Suzuki has revealed its new Baleno hatchback.
Larger than Swift at 3.99 metres long, standard equipment on the Baleno SZ-T model (Available with 1.0-litre Boosterjet) includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass, cruise control with speed limiter and front electric windows.
The SZ5 (Boosterjet and SHVS model) adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, 4.2 inch central colour trip display, LED rear lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Brake Support.
The 1.0-litre three cylinder version offers the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine, says Suzuki and has an output of 111PS while also featuring Direct Injection turbocharged (DITC). The new compact engine offers 170Nm of torque available from 2,000rpm through to 3,5000rpm. 0-62mph takes 11.4 seconds with manual transmission and 11.0 seconds for the optional automatic model - the optional six speed automatic transmission equipped model offers 160Nm of torque.
The 1.2-litre engine includes the addition of SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki). The SHVS mild hybrid system is a compact and lightweight system that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor and assists the engine during vehicle acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.
The system also uses a compact lithium-ion battery placed under the front passenger seat to store energy and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Start Generator. The SHVS system only uses its conventional engine starter motor when first started from cold, under all other conditions it uses the higher voltage ISG unit to allow smooth and quiet engine restarts. In the new Baleno the SHVS system helps achieve a CO2 emissions figure of 94g/km and fuel consumption of 70.6mpg on the EC combined cycle.
Featuring a ‘smooth curving line’ with fewer joints the structure is described as not only lighter but one that disperses collision force energy more efficiently, improving overall crash safety. As a result of this development, the Baleno is the most aerodynamically efficient Suzuki to date with a Cd figure of 0.299.
Active safety equipment includes a Radar Brake Support (RBS) system on SZ5 models - when travelling above approximately 3mph and the system detects a risk of collision with the vehicle in front, it warns the driver to apply the brakes. At higher speeds and if it senses the possibility of a collision, it warns the driver with a buzzer and also via a notification on the multi information display.
The RBS system fitted as standard on the SZ5 model monitors the road ahead by means of milliwave radar. The radar technology enables it to work even at high speeds, in darkness, and in rain or other bad weather. The system prevents or mitigates a collision by means of three functions which are Warning, Brake Asssist and Automatic Braking.
On the inside the Baleno’s audio system for both SZ-T and SZ5 models has a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio (SLDA) with a seven inch touch panel display that enables intuitive operation and can also be used when wearing gloves. A three dimensional navigation map makes landmarks easy to distinguish and the system also allows the driver to use certain smartphone applications with MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connection.
Pricing for the new Suzuki Baleno starts at £12,999 OTR for the SZ-T 1.0-litre Boosterjet M/T to £15,349 for the SZ5 1.0-litre Boosterjet A/T.