Up to the four-meter mark is still missing half a centimeter, in front of us is thus a small car. That's what the new one looks like Suzuki Baleno pretty grown-up. A small seat test in the rear of the hatchback sedan and a look in the trunk (355 liter) confirm this, practicality and comfort were obviously high on the specifications.
With a wheelbase of 2,52 meters, the Japanese ranks in the upper segment range and so can not bump anyone with their knees to the front backrests. In addition, the seats are comfortable - whether they are still comfortable after a long time, you will see. First impression: The interior of the early prototype looks quite solid. And the trunk, which is useful thanks to its double floor, could still prove to be pleasant in everyday life.
While Suzuki sees the Swift as the more design-oriented and smart urban vehicle, the Baleno is planned for a rationally ticking clientele. And, in a way, it marks a turning point in the Group, based on a completely redesigned platform that allows such packaging in the first place, while ensuring small exterior and large interior dimensions. In addition, one is visibly proud of the empty weight at Suzuki: The Baleno is under one ton in the papers. For the price, the Japanese do not want to say anything: So from 12.000 Euro it will probably go but.
New engine variants underpin the claim to have put a restrained but modern car on the wheels here. Thus, the three-cylinder single-liter gasoline engine from the Boosterjet series will be used, which presses thanks to direct injection and Turbo 82 kW / 111 horsepower from the small combustion chambers. As even more interesting innovation, there will be a hybrid version in addition to the conventional 1,2-liter Dualjet - here, then supports a small electric motor, on whose performance Suzuki but so far still silent.
If you take a seat in the Baleno and look around attentively, you will notice a hint of Vitara, for example, in the area of entertainment and infotainment - for example the identical touchscreen. In terms of safety you are on time - so the small car, for example, have an active cruise control, which automatically brakes and accelerates depending on the speed of the vehicle in front. The radar technology cleverly hidden behind the large Suzuki logo on the radiator grille is also used for the autonomous braking system. Unfortunately, neither for money nor good words to have: LED headlights. After all, there is xenon light.
If you love comfort or occasionally cover one or the other long haul, you also get a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission on request. In return, the hybrid can also be ordered as a handset, which seems quite a bit exotic.