The Suzuki and Toyota partnership has yielded some fruitful models added to each brands lineup over the past few years. The new Suzuki Baleno is the latest to join the Japanese automakers portfolio, here is its pricing and specs. 
The refreshed model which continues to bode well for Suzuki’s frugal model-lineup will come in two trim levels; the GL and GLX which both boast some impressive standard features. The previous generation 1,4-litre motor has now been replaced with the 1,5-litre K15B petrol engine which is capable of 77 kW and 138 N.m. Despite displacing slightly more than before, the claimed fuel consumption rating for the subcompact hatchback is as low as 5,4 L/100 km for the manual transmission derivative while the automatic manages 5,7 L/100 km.
The capable motor has also found an application in the Suzuki-built Toyota Starlet, Urban Cruiser and Rumion models although the Baleno offers a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 81 kW per tonne considering the model weighs a feathery 955 kg.
Read about the Baleno’s rallying twin; the Toyota GR Starlet.
This is compliments of additional high-tensile steel which shave weight off of the construction of the model. Suzuki further states that “the Baleno weighs on average 10% less than its competitors and has an average 30% higher power-to-weight ratio.”
We will be attending the national launch next week and will provide a conclusive Driven review thereafter. For now, the specs and pricing will have to do.
The new Suzuki Baleno will be offered in four models and two trim levels; the GL and the GLX which will both be offered in MT and AT guise. Standard features for the GL includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen replication, a reverse camera with rear park sensors, 3 USB ports which include Type-C fittings, automatic climate control, cruise control, remote central locking and a leather covered steering wheel with audio controls. The exterior boasts electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors, halogen projector headlamps and LED front fog lamps. On the safety front for the GL, ABS, EBD, ESP and dual front airbags are included as standard. 
The top spec GLX comes with even more standard equipment. The interior boasts a digital heads-up display, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen replication that are capable of smart vehicle alerts, a 2-inch full-colour vehicle information display in the instrument cluster, footwell and puddle light illumination, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and a full 360-degree view camera featuring four external cameras. The exterior of the model comes fully equipped with LED lighting including automatic projector headlights and daytime running lights while the model sits on 16-inch alloys. The GLX also includes curtain and side airbags to the top-spec model which takes the tally of airbags to six.
Pricing for all new Suzuki Baleno models includes the 5-year / 200 000 km promotional Suzuki mechanical warranty which includes roadside assistance for the same period as well as a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan and an anti-corrosion warranty of 6 years and unlimited kilometres.
Baleno 1.5 GL MT R225 900
Baleno 1.5 GL AT R245 900
Baleno 1.5 GLX MT R275 900
Baleno 1.5 GLX AT R295 900
