Suzuki Baleno GLX 1,4 Manual

By Kevin du Plessis

The Baleno definitely added some spunk to my day every time I got to drive it around the highways and byways of Joburg. Its exterior sportiness and blue light instrument panels, a 6,2-inch TFT colour screen on the infotainment, tinted side windows and keyless start button all ads to the energetic personality of this car.

The 1,4-litre naturally aspirated engine is responsive and well adapted to driving on urban roads. Being specifically designed to be a very lightweight and aerodynamic car, its fuel economy is beyond excellent.

The instrument cluster is enhanced by a 4,2-inch colour display which offers information on your average speed, as well as a graphic representation of engine power and torque output, making it a piece of cake to adjust your driving to be as fuel efficient as possible. It’s also aerodynamically efficient with a drag coefficient of 0,299, making it the most aerodynamic production model Suzuki has ever produced.

Even though it doesn’t look it, it has more space for passengers than many of its competitors and ample loading space. However, when you fold the seats down there is quite a prominent step that forms making the loading surface very uneven. The centre storage bin is also rather small, but has room to keep valuables out of sight.

Dark soft touch surfaces and silver accents on the interior enhances aesthetics and works very well with the chrome finished door handles, chrome beltline mouldings, and chrome tailgate garnish. Its roof-end-spoiler, high level brake light and stylish overall shape makes for a handsome looking vehicle no matter where you are driving.