Buying guide: Suzuki Baleno – problems, versions and prices

The Suzuki Baleno is an underrated dream car. Autovisie goes into detail about the problems, versions and prices in this buying guide.

Dream cars come in different shapes and sizes. The Suzuki Baleno is not a car that will give you restless sleep at night. It’s a used car’s dream when it comes to affordable space, comfort and reliability.

Bodywork Suzuki Baleno

The first Suzuki Baleno (1995) was available as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon. Starting in 2015, Suzuki will stick the model name on a five-door hatchback. The Baleno II, model code FW/EW, is produced in India and is a global car that should appeal to as many buyers as possible.

It remains a shame that the seductive design of the Suzuki iK-2 study did not (completely) reach the finish line. The design language of the 3.99 meter long production version can best be described as conservative with frivolous details. The V-shape of the radiator grille continues through the headlights in a wavy beltline that ends in a rather anonymous rear view.

Worth mentioning are the very reasonable curb weight of 840 kilos and the large luggage compartment of 355-1,085 liters. Xenon lighting, fog lights and privacy glass are available ex works. The 2019 facelift model has not come to the Netherlands. In the same year the Baleno disappears from the Dutch distribution area.

Interior Suzuki Baleno

The interior also reflects the straightforward character of the Baleno. The design is clear, the plastics are hard but solid, and the noise level reveals where the weight savings come from.

The entry-level model lacks a tachometer and radio, but has manual air conditioning, front electric windows, six airbags, ABS and ESP. More luxurious versions have a radio/CD/MP3 player and Bluetooth or an extensive 7-inch infotainment system with a color display, navigation and smartphone connection. More elaborately decorated versions come with heated mirrors and seats, keyless entry/start, air conditioning, DAB+ and adaptive cruise control with emergency braking.

Motorcycle Suzuki Baleno

The engine range overlaps with that of other Suzukis. The Baleno is only available with petrol engines. The base engine is the 1.2 Dualjet four-cylinder with naturally aspirated engine and indirect injection (90 hp/120 Nm). The 1.2 Smart Hybrid adds Suzuki’s 12V SHVS mild hybrid system to the range, with an integrated motor/generator helping to reduce fuel consumption. Part of the hybrid system is a 0.2 kWh lithium-ion battery under the driver’s seat.

The top engine is the 1.0 Boosterjet. Behind this name lies a smooth and powerful three-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection (112 hp/170 Nm), which feels like a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a naturally aspirated engine.

transmission

Every version and engine has front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission as standard. The 1.2 Dualjet is available with a CVT automatic transmission. In combination with the 1.0 Boosterjet, a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel is available. On versions with a manual transmission, pay attention to the condition of the clutch. Intensive urban use and/or improper use may shorten the lifespan.

suspension

The chassis configuration consists of independent MacPherson front suspension and semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension setup is comfortable and the low vehicle weight contributes to confident driving behavior.

When driving in an overly sporty manner, the body can tilt significantly, but the wheels always maintain contact with the road, as an initial test by Autovisie showed. The electric power steering means the test editor’s hands can be clenched less. The steering gives little feedback and is rather vague in the middle position. The Baleno is equipped with 15 or 16-inch wheels ex works.

Which one should I have?

In the lightweight Suzuki Baleno, the 1.2 four-cylinder delivers decent performance. In addition, the entry-level naturally aspirated engine is technically uncomplicated and reliable. The 1.2 Smart Hybrid has a more complex hybrid system and in practice is hardly more economical than the non-hybrid 1.2. With the smooth-running 1.0 Boosterjet, the Baleno turns into a kind of comfortable budget GT. Overkill or just fun? Judge for yourself.

The base model of the Suzuki Baleno has 15-inch wheel covers, manual air conditioning, front electric windows and central door locking. The Exclusive (16-inch alloy wheels, xenon, fog lights, chrome grille, leather steering wheel, radio/CD/MP3/Bluetooth, heated seats) and the top model High Executive (keyless, air conditioning, navigation, parking camera, adaptive cruise control). ) are more luxurious.

Should it be the Suzuki Baleno?

The Suzuki Baleno is in the same market segment as the Suzuki Swift. With its attractive design, tighter handling and greater refinement, the smaller Swift is the better choice in many ways. The Baleno relies primarily on its larger space, comfortable driving characteristics and low weight compared to the interior and exterior dimensions.

In addition, it is a genuine Suzuki with reliable engineering and low probability of serious defects or malfunctions. All of this makes the Baleno a down-to-earth dream car for people who don’t want to lie awake at night because of high car costs or expensive workshop bills.

Maintenance costs

Minor maintenance from €150 Major maintenance from €200

The maintenance interval (1.2 Dualjet) is 15,000 kilometers/1 year.

Positive Suzuki Baleno

+ Spacious and light

+ Reliable

+ Efficient

+ Affordable

Negatives Suzuki Baleno

– Noise level

– Vague controls