We got to spend a week behind the wheel of a supermini that many people will have overlooked. The model that we tested was the Suzuki Baleno SZ5, priced at £15,999. Here are some of the key takeaways from testing the car.
What is the Suzuki Baleno SZ5 Infotainment System Like?
Suzuki uses the same large touchscreen infotainment system throughout most of their range. It comes fully equipped with Smartphone Linkage Display Audio, plus three-dimensional navigation maps, mirror link, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is all very well thought-out and nicely done.
The menu systems aren’t too complicated, and new users of all ages will get used to handling the system in no time.
Does the 1.0-litre Engine in the Suzuki Baleno SZ5 Have Enough Power?
It features a 1.0-litre ‘Boosterjet’ 3-cylinder turbocharged inline-3 engine. It generates 110 bhp and emits 170 Nm of torque. Suzuki says that the Baleno SZ5 will get from 0-62 mph in 11 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph. However, it is not uncommon for Suzuki to underplay their figures. Often AutoCar has clocked their cars beating stated 0-62mph times by up to 2 seconds.
The feeling that you get behind the wheel is surprisingly good, the smaller engine actually has a lot of power considering the car only weighs 950kg.
What is the Suzuki Baleno SZ5 Like to Drive?
It is perky enough for most buyers. It moves rapidly, and won’t struggle on A-roads. The sweet spot is within the mid-range, and you quickly learn to utilise the engine’s talents.
The 5-speed manual gearbox is rather jaunty: the shifts are light and easy. It’s more suited to city driving, but may be off-putting for the occasional B-road storming.
In terms of handling, there’s one thing that plays in the Suzuki Baleno’s favour, and that’s the fact that it weighs less than a tonne. It’s increasingly rare to see production models that make it to the sub-tonne mark nowadays, but the Baleno is one of them.
Is the Suzuki Baleno SZ5 Spacious Enough Inside?
The interior of the Suzuki Baleno SZ5 is very spacious, considering it’s a light supermini. There is plenty of leg-room and adequate head-room.
Personally, I’m 6″4, and I felt very comfortable in the car, with plenty of room behind. Being able to adjust the steering wheel rake adjustment to a suitable place definitely helped.
What Do People Think of the Suzuki Car Brand in the UK?
A lot of people probably know Suzuki more for their motorbikes rather than their cars. However, I think at the moment in the UK, Suzuki are starting to be recognised more and more as a reputable car brand. From my time testing the car, I got to speak with a lot of different people, and there was certainly a lot of intrigue about the model and brand.
They are a qualified alternative to some of the more boring brands and have a sense of lightheartedness and fun around them that not all car manufacturers can lay claim to.
Customer Focused Questions
With the aim to answer some common questions, we listed out some things about the car that we could see people searching for online and got the answers together in one place.
How Much Does a Suzuki Baleno SZ5 Cost?
You can buy a Suzuki Baleno in the UK from £12,999 in SZ3 trim, £14,999 in SZ-T trim and £15,999 in SZ5 trim.
Are Suzuki’s Reliable?
This is, of course, something that is very hard to prove. We have spent some time looking through various Driver Power surveys ourselves and haven’t seen any major issues related to reliability. Let’s not forget that every new Suzuki comes with a three-year or 60,000-miles warranty too.
Why Buy a Suzuki Baleno?
This is the big question – and there are lots of reasons to look at buying a Suzuki Baleno. The biggest factor for me is the price. If you are happy with the SZ3 trim then the price provides incredible value, but if you want more bells and whistles such as radar brake support, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control, the SZ5 trim is more appealing and also incredible value when directly compared to its rivals.
What Insurance Group is a Swift Baleno SZ5?
The Baleno SZ5 with the 1.0-litre petrol engine and manual gearbox is insurance group 14 in the UK. The 1.2 Dualjet SHVS SZ5 is insurance group 11.
Which Engines are Available in the Suzuki Baleno SZ5?
There are two core engines in the range – one is a 1.2-litre four-cylinder, the other is Suzuki’s three-cylinder turbo petrol, dubbed BoosterJet.
Suzuki also offers a mild hybrid system for the 1.2: the SHVS. This adds a battery that boosts acceleration and fuel efficiency as it harvests energy under braking – very clever.
Where Can I Read a Full Suzuki Baleno SZ5 Review?
If you are interested in seeing our full review of the Suzuki Baleno SZ5, take a read on Motor Verso.
How Much Boot Space Does a Suzuki Baleno SZ5 Have?
The boot is massive, it holds 320 litres with the rear seats in place. This is more than you get in the Ford Focus (316 litres).
How Often Do You Need to Service a Suzuki Baleno?
Suzuki recommends that you service your Suzuki Baleno once a year or every 9,000 or 12,500* miles, whichever comes first.
How Much Does it Cost for Road Tax on a Suzuki Baleno?
You will pay £140 per year.
Suzuki Balano, How Big is the Fuel Tank?
37 Litres.
What MPG Can I Get Out of the Suzuki Baleno BoosterJet?
A very real figure would be around 42mpg. But that could stretch from 45 – 60mpg if you drive it nicely.
