2017 Suzuki Baleno Review: A Comprehensive Look at Features and Performance

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Introduction

Dating back to 1995, the Baleno is a nameplate that Japanese automaker Suzuki holds dearly, cherished by many from the Asian subcontinent. In its fourth-generation, the 2017 Suzuki Baleno bids farewell to its dreary SX4 predecessor and re-emerges rejuvenated, ready to challenge popular hatchbacks such as the Nissan Tiida and Toyota Yaris.

Key Features

Exterior

Akin to the third-generation Swift, yet boldly displaying its own identity, the Suzuki Baleno features a honeycomb grille embellished with fine chrome and flanked by large, angular xenon headlamps. Grey alloy wheels and a subtle roof spoiler allow the Japanese hatchback to be original and exciting, fusing the aggression of a hot hatch with the peppiness of an everyday runabout.

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Interior

The interiors of the 2017 Suzuki Baleno favor function over form, dressed in hard, durable plastics with silver trims breaking the monotony of dusky hues adorning the cabin. Lacking the aesthetic presence of its rivals, the Baleno focuses on practicality, offering seating for five adults and 355 liters of cargo space behind the second row – a bump of 45 liters and 29 liters over the Tiida and Yaris respectively.

Safety & Tech

Equipped with SRS dual front airbags, SRS side airbags, and SRS curtain airbags, the 2017 Suzuki Baleno possesses a distinct advantage over pricier rivals on the safety front. Its 4-star Euro NCAP crash rating is a result of strong side impact door beams, a tire pressure monitoring system, an electronic stability control system, and ISOFIX child seat anchors along the rear seats.

Although a dealer fitment, the infotainment screen allows for USB & AUX audio inputs, complemented by a customizable 4.2-inch digital display in the instrument cluster that shows external temperature, current and average fuel consumption, driving range, and engine output and torque on a unique chart.

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Drive

With a kerb weight of 935 kilograms, the Baleno is suitably light for the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine residing under its sloping hood. Directing a modest 91 horsepower and 131 Nm of torque through a 4-speed automatic transmission, the Baleno feels adequately powered.

The MacPherson strut suspension upfront and torsion beam at the rear provide a ride that is both comfortable and composed around town. Accelerating briskly allows the Japanese hatchback to reach 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h, and yet it impressively returns 12 kilometers for every liter of gasoline.

Verdict

Well designed, generously equipped, and adequately powered, at AED 49,000, the fully-loaded 2017 Suzuki Baleno is hard to fault. Offering much more for significantly less than its rivals, the Baleno is a true embodiment of Suzuki’s value proposition, the underdog of its class.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Striking exterior design that gives the Baleno ample road presence
• Extremely spacious and comfortable as an everyday hatchback
• Great value for money offering

Cons:

• Aftermarket infotainment screen is delayed and lacks conveniences such as Android Auto
• Snappy steering takes some getting used to, as it tends to return to dead center quickly

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