Suzuki has become the unequivocal car of choice for the masses. Like a koeksister on a Sunday morning, it's affordable and will almost always sell fast. From the S-Presso to the Swift and Jimny, the brand has a wide spread of models across the range, and then eclipsing the likes of Toyota and Volkswagen in terms of monthly sales is a BIG statement.
After making its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first-generation Baleno made its local debut in 2016 and, at the time, gave South Africans a different (and more specious) alternative to the Swift. It underwent a facelift in 2019 and, in 2022, was given a brand-new generational identity - marketed as the 'New Age Baleno.' Having attended the official launch of the new Baleno earlier this year, Suzuki SA Brand Manager Brendon Carpenter says the brand aims to sell around 500 units per month.
As is the case with a next-generation model, everything is brand-new inside and out. Starting on the outside, the front features a revised front bumper, head, and rear light design and the addition of five new body colours. Tyre size is 15-inch across the GL range- though the GLX model (priced from R275 900) comes with alloys as opposed to the GL's plastic wheel caps.
Up close and personal
The inside is what you'd expect of a modern compact hatchback with a 7-inch colour touchscreen (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatible), electric windows all-round, (front and back) USB connectivity, and a leather-clad multi-function steering wheel.
Even though the GL is the entry-level spec priced from R225 900, it's not a case of 'bare bones' for what you get. Features like Cruise Control, Hill-Hold Control, Rear Parking Sensors, and Automatic Climate Control are part of the standard packaging. The identical yet different Toyota Starlet is its closest rival in terms of spec. Still, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Kia Picanto are also there and thereabout as another option in the R200 000 - R300 000 bracket.
The drive
The previous generation had a 1.4-litre unit, which was chucked in favour of the K15B. Suzuki has found great success with the aspirated 1.5-litre engine that delivers a decent 77kW and 138NM and is also used as the heart of the (Suzuki-built) Toyota Starlet, Urban Cruiser, Rumion, Jimny, and Ertiga. No matter the spec, customers can pair it to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with claimed fuel consumption figures of 5.4-litres and 5.7-litres, respectively. I didn't dare or bother testing it, but the top speed is 180km/h.
Driving to and from the office and making some spirited weekend trips, I obtained a fuel consumption figure of 5.9-litres per 100km - much higher than claimed. Like in the Swift Sport, the weight reduction principle makes the chassis more nimble and works together with the punchy little 1.5-litre when you have to do some overtaking or dodge debris on the highway - in my case. The hatch is more accustomed to in and around city driving, but it can do highway runs as well, although it runs through the revs quite quickly - especially in fifth gear - which, I think, could've been stretched out a bit more.
After making its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first-generation Baleno made its local debut in 2016 and, at the time, gave South Africans a different (and more specious) alternative to the Swift. It underwent a facelift in 2019 and, in 2022, was given a brand-new generational identity - marketed as the 'New Age Baleno.' Having attended the official launch of the new Baleno earlier this year, Suzuki SA Brand Manager Brendon Carpenter says the brand aims to sell around 500 units per month.
As is the case with a next-generation model, everything is brand-new inside and out. Starting on the outside, the front features a revised front bumper, head, and rear light design and the addition of five new body colours. Tyre size is 15-inch across the GL range- though the GLX model (priced from R275 900) comes with alloys as opposed to the GL's plastic wheel caps.
Up close and personal
The inside is what you'd expect of a modern compact hatchback with a 7-inch colour touchscreen (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatible), electric windows all-round, (front and back) USB connectivity, and a leather-clad multi-function steering wheel.
Even though the GL is the entry-level spec priced from R225 900, it's not a case of 'bare bones' for what you get. Features like Cruise Control, Hill-Hold Control, Rear Parking Sensors, and Automatic Climate Control are part of the standard packaging. The identical yet different Toyota Starlet is its closest rival in terms of spec. Still, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Kia Picanto are also there and thereabout as another option in the R200 000 - R300 000 bracket.
The drive
The previous generation had a 1.4-litre unit, which was chucked in favour of the K15B. Suzuki has found great success with the aspirated 1.5-litre engine that delivers a decent 77kW and 138NM and is also used as the heart of the (Suzuki-built) Toyota Starlet, Urban Cruiser, Rumion, Jimny, and Ertiga. No matter the spec, customers can pair it to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with claimed fuel consumption figures of 5.4-litres and 5.7-litres, respectively. I didn't dare or bother testing it, but the top speed is 180km/h.
Driving to and from the office and making some spirited weekend trips, I obtained a fuel consumption figure of 5.9-litres per 100km - much higher than claimed. Like in the Swift Sport, the weight reduction principle makes the chassis more nimble and works together with the punchy little 1.5-litre when you have to do some overtaking or dodge debris on the highway - in my case. The hatch is more accustomed to in and around city driving, but it can do highway runs as well, although it runs through the revs quite quickly - especially in fifth gear - which, I think, could've been stretched out a bit more.
Summary
The Baleno is really easy to get to know, and by that, I mean drive. The lack of a self-locking door feature is vital in our country, with kidnappings and hijackings never out of the news. Still, for below R300 000, you can get a top-specced model and not think, 'I should rather have taken something else'. Suzuki is all about packing their cars with as much quality as possible, and even if the brand loyalty is strong, it puts forth a solid argument to reconsider.
You also get a decent sized boot with a capacity of 314-litres and then a maximum of 1 057-litres with the rear seats folded down. It's not the biggest in the world but can accommodate a well-stocked shopping load - even if you have to pack them nicely. Even with the popular VW Polo Vivo in the mix and its strong following, it provides more value for money as a standard package and that is reason enough for buyers to sit back and think where the monthly debit orders will go.
Spec and pricing for the range
1.5 GL Manual - R225 900
1.5 GL Automatic - R245 900
1.5 GLX Manual - R275 900
1.5 GLX Automatic - R295 900
Aftersales
The range is sold with a five-year or 200 000km mechanical warranty, inclusive of unlimited roadside assistance for the same period, and a four-year or 60 000km service plan and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
