LONG-TERM UPDATE 6 | Farewell to our Suzuki Baleno

29 May 2024 - 10:24
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Our test car looked spiffy in Suzuki's shade of Splendid Silver.
Our test car looked spiffy in Suzuki's shade of Splendid Silver.
Image: Supplied

We bond with our cars in many different ways.

From long distance journeys with time for moody reflection to costly labours of love where classic ownership might be concerned.

Not forgetting the serious bonding that takes place in the mundane routines of daily motoring. Those morning and afternoon traffic sessions, the weekly grocery foray, or that 10 minutes of silence you might take in your driveway before entering the house.

Over three months with our Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX manual long-termer, the car proved itself a low-key, everyday hero. A modest companion that shone in practical areas, delivering on those considerations many buyers favour in these tough economic times.

Trips to the petrol station were infrequent and less painful, thanks to its 37l tank and impressive real-world economy. Filling it up from empty costs just under R1,000 (at R25.15 per litre) and besting the claimed consumption of 5.4l/100km is entirely possible, when you finesse the engine and gearbox.

A spacious cabin boasts all the expected amenities and a bit more.
A spacious cabin boasts all the expected amenities and a bit more.
Image: Supplied

The 1.5-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine wields four cylinders and outputs of 77kW/138Nm. Sounds meagre, but factoring the low mass of the Baleno (980kg) and reasonable torque peak (around 4,000rpm), the Japanese hatchback packs an eager character.

Its manual transmission has a positive feel, with defined gated and shorter throws than you might expect. We often thought a sixth gear would not have gone amiss, allowing the tachometer to sit lower during freeway cruising.

Other gripes? Thankfully, superficial at best. If you have been following the Baleno missives, you would have noted criticisms against the provision of a single coat hook and small sun visors. We also said leatherette upholstery would have been welcomed, over the cloth to be found in this range-topper.

In fairness, the vehicle redeemed itself in other aspects of the specification discussion. There are features that are not standard on cars costing twice as much. That includes a very crisp head-up display system, and a brilliant 360º- camera setup, which one became quite reliant on. Its aerial view is incredibly useful, enabling precise, expert level parking manoeuvres in tight settings.

On the safety front the GLX did not disappoint. In addition to the expected anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution, you get electronic stability control, hill-start assist and six airbags.

The 314l boot was put to good use during our Baleno's three-month stay.
The 314l boot was put to good use during our Baleno's three-month stay.
Image: Supplied

The grown-up feel of the Baleno was evident in all environments, steady on its 195/55/16 wheels around town, on the highway and the occasional low speed gravel road. Its 150mm ground clearance is sufficient for such eventualities, as well as allowing for worry-free traverse over potholed sections.

Another surprise that endeared very early in the game was its spacious frontal area. My partner is blessed with a strong height gene and she commented on how “not cramped” she felt in the passenger side. The 314l boot was put to the test over countless grocery forays. Notably in our second update, folding down the rear seats to use the full capacity of the rear, carting balloons and gear for a Peppa Pig birthday party.

Though the Baleno is priced affordably, the range did see a price increase in May that added about R8,000 to the tag. In our previous update we tallied all the expected running costs of the 1.5 GLX, worth referring to if you are considering buying one.

Should you? All things considered, the Suzuki is an easy car to recommend. Priced competitively, well-equipped, attractive, frugal and likely to last long after the average finance term. We enjoyed its sensible nature.

LONG-TERM UPDATE 6 (FINAL) | 2024 Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX manual

ODOMETER ON DELIVERY: 2,005km

CURRENT ODOMETER: 4,200km

PRAISES: A practical package overall.

GRIPES: Nothing more than the minor criticisms raised above.

AVERAGE CONSUMPTION: 5.7l/100km


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