In our era of shared platforms, powertrains and cross-pollinated technologies no manufacturer is truly independent.
Even the most established motoring monoliths require strategic partnerships to benefit from developmental expertise, conquer new markets and make progress.
Toyota-Suzuki connection
In 2017 Toyota and Suzuki entered into a business alliance. The plan envisaged Suzuki benefiting from Toyota’s electric vehicle skill set while Toyota was to benefit from Suzuki’s strengths in the compact car arena.
Locally, we saw the initial results of this entanglement in September 2020 when Toyota released the Starlet, a badge-engineered version of the Baleno that first came to the SA market in November 2016. Then Toyota launched the Urban Cruiser, based on the Vitara Brezza. It also released the Rumion, which is a rebadged Suzuki Ertiga.
Sales gap
Given Toyota’s national footprint and presence in the market since 1961 it seemed inevitable that the brand would amass greater unit sales compared to the equivalent, identical offerings from Suzuki.
Take May 2022’s new car sales figures, for example. Toyota sold 1,213 copies of the Urban Cruiser, Suzuki shifted 530 units of the Vitara Brezza. The Rumion sold 834 units while the Ertiga did 305. The Starlet can also lay claim to past sales supremacy vs its Baleno twin. The latest versions of the duo were launched last month. We decided to get them in the same room for a game of spot the difference.
Both are equal opponents, being range-topping grades (XR for Starlet, GLX for Baleno); with automatic transmissions.
Styling
At first glance it would be easy to confuse the one with the other. But parking them side-by-side reveals subtle but noticeable differences in aesthetic execution.
The Baleno’s headlamp lighting signature takes on a staggered format while the mesh-like grille might trigger your trypophobia. Its lower intake resembles a smirking mouth. At the rear it features clusters with dotted LEDs.
In comparison, the Toyota’s front and rear light signatures rely on strips, not dots. It has a single-slat, chrome front grille and honeycomb-inspired lower intake.
Down the side the only distinguishing factor is wheel design. The Toyota has boomerang-shaped spokes, the Suzuki uses a swirl-type arrangement, both with a glossy, diamond-cut appearance.
Interior
The revised fascia and door panels of the Baleno echo a more mature, upmarket-aspirational ambience. Materials are of a more-than-fair standard with softer touchpoints punctuating the firmer, coarser textures to be found in the cabin.
While these are both top-tier representatives the seats are upholstered in fabric. Still, the front pews are relatively comfortable with a reasonable level of support ensured by the lateral side bolsters and large headrests.
Logical, appliance-like and quirk-free, there is no aspect of the vehicles’ cabins that would befuddle the average motorist. From downsizing empty-nesters to upward young professionals and rental customers, myriad audiences will appreciate the ease of use offered by the Starlet-Baleno cabin.
Features
In the Toyota Starlet XR buyers get a raft of standard features. It is quite a list, including LED headlamps, a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, keyless-entry, push-button start, cruise control, climate control, reverse camera and an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play functionality.
You also get a sliding centre armrest, three USB ports, Bluetooth, as well as the Toyota Connect suite of functions that allows owners to keep tabs on various aspects of the vehicle via smartphone application.
The Baleno matches the Starlet for specification — sans Toyota Connect, of course. But it counters with two tricks of its own: standard head-up display and 360-degree camera view.
We asked Toyota about the omission. “We believe the specifications we offer are in-line with segment requirements and wanted to offer a sustainable pricing model for our customers,” it said.
The company added: “Toyota doesn’t believe in aggressive launch pricing strategies and then having to increase unit pricing post-launch at the detriment of resale values and/or initial buyers.”
Meanwhile, Suzuki had this to say: “We can’t comment with regards to the omission on Toyota’s side because we are not privy to their strategy or availability of their specification, but on [Suzuki’s] side we equipped the Baleno with what was available to us at the model planning phase, we were just as surprised to learn that the new Starlet is not equipped with those features.”
Safety
There are no glaring deficiencies in the occupant safety department. In addition to the expected anti-lock braking and electronic brake-force distribution, both vehicles offer stability control systems, plus side curtain, driver and passenger airbags. It is yet to be crash tested by Global NCAP.
Driving
In 2017 we had a Suzuki Baleno in our long-term test fleet. It was a vehicle that carried itself with surprising assuredness despite its sub-1000kg mass. Looking at the licence disc of the new Baleno, you’ll notice it’s still a featherweight, tipping the scales at 985kg (same for the Starlet).
The vehicles use a torsion beam rear suspension with MacPherson struts at the front axle. Rudimentary it may be, the application seems to work fine in the real world with an acceptable level of ride comfort.
Both vehicles’ wheel-and-tyre sizes are the same (195/55/16); with ample sidewall plumpness for average-sized Johannesburg potholes. A 150mm ground clearance also errs on the higher side for a B-segment hatchback — bear in mind the model was developed for emerging market conditions in mind.
A 1.5l normally-aspirated petrol engine serves both, producing 77kW and 138Nm. In manual guise it’s a sprightly performer. But in the case of the four-speed automatic choices sampled here you’ll need to curb your enthusiasm. Gentle, around-town progress is fine, but drivers will notice a tendency for the gearbox to “hunt” at freeway pace, droning along indecisively.
One of our testers spent the week making open-road commutes while the other was largely cooped-up in the city. The former’s average was 5l/100km and the latter’s, 7l/100km. The small tank size of the vehicle (37l) requires a snip under R1,000 to fill at the current rate.
Aftersales
Suzuki offers a five-year/200,000km mechanical warranty, six-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty and four-year/60,000km service plan. The brand is represented by 69 dealers in SA.
Toyota offers a three-year/100,000km warranty and three-year/45,000km service plan. It has a local dealer network of 220 outlets.
The Baleno 1.5 GLX automatic comes in at R295,900 and the Starlet 1.5 XR automatic costs R313,300.
Final word
As a relatively new player in the country Suzuki has made huge strides. You can’t accuse them of not trying to work for buyers’ affections — and this Baleno GLX is proof, with its longer warranty, slightly better specification and marginal saving it represents over the equivalent Starlet.
On the other hand, potential buyers will also be mindful of the breadth offered by Toyota’s dealer network in addition to the equity possessed by the iconic ellipses badge.
It’s really a case of six of one and a half-dozen of the other. Either way, you’re getting a sensible, well-built, frugal and seemingly durable hatchback with above-average road manners and inoffensive styling.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.