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Which is the best variant of Suzuki Baleno?

All the Suzuki Baleno variants provide excellent value for money but which one is truly the best in our view? We'll investigate.

Buying a Car2 min read

Value for money is an aspect of Suzuki that is quite strong, and you can't go wrong with the vehicles offered in their line-up. One such vehicle is the Baleno, a budget hatchback with much to offer for not too much money. You'll be able to read out our long-term adventures with the long-term 1.5 GLX we have on test.

Related: 5 Stand-out features in the Suzuki Baleno

One unique selling point of the Baleno is the number of features within the range. You have four variants: the GL manual and auto and the GLX manual and auto. Whatever your flavour is, there's surely something to suit your fancy with the Baleno. However, which variant is the best? Let's see what they offer.


A rear view of a silver Suzuki Baleno parked outdoors on a gravel surface, with leafless trees and a brick building in the background. The car features distinctive red taillights and a black rear bumper. The AutoTrader logo is visible on the license plate.
Rearview shot.

Suzuki Baleno GL 

The GL is the entry-level Baleno model. The most notable features of the base Baleno are:

  • Cruise Control
  • 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Projector headlamps
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Dual front airbags
  • Hill hold assist
  • Electronic folding side mirrors
  • Manual headlamp leveling

You can have either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic variant, which will affect the price.


Interior view of a Suzuki Baleno showing the steering wheel with the Suzuki logo, a manual gear shift, and a modern dashboard featuring a large touchscreen display. The dashboard includes various controls and displays for vehicle settings and infotainment.
Interior view.


Suzuki Baleno GLX 

The GLX is the higher specification model in the Baleno range. This marks the definitive Baleno experience with more luxury and convenience features. You'll find the following notable specification upgrades:

  • 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree monitor.
  • 6 airbags (Front, side and curtain)
  • LED Projector headlamps with Daytime Running Lights
  • 4.2 inch instrument cluster display
  • Heads-up display
  • Automatic headlamps
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
  • Chrome garnishes inside and out
  • Push button start
  • Extra cabin lights (Glove compartment, footwell, courtesy lamp, luggage area)
  • Visor ticket holders and vanity mirrors
  • 16-inch machined alloy wheels


A silver Suzuki Baleno parked outdoors on a sunny day, with a traditional thatched-roof building in the background. The car is positioned in a natural setting with sparse vegetation and bare trees, highlighting its sleek front design and prominent grille featuring the Suzuki logo.
Front end view.

That's great! But which variant is the best?

The 1.5 GLX in manual trim is the best as it strikes the balance of having many features, and the price point is just right. The automatic version of the GLX is a bit more expensive if you need to drive an automatic. Despite that, even the manual variant is straightforward to drive, even in traffic situations, and the engagement factor is quite fun. The GL isn't bad for comfortable mobility, but the GLX, when you break it down, has a comprehensive list of specifications that won't leave you wanting more.

Are you keen on a Suzuki Baleno? You can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings and sell your car.

Author - Tayedza Mbiri

Written by Tayedza Mbiri

Starting his petrol-infused passion at a ripe young age playing a plethora of racing video games, Taye has been into the motoring industry for years. During his university years studying Law, he dipped his toes into motoring photography, videography, and exploring what Southern Africa has to offer for the motoring scene at large. Most recently, he presented a YouTube series for a famous Japanese manufacturer and now finds himself fresh on the AutoTrader content creation team. He hopes to own a 90s Subaru one day soon. Read more

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