India-made Suzuki Baleno 1.0-liter Boosterjet driving impressions - Report

Boosterjet revs freely and pulls strongly from 2000 rpm.

European media have begun posting their reviews of the new Suzuki Baleno ahead of its launch in respective markets across Europe next year. The Euro-spec Baleno will be manufactured in India from early-2016.

The Baleno for Europe will debut the company's new 1.0-liter Boosterjet engine, which produces 110 hp and 170 Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, which sends power to the front wheels only. The other option is a 1.2-liter petrol engine with SHVS tech, producing 89 hp and 120 Nm.

Consolidating impressions from Autocar and Car Magazine test drivers, the 1.0-liter Boosterjet engine revs freely, and offers a strong mid-range performance post 2000 rpm. Testers believe that the driver will only have to drop down a gear for the most desperate and quickest of overtakes. Weighing just under a tonne (kerb weight of 950 kg), the Baleno feels far quicker than its numbers suggest, reports state.

Thanks to the lightweight platform, the Baleno is not only quick off the line, but also composed around corners. The electric steering is accurate, although there is no feedback from the road. As for ride quality, there’s an inherent softness to the damping that allows it to cruise over speed bumps while alowing it to stay calm over patchy surfaces, testers note.

Autocar also reports that the deliveries of the new Baleno will start in May, and will be sold alongside the Suzuki Swift. While the latter serves as a sportier option, the former will appeal to customers looking for practicality.

2016 Suzuki Baleno - Image Gallery

[Source: Autocar]