2016 Suzuki Baleno Review

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-front-quarter

The Suzuki Baleno is Back!

The last time the Baleno was in Suzuki’s showroom, John Howard was our prime minister and ‘Can’t Fight the Moonlight’ by LeAnn Rimes was the chart topper.

That was 2001, in case you are wondering.

In between, the Japanese brand has been trying to convince buyers with some of its full-sized, family cars, including the Liana and more recently, the S-Cross; but neither has managed to make significant impact.

Now, it seems Suzuki is back doing what it does best – producing great little small cars and SUVs.

Built at Suzuki’s Indian plant for the global market, the new Baleno sits on an all-new platform that will spawn an entire family of small cars in the next few years.

It arrives with two new engines: the 1.0-litre Boosterjet 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine powering the GLX at $22,990, and a more conventional 1.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol for the GL at $16,990. Both at driveaway prices.

Design and Comfort

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-front

Inspired by the iK-2 concept from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the new Baleno’s ‘Liquid Flow’ design theme is a clear attempt at European design sophistication. While it succeeds in some areas (the front), more work is required in others (the back).

Its stylish front fascia is dominated by a ‘V’ shaped grille and a pair of sweptback headlights, complemented by a lower air intake that stretches the width of the bumper to give the car a wider stance.

Along the sides, the blacked-out A-pillars give the roof a floating effect, while the flowing shoulder lines gives the small hatch a touch of dynamism.

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-rear-quarter

At the back however, the design is a little less successful. Despite an extra wide chrome bar that runs the full width of the tailgate, the rear appears too tall; not helped by the tallish taillights.

The GL rolls on 15-inch steel wheels, while the more expensive GLX gets nice looking 16-inch alloys.

Inside, as expected at this price point, the interior is a mixed of hard plastic and faux chrome trim. They are however, not unpleasant and has a robust feel. The dashboard design is clean and ergonomically sound with standout features being the crisp instruments that light up an eye-catching electric blue, and the intuitive 7.0-inch infotainment system with built-in satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay – an impressive inclusion seeing they are all missing from the nearly four times more expensive Subaru Levorg GT!

 

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-dashboard

Its voice recognition is also one of the most effective and intuitive we’ve ever come across, understanding most instruction almost supernaturally.

The Baleno’s trump card though, is its interior and boot space. At 3,995mm long, it is slightly shorter than a Mazda2, yet more front seat headroom and rear legroom. Impressively, its 355 litres boot space is even bigger than the Mazda3 hatch’s and similar in size to the Corolla hatch.

A small family could easily fit comfortably in the Baleno with enough luggage space for a weekend away.

Performance and Handling

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-engine

Suzuki’s new 1.0-litre turbocharged direct-injected three-cylinder Boosterjet engine is hardly a trendsetter but it is as good as most of its rivals.

Delivering 82kW at 5,500rpm and 160Nm at 1,500 – 4,000rpm, the engine is responsive and gutsy with an charming gravelly engine note. It is also generally free of the idling shivers typical of triple cylinder engines due to the rocking motion that their firing order imparts.

Match with a 6-speed automatic transmission and crisp throttle, the GLX is a relatively fun hatchback to zip around town or even on a weekend away. Its in-gear acceleration is also a winner, making overtaking a breeze.

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-paddle-shifters

Despite its lithe sub-one tonne kerb weight, the Baleno feels confident on the fast lane although said confidence erodes away slightly in the corners. Its softly sprung suspension and leisurely steering also makes it less eager to change direction compared to its smaller and more agile sibling, the Swift.

Stepping down to the GL, the power deficit is definitely noticeable. It lacks the get-up-and-go and charm of the GLX.

The 1.4-litre aspirated four-cylinder engine generating 68kW at 6,000rpm and 130Nm at 4,000rpm is also slightly noisier on the freeway thanks to only four gear ratios in the auto.

Quality

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-interior

We find no fault in quality of the Indian-built Baleno. All panels are well aligned although its doors feel a little on the light side.

There are no squeaks or rattle in the cabin, either.

Some of the trims, especially those on the climate control do look cheap but it’s not unexpected at this price range.

Economy

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-instruments

Suzuki claims the GLX will return 5.2L/100km, while the GL Auto tested is rated at 5.4L/100km.

On test, our GLX returned a high of 6.2L/100km in the city and a low of 5.3 on the freeway.

Meanwhile, the GL is slightly thirstier, returning 6.3L/10km on the urban cycle and 5.5L/100km on the freeway.

Equipment and Features

2016-suzuki-baleno-glx-touchscreen-infotainment

The Suzuki Baleno is comprehensively equipped. Both variants get a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, electrically adjustable door mirrors and steering wheel audio control.

On the safety front, six airbags, cruise control with speed limiter, reverse camera, ABS, electronic stability control, front fog lights and LED daytime running lights are all standard.

The GLX also gains keyless entry and start, 16-inch alloys, climate control air conditioning, a 4.2-inch LCD display in the instrument cluster, HID headlamps and reach adjustable steering wheel.

Verdict

Design and Comfort: 8.0/10

Performance and Handling: 7.5/10

Quality: 7.5/10

Economy: 8.0/10

Equipment and Features: 8.5/10

Our Score: 4.0/5

This is what Suzuki does best: building practical small cars that are fun to drive and loaded with value; and the Baleno is testament to that.

With great economy and low running costs, its value is hard to ignore.

We would pay a little extra to get the GLX with its charming 1.0-litre turbo triple and better kit.

Pros:

  • Spacious and practical
  • Charming 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo triple
  • Great value

Cons:

  • No steering reach adjustment in GL
  • Isn’t as agile as the Swift
  • High loading lip

2016 Suzuki Baleno pricing and specification

Pricing (Excluding on-road costs):From $15,990

GL: $15,990 / As tested: $16,990

GLX: $21,990 / As tested: $21,990

Warranty:3 years/100,000km
Warranty Customer Assistance:N/A
Country of Origin:Japan. Built in India
Service Intervals:6 months/10,000km
Engine:1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol:

82kW @ 5,500rpm, 160Nm @ 1,500-4,000rpm

1.4-litre aspirated in-line 4-cylinder petrol:

68kW @ 6,000rpm, 130Nm @ 4,000rpm

Transmission:GLGLX
5-speed manual/4-speed automatic6-speed automatic
Drivetrain:Front-wheel drive
Power to Weight Ratio (W/kg):GLGLX
74.385.9
Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km):Claimed: 5.4 / Tested: 6.3Claimed: 5.2 / Tested: 6.2
RON Rating:9195
Fuel Capacity (L):37
Safety:ANCAP not rated, 6 airbags, ABS, ESP, BA, EBD, Hill hold control, LED daytime running lights, reverse camera, cruise control with speed limiter, ISOFIX, space saver spare
Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B) mm:3,995 / 1,745 / 1,470 / 2,520
Kerb Weight (kg):895 – 975
Towing Capacity (kg):Braked: 1,000/Unbraked: 400
Entertainment:7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, USB, AUX

Competitors: Holden Barina, Honda Jazz, Mazda2, Peugeot 208, Citroen C3, Toyota Yaris

Check Also

2023 Cupra Formentor VZe PHEV review

Meet Cupra. The latest automotive brand to hit the crowded Australian car market. The name …