The Suzuki ik2 concept that debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor show will spawn a B-segment hatchback called the Baleno – which is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
The Baleno will be a crucial model for the Japanese brand, as it combines “styling design, a spacious interior and new technologies.” The new model will be built on a new Suzuki platform that’ll be larger than Suzuki’s current B-segment offering, the Swift.
The Baleno will be the first model in the company’s line up to be powered by the new 1,0-litre “Boosterjet” turbopetrol motor, while a hybrid version is planned for after the model’s initial launch next year. According to Suzuki, the Baleno’s construction and layout have all been optimized for reduced overall mass.
Apparently, the Baleno will be longer and wider than the Swift, which should increase the Swift’s boot size – the only area in which the B-segment stalwart is lacking.
There’s no word yet about whether or not the Baleno is headed to South Africa.