Test drive Suzuki Baleno: light cavalry
Content
Test of a new model from a small class of a Japanese company
It's nice when theory and practice overlap. It is even more pleasant when reality exceeds theoretical expectations - as it happens with the new Suzuki Baleno for example.
With a classic small-class body length of around four meters, the new Suzuki model logically falls into the category of cars that are extremely convenient for two-person use in urban conditions, but are not yet particularly well suited for comfortable and complete transportation. two adult passengers in the back seat - especially for long distances. At least theoretically, this should be the case. But the first surprise is already here: even if a person over 1,80 meters tall is driving, there is still room for another adult with a similar physique. Without feeling cramped or limited in space. We remind you that Baleno is a representative of a small class, and this rarely happens in this segment.
More power and less weight
It's time for surprise number two: the bodywork is brand new, made mostly of high-strength steel, and although much larger than the Swift (and, as mentioned, much roomier inside), it's actually over a hundred pounds. lighter than him. In addition, the model offers a completely new and impressively powerful three-cylinder petrol engine, which, thanks to forced refueling with a turbocharger, produces a maximum power of 112 hp. at 5500 rpm Suzuki has put a solid dose of engineering expertise into their new engine – the crankshaft is so well balanced that there is no need for an additional balance shaft to compensate for vibration.
And if at this stage a skeptic comes to the conclusion that such a three-cylinder engine without a balance shaft can fail at all due to strong vibrations at idle, he will be quite surprised to meet with Suzuki live. Baleno. At idle, the engine is no less balanced than its “auxiliary” rivals, and as the revs increase, driver satisfaction increases, as the almost complete absence of vibration is combined with a pleasant throaty sound.
Baleno readily responds to any throttle, the thrust during intermediate acceleration is solid. Gear shifting is easy and accurate, the transmission setup is also successful. Electric power steering provides easy and quite maneuverable (especially in urban conditions) handling.
Nice nimble handling
A sense of agility accompanies the Suzuki Baleno at every moment of driving - the car copes with both dynamic city traffic and roads with a lot of turns. Lightness here is not an illusion, but a clear fact - the lightest version of the Baleno weighs only 865 kilograms! Combined with a well-tuned chassis, this results in truly impressive driving performance - the Baleno shows almost no tendency to understeer and remains completely neutral in most situations.
Needless to say, the light weight contributes to an already impressive drive temperament. Base 1,2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 100 hp. this is enough to achieve more than decent acceleration, and the three-cylinder turbo engine delivers almost sporty emotions behind the wheel. It's no exaggeration to say that the amazing combination of light weight, good balance, and a well-designed and tuned chassis piques our curiosity about how a truly powerful future version based on the Baleno will behave.
It's time to say a few more words about the interior. In addition to the surprisingly large usable volume, the cockpit features clean build, good quality materials, eye-pleasing design and intuitive ergonomics. The seven-inch touchscreen on the center console is easy to use and, more interestingly, its graphics look much better than a number of twice as expensive high-end vehicles. The seat upholstery is relatively soft and at the same time quite ergonomic, so trips to farther seats are not a problem for the Baleno either. In this regard, it is also worth mentioning that the ride comfort is very decent for a small class.
Wide range of assistance systems
The Baleno equipment has been completely updated and even offers some options that are currently rare in this segment. Behind the wheel there is a color information display with high-quality graphics, the infotainment system supports Apple-CarPlay and MirrorLink, has a USB port and an SD card reader, and images from the rear view camera are displayed on its screen. The ability to order adaptive cruise control with automatic distance control is currently something that only Baleno in its category can boast at the moment. Collision Warning Assist is also part of the model's equipment and can be customized to varying degrees.
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Miroslav Nikolov
Evaluation
Suzuki Baleno 1.0 Boosterjet
A wide range of driver assistance systems, efficient engines, low weight and maximum use of usable volume - Suzuki Baleno perfectly illustrates the traditional strengths of the Japanese automotive industry in creating functional, economical and agile city cars.
+ Low curb weight
Agile conductivity
Optimal use of internal volume
Power engine
Modern security equipment
– Relatively high price with new three-cylinder turbo engine
Consumption increases significantly at higher loads
technical details
| Suzuki Baleno 1.0 Boosterjet | |
|---|---|
| Working volume | 998 cc cm |
| Power | 82 kW (112 hp) at 5500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 170 Nm at 2000 rpm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 11,1 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | - |
| full speed | 200 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | - |
| Base Price | 30 290 levov |
