Suzuki 
introduced two new concept cars at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show : the 2015 Suzuki iM-4 , which previewed a mini SUV , and the 2015 Suzuki iK-2 , which provided a sneak peek of a new subcompact hatchback (supermini) for the European market. With the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show only a month away, the carmaker announced that the production version of the iK-2 concept is set to make its global debut in Germany using the Baleno name.
Details are slim as of this writing and Suzuki provided just one photo of the hatchback, but the Japanese did say the Baleno “harmoniously combines stylish design, spacious interior, and new technologies.” (Same old, same old, so far.) The teaser also suggests the Baleno borrows heavily from the concept car, but also uses several styling features seen on the Swift .
As for the Baleno moniker, it’s not exactly new. Suzuki is actually reviving a name it used for a compact car it produced between 1995 and 2007. Sold with this name in Asia, Australia, and Europe, the Baleno was launched as the Cultus Crescent (later renamed Cultus) in Japan and marketed as the Esteem in North America. The original Baleno was offered as a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan and station wagon . In some markets, it was sold with Maruti and Chevrolet badges.
The full details will be revealed on September 15th in Frankfurt. Until then, let’s have a look at what we already know about the new Baleno.
Continue reading to learn more about the Suzuki Baleno.
Exterior
A quick peek at the only teaser photo released by Suzuki is enough to see that the Baleno is heavily based on the iK-2 concept introduced at Geneva. The profile is nearly identical, with the most notable differences being at the front, the wheel arches and the side skirts.
While the concept car had beefier fenders, the production version is a more mundane interpretation, with nearly flat wheel arches and simpler side skirts.
While the concept car had beefier fenders, the production version is a more mundane interpretation, with nearly flat wheel arches and simpler side skirts. The side mirrors are also slightly larger, while the door handles are similar to those seen on the Swift.
The concept’s “floating roof” made it onto the Baleno without alterations, but now there’s chrome trim running along the bottom of the side windows. The gas cap door is larger, which improves practicality, while the wheels are smaller and feature a different rim design. There’s no word as to whether the Baleno will get bigger optional wheels, but it’s a possibility. And it would be a good idea, given the concept looks much better with the larger rollers.
Though we can’t see the Baleno’s front and rear fascias, the profile of the car hints at redesigned ends. While the iK-2 concept featured angular headlamps and a somewhat sporty bumper, the production car seems to employ headlamps similar to the Swift’s and a less aggressive apron. The same goes for the rear end, fitted with taillights that extend significantly less into the rear fenders, and what appears to be a much simpler bumper design.
All told, the Baleno is far from impressive, but the styling is fresh considering Suzuki’s current lineup. Until Suzuki rolls out more photos, my only complaint is that the Japanese could’ve dropped the Swift-inspired headlamps for something more stylish.
Interior
Given the iK-2 concept arrived in Geneva with what appeared to be a production-ready interior, I expect the Baleno to break cover with a similar cabin. Despite wearing a concept tag, the iK-2 is far from impressive on the inside, as the dashboard, the center stack, the steering wheel, and the door panels are based on the Swift’s. Notable difference’s include a cleaner center stack with revised, rectangular A/C vents on top, and redesigned, round vents on each side of the dashboard. The instrument cluster is also new, featuring a larger speedometer in the middle. Though the concept’s steering wheel had no buttons whatsoever, the Baleno’s will most likely come with all the usual controls.
Suzuki also promised the hatchback will feature new technologies and a spacious interior. It’s difficult to say whether the Baleno will offer more legroom and shoulder room than its main competitors, the Volkswagen Polo and the Ford Fiesta , but it should definitely be roomier than the Swift.
Drivetrain
According to Suzuki, the Baleno will use the same engine showcased in the iK-2 concept. Specifically, it’s a newly developed, turbocharged 1.0-liter mill called the Boosterjet. Suzuki doesn’t specify if it’s a three-cylinder or a four-cylinder, but it could be based on the 1.2-liter four-pot found in the Swift. The Japanese have yet to release official specs, but a 100-horsepower rating should be enough in this segment. The Baleno also has a new-generation platform that has been optimized for reduced weight and fuel efficiency, but Suzuki hasn’t revealed any numbers yet.
Prices
Pricing for the Baleno is not yet available, but Suzuki did say the hatch will be launched in the U.K. early next summer. It should fetch more than the Swift, priced from £8,999 (about $14,016). The Baleno will likely retail from £11,000 (around $17,133), which is about the same as an entry-level Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta . Don’t expect the Baleno to arrive stateside, as Suzuki has closed all automobile operations in North America.
Competition
2015 Volkswagen Polo
Currently one of the best-selling superminis in Europe and the car to beat in this segment, the Polo is available with a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, starting with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that generates 59 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque. At the other end of the lineup is a 1.4-liter TSI that delivers 148 horses. A 1.4-liter TDI diesel with 89 horses and 170 pound-feet is for those looking for higher mileage, while sportier drivers can choose the Polo GTI, which is powered by a turbocharged, 1.8-liter with 189 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The German hatch starts from £11,300 (about $17,600) in the U.K. and costs £18,900 (around $29,443) before options in GTI trim.
Read more about the Volkswagen Polo here .
2013 Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is the other hot-selling supermini on the other side of the Atlantic and it is also available with an array of small-displacement engines, including the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost, and the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel. Outputs range from the 79-horsepower 1.0-liter three-pot to the 123 horses of turbocharged, EcoBoost mill. The 1.6-liter four-pot generates 104 horsepower, while the 1.5-liter diesel is rated at 74 horses. The 1.6-liter TDCi diesel churns out 94 horses. Like the Polo, the Fiesta is also available in a performance-oriented version — the ST, powered by a turbocharged, 1.6-liter with 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. Prices start from £10,145 (about $15,804) and go all the way up to £19,545 (around $30,442) for the ST-3 trim. Unlike the Polo and the Baleno, the Fiesta is available in the U.S.
Find out more about the Ford Fiesta here .
Conclusion
Given that Suzuki has been struggling to gain more market share in Europe for quite a few years now, the Baleno seems like a good addition to the brand’s slim lineup on the continent, but it remains to be seen whether it has what it takes to draw customers from Volkswagen and Ford products. It all depends on output, pricing, amenities, and the amount of technology it will receive, but it seems unlikely for the Baleno to make a significant impact in this segment. On the other hand, the hatch is bound to have more success in Asia’s emerging markets.
Press Release
The all new Baleno, an ideal hatchback from compact car expert Suzuki is set to make its world premiere at the 66th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.* The debut of the full production version follows on from the iK-2 Concept seen at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The Baleno harmoniously combines stylish design, spacious interior and new technologies.
These new technologies include the first application of the newly Suzuki developed 1.0-litre BOOSTERJET direct injection turbocharged petrol engine that saves fuel while delivering driving pleasure. Fuel efficiency has been improved by reducing engine displacement; output and torque are boosted by using a turbocharger.
In addition to fulfilling fuel efficiency and dynamic performance expectations, the layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars. The new Baleno will be launched in the UK early next Summer.
Further details of the Baleno will be disclosed at the Suzuki press conference at the Frankfurt Motor show. The conference will be held at 1.15pm on Tuesday 15th September. We look forward to welcoming you on stand B12 in Hall 9.0.