FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Suzuki reveals Baleno

Suzuki has revealed two new pictures of the production version of the iK2 concept ahead of its official unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show.

Called the Baleno, the all-new Suzuki reverts to an old name for its five-door hatch that’s been created to rival the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3.

Under the bonnet the new small hatch is powered by an all-new 1.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine dubbed Boosterjet.

As well as the small 1.0-litre turbo, the new Baleno will also come with a ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ hybrid powertrain.

This novel hybrid uses an integrated starter motor to assist the engine cutting fuel use. When not working (or starting the car) it reverts to a generator recovering energy to charge its batteries for later use.

Measuring in total 4023mm long and standing 1450mm tall, the Baleno also has a wheelbase of 2520mm and is said to have a spacious cabin and large boot.

Under the skin, the Baleno sits on a brand-new platform that, in the future, is expected to spin-off a Nissan JUKE rival.

Suzuki claims “various technologies” were used to reduce weight confirming earlier reports that weight-saving was a primary objective for engineers.

Suzuki is expected to reveal full technical details at the German motor show this month as well as confirm an on-sale date sometime in winter 2016.

Suzuki Australia, meanwhile, has already confirmed it can’t wait to get its hands on the Baleno, which is expected to undercut Australia's top-selling Toyota Corolla and its close rival, the Mazda3.

Speaking to motoring.com.au last March following the launch of the iK-2 concept, Suzuki Australia General Manager, Andrew Moore, said he was “pushing hard for it in Australia."

motoring.com.au also understands the Baleno will be a key part of Suzuki Australia's target of 30,000 annual sales by 2017.

The arrival of the Baleno kicks off something of a product renaissance for the Japanese brand as Suzuki plans to launch six new models by 2017. Among the models in the pipeline is an actual smaller replacement for the Swift and a production version of the iM4 baby SUV.