Frugal B-segment hatchback makes sense in this economy

Life with a Suzuki Baleno | Introduction

Brenwin Naidu Motoring editor, reporter and presenter
Updated styling results in a more cohesive look.
Updated styling results in a more cohesive look.
Image: Supplied

Most industry sages have spoken of a continued buy-down trend among consumers in 2024. We all know the market is tough and motorists are under increasing pressure from an affordability perspective.

In the local car market, the B-segment accounts for substantial activity. Although crossovers and sport-utility vehicles are becoming increasingly compelling, the good ol hatchback remains a true mainstay. Just consider, for instance, how many units of the Polo and Polo Vivo Volkswagen sells in a month.

Speaking of sales volumes, Japanese brand Suzuki is not all that far behind its German rivals. In January it celebrated a milestone, exceeding the 5,000-unit mark by a considerable margin, placing third in the country overall. It was the popular Swift that contributed a significant chunk to that figure, with 1,499 sold.

The more grown-up Baleno shifted in excess of 600 units. Expectedly, the Toyota twin, Starlet, managed 2,037 units. Now allow us to introduce the latest addition to our long-term test programme, which will be subjected to all manner of tasks over the next three months.

Our Baleno is the range-topping GLX grade model, with a five-speed manual transmission. It costs R299,900. The automatic GLX goes for R319,900. Pick the basic GL manual and you will pay R247,900; add R20,000 for the automatic. Included in the pricing is a four-year/60,000km service plan and five-year/200,000km warranty.

Being the GLX, our tester is equipped with all the amenities expected from value-focussed buyers spending R300,000 on a new vehicle in 2024.

The interior is devoid of superfluous frills.
The interior is devoid of superfluous frills.
Image: Supplied

The brand has become known for frugal fuel economy across the board and we look forward to testing the claimed average of 5.4l/100km.

What will also prove less frightening at the pumps (compared to the string of double-cabs we tested over the last year); is the relatively compact fuel tank size of 37l. In ideal conditions, the Baleno could yield a cruising range of 685km, quoted by the manufacturer.

Look out for our updates in the coming editions of Sowetan Motoring, in print and online.

Distinctive L-shaped clusters with LED inserts.
Distinctive L-shaped clusters with LED inserts.
Image: Supplied

On the outside, it has an upmarket-aspiring look, thanks to chrome garnishes, diamond-cut 16-inch alloys, LED projector headlamps and privacy glass all-around. Our car is finished in the classy shade of Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic.

Interior highlights include a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, nine-inch infotainment system, 360-degree camera, automatic air-conditioning, keyless-start and a useful head-up display, a feature formerly a preserve of high-end luxury cars. No deficiencies to be noted from a safety perspective, with the fitment of six airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.

With space for five, it makes for suitable transportation where the needs of a small family are concerned. But the luggage compartment of 314l could prove tricky on longer jaunts. A fix could be fitting an aftermarket roof-box for those occasions.

Suzuki keeps it simple when it comes to powertrains and the Baleno makes use of the proven 1.5-litre, normally-aspirated petrol unit so ubiquitous across the range. Output is 77kW/138Nm, claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 11.2 seconds.


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