Suzuki India has refreshed its popular Baleno hatch, and it’s coming to SA
Suzuki is continuing their model assault on Msanzi, with news that their ‘facelifted’ Baleno – which was just unveiled in India - is heading to South Africa, with the model expected to arrive towards the end of 2019.
Most of the noticeable changes focus around the face of the Baleno. There’s a new 3D detailed grille that works well with a sportier looking bumper design with new fog lamp housings. For the Indian market, Suzuki has also replaced the Baleno’s HID headlights, with LED projector headlamps with daytime-running lights, further emphasizing its new ‘face’. There appears to be no changes on the side and at the rear of the hatch, bar for the addition of some stylish 16-inch precision cut alloy wheels.
On the interior, there are subtle updates too, but are a little less noticeable. The biggest being the binning of the SmartPlay system in favour of a new 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The high-tech system also features a satellite navigation and a reversing camera. There is also a new two-tone upholstery available in black and black – a bit livelier that the sombre grey that was previously available.
Currently, the South African Baleno line-up consists of three models, with all powered by the same naturally aspirated 1.4-litre outputting 68kw and 130nm, and available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. This motor is said to continue, whilst the sporty Baleno RS version – which isn’t available in South Africa – retains its 75kw turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Boosterjet motor. Unfortunately, Suzuki SA has no plans to launch that powerplant in South Africa yet.
In India – where it was just revealed - it is available in six colour options – Autumn Orange, Pearl Arctic White, Nexa Blue, Premium Silver, Magma Grey and Phoenix Red – the last two shades are new additions to the palette. Safety equipment includes ABS and EBD, reverse parking sensors, speed alert system, driver & co-driver seat belt reminder, and two airbags as standard. Expect these to filter through to our local model when it arrives late in 2019.
At present, Suzuki’s Polo Vivo rival is priced from R207 900, so expect the facelifted version to be a little up on that. However, final pricing and specification will be revealed closer to its local launch.
Also worth a look: the Suzuki Swift and the Suzuki Starts 2025 with Record-Breaking Sales in South Afric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Suzuki Baleno cost in South Africa?
The Suzuki Baleno range starts from around R265,900 for the GL manual variant, going up to approximately R289,900 for the GLX automatic, making it one of the more affordable premium hatches in the market.
Q: Is the Suzuki Baleno worth buying?
The Baleno offers excellent value for money with its spacious interior, decent fuel economy, and solid build quality, though the 1.4-litre engine feels a bit underpowered for highway driving and the 4-speed auto is outdated compared to competitors.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Suzuki Baleno in South Africa?
The Baleno's main rivals include the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (from R259,200), Nissan Micra Active (from R224,900), and Toyota Starlet (from R239,900), with the Baleno offering more space but less brand prestige.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Suzuki Baleno?
The Baleno's 1.4-litre engine delivers a claimed consumption of 5.1 litres per 100km for the manual and 5.8 litres per 100km for the automatic, making it reasonably economical for daily commuting.
Q: What warranty does Suzuki offer on the Baleno?
Suzuki provides a 5-year/200,000km warranty on the Baleno, which is among the best in its class and gives buyers serious peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Should You Buy It?
The best value-for-money hatch under R300,000 in SA is the refreshed Suzuki Baleno GLX at R289,900, offering impressive space, decent kit levels, and that excellent 5-year warranty. While the 1.4-litre engine won't win any drag races and the 4-speed auto feels like it's from the stone age, the Baleno makes up for it with reliability, practicality, and running costs that won't break the bank. If you're after a sensible family hatch that does the job without fuss, the Baleno gets a solid yes, but thrill-seekers should look elsewhere.
