Suzuki Baleno, presentation and test drive in Madrid

Suzuki has got its act together. It’s a fact: its range had needed a thorough refresh for a long time, and the introduction of “fresh meat”.

With the Baleno Suzuki it scores a major point. Positioned in the B-segment, this city dweller dares to take on everything.

The Baleno presents itself as an alternative to the usual members of the B-segment, which is currently the best-selling and most popular in our country. It is in the B-segment that we find models known to everyone, such as the Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Ford Fiesta or even the Suzuki Swift.

However, while the Swift was conceived more for personal use, at Suzuki they intend the Baleno to have a more family-oriented and practical approach, more of a “car for everything”. That is why its design, while retaining the brand’s personality and offering attractive details, is not as “coquettish” as that of the Swift.

The Baleno will share the B-segment with its sister model from the same brand, the Swift

The front stands out above all for its integrated LED daytime running lights. In addition, the large grille with the brand logo matching the design enhances the robustness of the look. The rear is simpler, with clean lines flowing from a side profile with chrome details on the window frames and tension lines in the bodywork. The Baleno measures 3.99 metres long, 1.47 metres high and 1.745 metres wide.

Inside, we find a well-finished cabin, with simple materials but an attractive design. There are no soft-touch materials, but everything seems well put together. The interior is spacious, especially in the front seats. In the second row the width is sufficient, the knee room is good, but the headroom is nothing remarkable. Where it does stand out is in its luggage space, no less than 355 litres, a class-leading figure in its segment.

If the Baleno stands out for anything, it is its equipment. Our market will receive a total of 5 versions, with three different equipment levels, GL, GLE and GLX. Even from the most basic version we find items such as a light sensor, multifunction steering wheel trimmed in leather, air conditioning, an on-board computer or 6 airbags.

But if we look at the top-of-the-range GLX, the possibilities increase with equipment typical of a higher segment, with elements such as xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, a 7″ colour touchscreen, electric windows on all four doors, climate control, keyless entry and start system, or heated front seats.

The Baleno is built on a completely new platform that improves on everything used in, for example, the Swift. It is noticeably lighter (around 100 kg less) yet maintains or even in some cases improves the stiffness and strength values of its predecessor.

In addition, the Baleno offers mechanical options for every taste, highlighting the introduction of a 1.0 BoosterJet engine with direct injection, three cylinders and turbocharging. Furthermore, combined with a 90 CV naturally aspirated 1.2 engine, there is a semi-hybrid variant Suzuki has managed to homologate as a hybrid, with the tax and administrative advantages that entails, which offers very low consumption and a very pleasant driving experience.

The 111 CV 1.0 engine stands out for exceptional thrust for what one expects

The entry option is a 90 CV 1.2 DualJet engine with 120 Nm, sufficient for urban use and even for the odd trip on the open road. It homologates 4.2 litres on the combined cycle. The next step up is the 1.2 DualJet SHVS version, which offers identical performance figures but improves consumption to a claimed 4 litres exactly. In practice it is possible to achieve very low consumption thanks to the impressive performance of the small electrical system, which operates at very low speeds or as support under heavy power demands. It adds no horsepower to the final result, but it makes driving more pleasant.

Finally, the 1.0 BoosterJet of 111 CV and 170 Nm stands out, homologating 4.4 litres on the combined cycle. The real-world performance of this engine is outstanding, as it offers thrust and responsiveness that are remarkable. One does not expect to find such a sense of speed when accelerating flat out in the little “whirlwind”.

The suspension is somewhat soft, although it absorbs bumps well, while the steering is slow and a little vague. It is not the best in its segment, that is clear. All engines are paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the most powerful option can also be combined with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Prices for the Baleno, including promotions, place it in a privileged position, as the most basic model starts today at €10,905 (1.2 GL). The hybrid variant is only sold in the top trim and starts at €13,505. The 1.0T model in GLX trim is offered at €13,805.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso