The Suzuki Baleno in GLX trim has been a trusted stead in our fleet since it began its long-term tenure with us. If you're curious about what's on offer, my colleague Sean Nurse attended the vehicle's launch to see what's up. The latest Baleno has a few standout features that are worth mentioning, in keeping with the 'Crafted Futurism' design philosophy. Here are five features we think will blow your socks off.
Related: Everything you need to know about the 2022 Suzuki Baleno
1. It's Fuel Efficient
In our experiences driving the Baleno so far, we've concluded that it uses next to no fuel. The claimed fuel consumption figure is 5.4l /100 km, but we managed to get as low as 4.7l /100 km in a combined cycle. The K15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is frugal yet peppy, too, so it doesn't overladen, which is also thanks to what we're going to discuss in our next point.
2. It's very lightweight
The Baleno has a kerb weight of 980 kg, which is a lightweight vehicle compared to other hatchbacks in its segment. This is thanks to Suzuki's Heartect platform, which underpins the Baleno. The main priority of the Heartect platform is increased passenger safety. The platform also increases body stiffness for better ride quality and handling, which is quite evident in the Baleno. The vehicle is quite surefooted and doesn't get unsettled easily.
3. It's loaded with spec
Even in base GL form, the Baleno comes loaded with kit such as cruise control, green tinted windows and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with vehicle info, too. The GL doesn't feel spartan, but the GLX is where things get dialled up with features that luxury cars have, such as a Heads-Up display, a Panoramic View camera system in addition to the reverse camera, a bigger, if not the biggest in its segment 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
4. It's affordable
At the time of typing this article, the Baleno range starts at R255 900 with the GL manual variant. Our GLX manual is priced at R307 900. When you consider how much value you get with this vehicle at this price point, it makes you wonder, how did Suzuki do it?
5. The engine is quite good
The K15B engine found in many Suzuki models is rather good. Not only is it frugal, but it's also peppy to match the lightweight body shell. While 77 kW and 138 Nm doesn't sound like a lot, it's revvy nature, and the fact that the engine isn't overladen makes this engine a good fit for the Baleno.
If you're keen on a Baleno after reading this, you can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings and sell your car, too.
