The all-new 2016 Suzuki Baleno has touched down in Australia, bringing a perky 1.0-litre turbo engine and a surprisingly extensive list of standard features to the small car class.
Two variants are on offer for Australian buyers; the GL and GLX. Most interesting of the two is the GXL as it features a new 1.0-litre turbocharged ‘BoosterJet’ engine which consumes just 5.1L/100km on the combined cycle. Suzuki says it also offers a better power-to-weight ratio than the Corolla.
Speaking of the Corolla, the new Baleno is competing in the same, highly competitive segment. As such, the company says the new model boasts a larger boot capacity than the Mazda3 hatch’s boot, offering 355 litres, matching the Corolla.
Inside, it offers more passenger space and legroom than the smaller Suzuki Swift, while offering a class redefining level of standard features. In fact, both models come with a comprehensive touch-screen interface.
The interface is borrowed from the Vitara and comes packed with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, and a rear-view camera, all as standard. Both the base model Corolla and Mazda3 don’t come standard with this much kit.
Suzuki Australia is offering the new Baleno at impressively affordable prices too, starting from just $15,990. Suzuki Australia general manager Andrew Moore spoke about its introduction, saying:
“Baleno is amazing value at just $17,990 drive away and with its passenger and boot space should be considered by anyone looking at small hatches like Corolla or i30. And with Sat Nav, Apple Carplay and a reversing camera standard, it’s the best value on tech too.”
The new model is on sale now, with prices starting from the following (excluding on-roads):
2016 Suzuki Baleno GL manual – $15,990
2016 Suzuki Baleno GL auto – $16,990
2016 Suzuki Baleno GLX auto – $21,990
