worse still, no rear lights at all.

It may seem that the smaller animals are less dangerous in a collision but most drivers will instinctively swerve for a live being in the road, which could lead to their vehicle leaving the tar and them losing control.

If you have powerful main beams (also known as “brights”) or additional driving lights, only use them when there is no other traffic around!

Some Namibians believe in fitting wildlife whistles to their vehicles, we just recommend staying alert and keeping your speed down.

If you’re feeling tired during a journey (and have no second driver with you) stop as soon as you can. Some people recommend walking around the car a bit, stretching and breathing exercises, or the copious use of energy drinks and other stimulants; but we recommend that you stop and rest. Or let someone else drive.

By the way, a good passenger will keep their driver entertained during a dark journey, be it with mad DJ skills, excellent padkos or funny conversations.

• IF IN DOUBT, AVOID IT Some people are more nervous about driving in the dark because they may be night-blind or lose their orientation after sunset. In this case we see no shame in postponing your trip until the sun has dawned again!

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S AMG Coupe

N$ 1 249 900

2016 Mercedes-Benz E220D

N$ 546 900

N$ 719 900

Grey, 55 000km Call 061 371 000

2020 Mercedes-Benz C180 A/T Facelift White, 22 000km Call 061 371 000

NamTrader

N$ 399 995

2017 Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 4x4 D/C A/T

N$ 425 995

White, 105 000km Call 061 431 5070

White, 61 000km Call 061 371 000

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 D 4MATIC

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4D 4x4 A/T White, 105 000km Call 061 431 5070

White, 65 000km Call 061 371 000

2014 Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4Motion

N$ 369 995

Gold, 108 000km Call 061 431 5070

N$ 579 900

2015 FAW V2 1.5

N$ 69 995

White, 48 000km Call 061 431 5070

www.namtrader.com

DON’T

DRINK

& DRIVE

LAUNCH REPORT

Did

OCT-NOV 2021

just save the Mercedes

Text: Hanjo Stier Image: Supplied

Mercedes-Benz just introduced the seventh generation of their legendary SL roadster, but now the name includes those three magic letters A, M and G. This brand-new SL also bears a remarkable resemblance to an AMG GT Roadster…

So what is this collaboration for? Who's copying who? Mercedes-Benz certainly invented the sporty-and-light (“SL”) nomenclature in the fifties but those multiple generations of convertible roadsters didn't always follow that recipe with distinction. I like to think they asked AMG for help with the following points…

Sporty That is debatable, especially if you equate sportiness to power. For the SL has always been shipped with beefy engines which – if we ignore the dainty 190SL – never dipped below six in the cylinder count. Most of them weren't razor-sharp sports cars but still passed as sporty and powerful tourers in their respective eras.

M for Market

Other novelties

Every generation of the SL was a looker, and as befits a true icon, their appeal (and market value) increases exponentially as you move back in time. The flagship Mercedes-Benz roadster has also been a technological pioneer and introduced many nifty features to luxury open-top motoring.

When compared to its predecessor, the headlines are: a faster and lighter fabric roof replaces the intricate metal origami which graced the two preceding (R231 and R230) models. Mercedes has thus reintroduced two rear seats which, as last seen in the 90's soft-top R129 series, are for occasional use only.

G for Ground-Up

In keeping with the time, this R232 model is prepared for an EU-dictated electric future so it's ready for EV / plug-in / hybrid technology. At the time of its digital launch, the SL55 and SL63 models were mild hybrid models with varying power outputs: 469hp vs 577hp. The best way to establish available colour, trim or feasture options would be to contact your nearest dealer.

Light

This new one is no exception. Be it the state-of-the-art infotainment system with large multi-angle touch screen, the extremely potent 4-litre Bi-Turbo Petrol V8 AMG engine, or its intricate body construction, this R232 series SL is a ground-up design of the most iconic convertible car in the world.

Again, low masses and nippy handling only apply to the SL if you measure it against its contemporary heavyweights.

Like yank tanks. The last few decades of the previous millennium weren't spent shaving grams off spec sheets, they were dedicated to sturdy drive trains and the trademark Mercedes door thunk.

Other highlights include exquisite cabin materials and design, including turbinelike air ventilation outlets, multi-mode digital instrumentation, finely quilted and/or perforated leather, dé cor speaker grills or – you know – just a dual-layer touch-sensitive steering wheel with twin screen-inlayed drive mode rotary knobs.

A for Attraction

The new SL's exterior attire is just as striking, and while critics are correct in identifying the bigger AMG GT (roadster) in some of its rear angles, this new vehicle cuts an extremely dashing figure.

