India-made Suzuki Baleno launches in South Africa in 3 variants

Powered by the K14B 1.4-liter petrol engine.

The second India-made hatchback that went into the South African market place this month is the Suzuki Baleno. The car made its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, and ever since has been exploring Europe, Asia and Oceania. Over 100,000 units of the car have been produced over the last year.

Charl Grobler, manager of sales and product planning of Suzuki Auto South Africa says the Baleno is "ideal for individuals and families seeking the extra comfort and convenience of larger hatchback, but don’t want to give up the agility and efficiency of the Swift.” Aiming for the VW Polo, Renault Clio and the Ford Fiesta, it is launched in GL, GLX MT and GLX AT variants

To sum up the exterior features of the GLX variant, the car gets HID projector elements and LED daytime running lights, turn indicators on the exterior mirror housings, chrome-finished door handles, roof-end spoiler, privacy glass, and 16-inch alloys shod with 185/55 R16 tyres.

The interior is appointed with smart fabric upholstery and door panels, silver accents, 6,2-inch TFT colour screen, 4,2-inch TFT colour display, leather-trimmed multi-function steering adjustable for both reach and rake, cruise control, fully automatic AC, rear park distance control, six speakers, keyless starting and six airbags.

Further safety features include ABS braking system with EBD and EBA, and rear disc brakes. The boot volume goes up from 355 liters to 1,085 liters with the rear seat folded down.

Slightly larger than the Swift, the Baleno is offered with the 1.4-liter K14B engine in the South African market. The four-cylinder engine produces 68 kW of maximum power at 6,000 rpm, combined with a torque peak of 130 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual, and a four-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki claims an average fuel consumption of 5.1 L/100 km for the manual, and 5.4 L/100 km for the automatic.

The Baleno is covered by a standard three-year/100,000 km warranty, and a four-year/60,000 km service plan. Services are at 15,000 km/12 month intervals.

Suzuki Baleno South Africa prices

• Suzuki Baleno 1.4 GL MT - R199 900 (INR 9.82 lakhs)
• Suzuki Baleno 1.4 GLX MT - R229 900 (INR 11.30 lakhs)
• Suzuki Baleno 1.4 GLX AT - R244 900 (INR 12.04 lakhs)