The new Baleno hatchback is Suzuki’s answer to the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta. Set to reach Euro showrooms early in 2016, it promises to deliver a compelling and cost-effective alternative in the segment.
On the face of it, you’d say it has all the makings of a winner as it mirrors its competitors. It features a swoopy body, a new modular platform and the all-important small turbocharged engine which Suzuki has called the 1.0 BOOSTERJET – sounds like something you strap to the side of a rocket and eject when depleted…
Punch from the unit sounds decent, as it packs 110 hp and 170 Nm / 125 lb-ft. There’s still a more traditional four-cylinder 1.2-liter non-turbo and that will constitute the base of the range with 89 hp.
The question is whether or not people will like it’s styling as that seems to be a big selling point in Europe – is the Baleno pretty enough to cut it here?
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