Nope, the “SL” badge took on a different meaning many years ago. It stands for sophistication, power and luxury; all rolled into one beautiful shape. In fact, I defy you to name an ugly Mercedes SL. Or better still, try to name the least attractive generation. Which is equivalent to asking for the least attractive swimsuit model.

Like many generations before it, this vehicle exudes just the right amount of menacing attitude mixed with a good dose of timeless elegance.

AMG So what's the connection with AMG? Well, Mercedes deliberately wanted the car to be sportier, so that was the natural route to take. And with the popularity of AMG models – not just within the SL ranges – it made perfect sense to drop the normal derivatives and rather work on more distinct versions of this new roadster.

Right now, the Mercedes-AMG SL55 and SL63 are what the market craves and aim to please buyers with striking designs, sumptuous interiors, the latest gadgets and plenty of fire power. And if you look back at the six generations of SL that came before this one, that statement rings true for every single one.

11

SPRINT REVIEW

OCT-NOV 2021

Rio

Kia

Text: Hanjo Stier Images: Franco Theron

Automatic

Thanks to the unstoppable armada of SUV's, hatchbacks are following their sedan brethren by dying a not-so-slow death in our sales charts. Nonetheless, Kia still makes this wholesome Rio and we give you our quick impression of it.

You should know: Because Hyundai and Kia dig into the same parts bin, this grey RIO (or 10 Rand, as a colleague christened it) is about the size of the locally discontinued Hyundai i30.

Its chief rivals include the VW Golf and Toyota Corolla Hatchback, two further victims drowning under the avalanche of stylish crossovers.

More info: We think that this Kia has nicer looks or proportions (and better road holding) than those lanky and top-heavy SUV's but that doesn't matter to most buyers because 140mm of ground clearance ain’t enough for getting to an MTB race, nor will its 1460mm height tower above any traf ic.

What else?

Visibility and seating position are ine (read: on par with today's cars) while all major controls are light and easy to operate; erring on the side of inert.

Kia ships the Rio in various grades with 1.2L or 1.4L naturally-aspirated fourcylinder petrol engines, manual or auto gearboxes, and escalating spec levels.

Why you shouldn't: This low to mid-spec LS has no parking aids or stability control but at least offers ABS, airbags and a few other must-haves.

Its 1400 engine doesn't quite tilt three igure horsepower outputs while its lack of torque (just 135Nm at a rather high 4200rpm) spells mediocre performance in most daily conditions.

Why you should: The upside of its Spartan power unit is decent claimed fuel use of 6.2L/100km and predictable service / lifespan of the drive train. Included in the price of around R310,000 is a generous ive-year warranty and four-years or 60,000km service plan.

FULL SPEC SHEET 1.4L i-4 Petrol Engine: 6-speed Auto, FWD Drive Train: Max. power / torque: 73kW / 135Nm 6.2L/100km* Avg consumption: 11.57 seconds 0-100km/h: 175km/h* Top Speed: R308,995 List Price: * manufacturer claims

WATCH THE ACCELERATION & BRAKING TESTS HERE

SPRINT REVIEW

Suzuki

12

Baleno

OCT-NOV 2021

Text: Franco Theron Images: Supplied

Suzuki’s Baleno was introduced to our market in 2016 and while it has not created many waves, we at NamWheels still love it. Here’s a car with outstanding fuel consumption, massive amounts of space, a reliable engine, and a segment-busting price. Even Toyota could not shy away from its appeal...

Let us leave the stirring for now and rather look at what’s on offer.

this 5-speed manual gearbox delivering great output at high rpm’s.

Joining the fray as Suzuki's largest hatchback, the Baleno stands at just under four metres long. It is therefore some 70mm longer than the popular Swift. This also translates to 355L of luggage capacity, which grows to 1085L when the rear seats are folded down.

Inside, our GLX derivative featured a 7inch touchscreen media system with a reverse camera, Bluetooth, smartphone connection (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), USB port, cruise control, as well as very funky air conditioning controls.

Rear legroom is also not a surprise, with long individuals fully capable of sitting with ease. A 1.4-litre engine powers this 915kg car, making 68kW at 6 000 rpm and up to 130Nm at 4 000 rpm.

Although these igures will not set new records, the Baleno is fully capable of carrying quite a load with ease. Running through the gears can also be fun, with

In terms of safety, the Baleno is itted as standard with ABS brakes (with EBD), pedestrian protection, ISOFIX points, as well as ive airbags. Suzuki's recent record sales, as well as the Indian / Maruti partnership with Toyota, indicate the potential of this brand.

We are glad to see that more and more people are realising this.