Produced since 2015, the subcompact budget hatchback Suzuki Baleno has undergone a comprehensive modernization. The target market for the Baleno will continue to be India, where it is produced by a local branch of Suzuki Motor called Maruti Suzuki. The hatchback was refreshed due to changes outside and inside.
It should be noted here that in 2019 the model was already subjected to light restyling, but now it is more global.
At the "five-door" all external body panels were replaced with the exception of the roof, while the supporting frame of the body was preserved. The overall length remained the same (3990 mm) in order to maintain tax breaks for cars shorter than four meters. Metamorphoses did not affect the doorways, but even the configuration of small windows in the rear roof pillars is new here, although manufacturers usually do not go that far as part of restyling.
Narrowed block headlights are installed in front (in expensive trim levels they are LED), the hood, bumper, radiator grille and fog lights have changed. The rear lights have been transformed both in form and content, plus they have a small “outgrowth” on the tailgate.
In the cabin - a new front panel, steering wheel, seats and even door cards. For the first time in the segment, a head-up display and all-round cameras were used. A media system with a nine-inch touch screen and support for wireless connection to smartphones is used.
After the upgrade, Baleno was left with one engine - a 1.2-liter DualJet K12N gasoline four with a capacity of 90 hp. It already comes standard with a start/stop system, but it has lost the 12-volt mild-hybrid technology that was previously available for the model. The diesel engine is also a thing of the past. By default, the hatch is equipped with a five-speed “mechanics”, a robotic transmission with one clutch is offered for an extra charge (before Baleno was sold with a CVT instead of a “robot”).
Prices for the updated Baleno start at Rs 635,000. The car is still produced in India. From here it will be delivered to Africa, South America and the Middle East.
Budget Suzuki Baleno subjected to large-scale modernization
