Small cars may be on the slide in Australia, but the new Suzuki Baleno offers great value for money.
Suzuki Baleno GLX Auto Hatch
Small cars may be on the slide in Australia, but the new Suzuki Baleno offers great value for money.
WHAT IS IT?
Classified as a small hatchback, the Suzuki Baleno GLX gets a 1.4-litre petrol engine and is only available with automatic transmission. It seats 5 and has a plenty big enough luggage space at 355 litres.
HOW MUCH?
The Suzuki Baleno starts life as a GL from $16,990 and rises to the Baleno GLX ‘top of the line’ model as tested and retails for $19,990 drive away in Queensland.
COMPETITORS?
Competition is still fierce in the micro and light car category. Think the likes of Honda City, Mazda2, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Polo for direct comparisons.
Suzuki Baleno is a great value for money proposition, and a lot less price wise than the equivalent SUV.
AT A GLANCE
SAFETY FEATURES
It might not have all the safety tech that more expensive cars are fitted with, but it does have 6 SRS Air Bags (front, side & curtain), Anti-Skid Brakes and Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. Whilst the Baleno hasn’t been crash- tested by ANCAP, sister car Suzuki Swift achieved 5-stars in 2017.
ON THE INSIDE
Baleno features a touch screen multimedia Satellite Navigation system, reversing camera, cruise control as well as Apple Car Play/ Android Auto. Bluetooth and iPod USB connectivity tick all the boxes for a modern well equipped vehicle.
WANT ONE?
My test car was provided by Suzuki Auto Co at Eagle Farm. Rather than search yourself, just call 1300 502 925 and Suzuki Auto Co will connect you with your local dealer. +
ON THE ROAD
Make no mistake, Suzuki Baleno is a great city commuter car. Suspension is compliant for both A and B grade local roads, and steering is precise. Frankly, the Baleno is a far more fun to punt around the burbs than I thought it would be. The 1.4 litre engine and 4-speed auto transmission is willing and doesn’t appear to labour up and down hill.
WARRANTY & SERVICE
Suzuki vehicles are covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) and Suzuki dealer services for five years total $1,635. ($327 average).
20,900
Drive Away
5.4 litres/100km Combined
Bob Aldons commenced his career in the automotive industry in early 1978 and has been actively involved as a dealer for over 42 years. From a trainee salesman, to dealership owner, Bob sold his interests in Northstar Motor Group in 2015. He’s been a professional new car broker since. Bob started writing car reviews in 2017.