Whilst in Frankfurt we saw the reveal of Suzuki’s all-new Baleno. Maruti Suzuki developed it in India and the series production version of Geneva 2015’s iK-2 concept will make it’s way onto the European market in spring 2016.
The Japanese automaker have stated that their intentions were to build a hatchback with improved technology and a smart packaging and that the vehicle would be enjoyable to drive. The measurements of the Baleno are 3,995 mm long, 1,745 mm wide and 1,470 mm tall, with a 2,520 mm-long wheelbase and represents all the elements that we would expect to see of a vehicle this size.
The vehicle comes with new tech such as a 1.0 litre Boosterjet direct-injection turbo engine, a new-gen platform and a Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SVHS) mild hybrid system. The weight of the vehicle has been lowered by around 15% and the body rigidity has been increased by roughly 10%.
The 1.0 litre K10C DITC mill produces 110 hp at 5,500 rpm with a top torque of 170 Nm from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm and comes with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic options. The automaker has stated that that the unit provides provides more fuel economy and makes driving more enjoyable due to a small displacement, high torque turbocharger being used.
You can also get the Baleno along with a 1.2 Dualjet, a dual-injection petrol engine together with better thermal efficiecncy which creates a balance between fuel efficiency and performance. You can also pair this power plant together with the five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Then there is the SHVS mild hybrid system which comes with the 1.2 Dualjet and makes use of an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) which helps the engine when accelerating and generates electricity when the engine is braking.
As far as the vehicle’s exterior is concerned, buyers in Europe will have the option of nine body colors and also a option of 15-inch and 16-inch alloy wheels. When it comes to the interior. there are features such as engine output and torque, a high-definition colour LCD display showing driving G-force, accelerator/brake operation, and, if so equipped, energy flow for the SHVS.
There is Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink support as well and also a Smartphone Linkage Audio Display together with a seven-inch touch panel screen. The vehicle’s boot also has a cargo capacity of 355 litres.
Amongst the safety kit is Radar Brake Support, ESP and six airbags. Radar Brake Support works by using millimeter wave radar to inform the driver about potential collisons when the car is moving at more than 5 km/h, increasing braking force or using the brakes automatically.
