Suzuki Baleno confirmed for Oz

Suzuki Australia has announced it will this year introduce an all-new light-car to be positioned between the Swift and S-Cross, sales of which are currently on hold at the direction of the car-maker's head office in Japan.

The company's general manager of automobiles, Andrew Moore, told motoring.com.au he was yet to be advised of the problem, which reportedly relates to airbags, and couldn't say if there will be a recall.

"At this stage we are still awaiting further information from the factory," said Moore. "I am unsure if there will be a recall."

Suzuki's local auto chief said the addition of the new Baleno – a nameplate not seen from the brand since 2001 – from early in the third quarter of this year would significantly increase the Japanese small-car brand's presence Down Under.

He added that the new Ignis – Suzuki's other newly launched model in Europe – remained unconfirmed for Australia, but could also arrive in local showrooms this year.

"Ignis is still on Suzuki Australia's radar, but is not confirmed at this stage and if it is, it wouldn't be for some time as we need to monitor exchange rates etc," said Moore. "Ignis may be late Q4 if confirmed."

Moore indicated that both the Baleno and Ignis, if confirmed, would be positioned between the Swift (which is currently priced between $15,990 and $24,490) and the S-Cross and Vitara, both of which range from $21,990 to more than $30,000.

"Baleno is bigger than Swift and in small-car territory, so we expect it to appeal more to empty-nesters. It is actually lighter than the old Alto," he said.

"Ignis is super stylish and retro, so we see it as a sports hatch aimed at younger buyers, particularly with its personalisation options like Vitara."

"These cars grow Suzuki's offering in the compact hatch space to meet more customers needs' and wants."

Previewed by the iM-4 concept and revealed at last September's Frankfurt motor show, the Baleno hatchback will be available here with the same direct-injection turbo-petrol 'Boosterjet' engine technology as the Vitara Turbo, which arrives in local showrooms in April.

But instead of the Vitara's 103kW/220Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, the front-wheel drive Baleno is likely to come with a 82kW/170Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet engine, matched to five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.

A 66kW/120Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder non-turbo DUALJET four-cylinder may open the range, matched to five-speed manual and CVT auto gearboxes.

It's unclear if Suzuki Australia will offer the Baleno here with the European version's SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild hybrid technology, which incorporates lithium-battery and ISG (Integrated Starter Generator to emit as little as 93g/km of CO2.

Either way, Suzuki says a new platform employing lightweighting lessons learned from the Vitara and its most aerodynamic body shape yet make the Baleno one of its most efficient models yet. The new steel structure is 10 percent more rigid and 15 per cent lighter than the Swift.

Suzuki Australia has also confirmed the Baleno, which rides on a 2520mm wheelbase and measures about four metres long but offers 355 litres of luggage space (more than any light-car, says Suzuki) will come with a 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with satellite-navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interface capability.

Underneath, there are MacPherson struts up front and a coil-sprung torsion beam rear-end. In Europe, equipment extends to 15- or 16-inch wheels, six airbags, radar cruise control with speed-limiter and active braking, HID projector headlights and LED position lamps and tail-lights.

“The new Baleno gives Suzuki a great offering for the many customers looking for a stylish and spacious small hatch. It will be sure to offer outstanding value that will see it as a great step up from Swift in our line-up," said Moore.