FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Suzuki lifts the lid on all-new Baleno

Suzuki whipped the silk sheet off its new five-seat B-segment competitor the Baleno in Frankfurt, promising better performance, greater efficiency and the highest level of technology ever offered in a Suzuki.

The Baleno nameplate — not used by Suzuki since 2001 — returns to showrooms in global markets from late first-quarter next year — although at this stage it is not clear when it will arrive in Australia. It isn't even confirmed for Australia yet, although Suzuki Australia boss Andrew Moore, told motoring.com.au last week at the Vitara launch that it would be a good fit in the local model range.

"We find the Swift is hugely popular, but there are a number of customers that would say: 'oh, it's a bit too small'..." he said. "For me, if we can get this Baleno for those customers, it's a step up for them."

Of note is that Maruti Suzuki has already geared up for production of the Baleno, which would make for a lower-cost source for Australian Balenos, although Moore said the car for Australia could also be sourced from Thailand and Japan. The Australian production of the now-defunct Alto was based in India.

The Baleno has three new key features: a new-generation platform — with increased rigidity and reduced weight — the new BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine and the SHVS mild hybrid system. Suzuki also claims that the Baleno is the most aerodynamic Suzuki to date.

The new 1.0 BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine develops 82kW/170Nm outputs. To reduce pumping loss for better performance and efficiency, the turbo's wastegate valve closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy-load operation and remains opened during normal driving.

With lithium-battery-equipped SHVS technology (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) the Baleno is claimed to achieve a CO2 emissions target of 93g/km. The SHVS is a mild hybrid system that employs an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) to assist the petrol engine during acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.

Using the electricity stored through regenerative braking, the electric motor function of the ISG improves fuel efficiency by partially assisting the engine, which it does by making up for the additional added portion of fuel usually required during the high-fuel-consuming actions of starting from a stop and accelerating. It also allows for a smooth and quiet restart after an automatic engine stop, thanks to the use of an ISG belt-drive start, rather than restart by a conventional starter motor.

The 1.0 BOOSTERJET will be offered with either a five-speed manual, which Suzuki says will incorporate a specially designed convergent gear locating system that helps reduce frictional losses and improve shift feel, or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Another drivetrain option for the Baleno is a petrol DUALJET four-cylinder – so named for its dual port injection – rated at 66kW/120Nm and displacing 1.2 litres. Either the same five-speed as the 1.0 BOOSTERJET (with different third-to fifth gear ratios) is fitted or an optional CVT auto. All Balenos are front-wheel drive.

The new steel structure is 10 percent more rigid and 15 per cent lighter than Suzuki's (smaller) B-segment model, the Swift. Suzuki says that by aiming for optimisation of the entire vehicle including components attached to the underbody, it has been able to keep vibration and noise in check, while maintaining ride comfort.

Underpinning the Baleno are MacPherson struts up front and a coil-spring, torsion beam at the rear. Reduced rolling resistance tyres are fitted to either 15in or 16in wheels.

Inside, the Baleno has a large, high-definition colour LCD display in the instrument cluster that among other features shows performance information such as driving G-force, engine output and torque, accelerator/brake operation, and (for vehicles with SHVS) energy flow. A Smartphone Linkage Audio Display in the centre stack feeds through a seven-inch touch panel screen, which incorporates a USB port and SD card slot and serves as the screen for the rear view camera. The display can be connected to an iPhone via a USB cable for using Apple CarPlay features such as Maps, Phone, Messages, and Music, as well as Podcasts, Audiobooks, and third-party Apple CarPlay compatible audio apps. It can also be connected to smartphones using MirrorLink.

Suzuki also says that a more-compact engine design with a less-tilted mounting position frees up more interior room, and that front seats feature an optimised shape and spring position for ride comfort and high-tensile materials for lightness and strength.

The rear seats have a front-rear-seat distance of 805mm, and can be folded by a single action and come in various bench or split configurations with three separate head restraints.

The luggage space is 355 litres, and Suzuki claims it is the largest in the B-class (light car) segment. Properly speaking, there's a chance the Baleno will be a C-segment car (a small car) in Australia, since Andrew Moore says it's comparable in size to older model Toyota Corollas. The rear suspension has been configured to free up space on both sides at the back of the boot. A luggage board can be set in either its upper or lower position.

Safety features include six airbags, radar cruise control with speed limiter and active braking.

The Baleno lighting menu consists of HID projector headlights and LED position lamps — which also work as daytime running lights — with inner lenses that produce an even line of light. The Baleno also features guide me home headlights and LED taillights.

Outer weather strips are made of iridescent stainless steel and Baleno also features chrome door handles.

Nine exterior colours will be offered, include Premium Silver Metallic, and Ray Blue Pearl Metallic, the latter changing from a green hue to a red tinge, depending on surrounding lighting conditions.

– with staff

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