The old Baleno
The "new look" Baleno
You might have missed the news that a new Suzuki Baleno arrives soon.
Who or what is a Baleno, I hear you ask? That’s the major problem facing this model — it remains virtually invisible.
And, looking at the new one, it is likely to remain so, with a new grille — but that’s about all.
Launched in 2016, Baleno is designed to appeal to people looking to step up into a “larger” small hatch.
But it seems to have missed its mark because the smaller, cuter, more afforable Swift outsells the Baleno at the rate of almost 7 to 1.
In terms of size, Baleno is 3995mm long with a wheelbase of 2520mm, and 355-litre boot capacity.
Swift 3840mm in length, with a 2450mm wheelbase, and has a 242-litre capacity.
Series II Baleno will be available from next month, starting with the Baleno GL, with the better equipped GLX to follow in September.
Key changes to the exterior design include a newly designed front grille, revised front and rear bumpers while the 15-inch steel wheel/hubcap combo and 16 inch alloys have also been updated.
The updated Baleno GLX also features UV protection glass on the windscreen, and LED headlights, with automatic leveling.
Chanes inside include a revised door trim colour plus all-new seat fabric design and colour.
Mechanically, there’s not much worth talking about.
Sadly the excellent 82kW/160Nm 1.0-litre turbocharged three cylinder engine is no longer part of the lineup.
There’s just a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated four that produces at 68kW of power and 130Nm of torque and is linked to a 5-speed manual or old school 4-speed auto.
Pricing remains remains unchanged from the current model:
- Baleno GL M/T: $15,990
- Baleno GL A/T: $16,990
- Baleno GLX A/T: $18,990
Metallic paint is $500 extra.
Suzuki Australia boss Michael Pachota said the introduction of the updated Baleno will be key for the company’s growth in the light car segment.
“A welcome improvement has been introduced in the Series II with a sleek but aggressive sporty aesthetic, amongst other additions,” he said.
“The new look design successfully freshens up the Baleno and remains perfectly fit in our Suzuki model line-up for the Australian automotive market.”
With the entire range now priced below $18,990 , Pachota believes it will provided further opportunities in the light car segment.
New look Baleno comes with Suzuki’s 5 year Capped Price Service (CPS) warranty program.
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