Baleno – Suzuki’s All New Hatchback For A New Era

  • All-new Baleno hatchback model – on sale in the Ireland from June 2016.
  • New 1.0-litre three cylinder engine – second application of Suzuki’s Boosterjet technology.
  • 111PS Direct Injection Turbocharged engine (DITC) offers a wide spread of torque with peak available from just 2,000rpm.
  • Launch of Suzuki’s first mild hybrid system – four cylinder 1.2-litre SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) offering latest mild hybrid and Dualjet technology with CO2 emissions of 94g/km.
  • CO2 emissions of 105g/km for manual transmission 1.0-litre Boosterjet model.
  • EC Combined fuel consumption of 64.2mpg for Boosterjet model with manual transmission, 70.6mpg for SHVS with manual transmission.
  • All new platform and latest development in High Tensile steel construction results in a very low kerb weight of 935kg (1.2-litre SHVS model).
  • Six airbags fitted as standard on all Baleno models.
  • Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth and Air Conditioning fitted as standard on all models.
  • Radar Brake Support and Adaptive Cruise Control fitted as standard to SZ5 grade.
  • Priced from €17,995 for SZ-T 1.0­-litre Boosterjet and €18,995 for SZ5 1.2-litre SHVS version – both with manual transmission.
  • Irish sales plan of 400 units in the first full year – 26,000 for Europe.

Suzuki is well known globally for its expertise in small cars and the new Baleno hatchback is its latest example. Since launching its first car in 1955, the Suzulight, Suzuki has produced a vast range of significant models each tailored to the needs of its time.

Historically, Suzuki has earned high acclaim for its stylish, city oriented designs, compact and easy to manage dimensions while also offering good performance, favourable fuel economy and low emissions.

Baleno introduces a ‘Liquid Flow’ design theme and with its compact body, roomy interior and efficient powertrains all on a new generation platform. Baleno offers style, utility, and fun driving performance combined with good fuel efficiency.

A larger car than Swift at 3.99 metres long, Baleno offers a more rational choice for buyers looking for extra interior space and a larger boot capacity but may not be looking to move up in size to a Vitara or S-Cross. Baleno offers the best tandem distance in its class which is the measurement taken between the front and rear seats.

The new Baleno is produced in India where Suzuki has a long established reputation and a major presence for more than 30 years. In 2015, 1.3 million cars were manufactured in Suzuki’s two Indian plants and the current share for the passenger vehicle market is a very impressive 48 per cent (April 2016). The production line for Baleno is at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant in Haryana.

Baleno will eventually be exported to more than 100 countries and the most recent introduction was to the Japanese domestic market with sales launch in numerous countries in Europe following soon after.

Styling

The ‘Liquid Flow’ design theme of Baleno evokes an energetic mass of liquid in motion, using curving lines, expressive surfaces and a low and wide silhouette helps underline a strong and  compelling look.

Seen from the front the body opens outward from the cabin. From the side, character lines create flowing highlights and the forward sloping rear hatch suggests the moving forward of dynamic energy. This sophisticated design helps create the impression of power and elegance.

The instrument panel is also characterised by the ‘liquid flow theme’ with its curving lines and silver accents together with reddish-amber illuminations that underline the cabin’s sense of style.

New Platform Srateg

Under the ‘SUZUKI NEXT 100’ plan announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, Suzuki has developed a new platform strategy for its future models and the Baleno is the first with this new generation platform to be introduced in Europe.

This new platform targets the reduction of weight as well as further increased rigidity. For the new Baleno, body rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 10 per cent and with the use of a new smoother shaped structure the total vehicle weight has been reduced by around 15 per cent.

Light, impact-absorbing TECT body

The body embodies Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept for occupant protecting impact absorption and low weight. Extensive use of ultra high tensile steel helps to make the new Baleno outstandingly crashworthy and fuel efficient.

The lightweight highly rigid body structure has been achieved by extensive use of 980MPa and 780MPa grade steel sheeting. The result of this is a ‘Body In White’ basic shell structure weight of 196kg which is the lightest in the ‘B’ segment Hatchback class. Suzuki has thus beaten the 200kg mark which was long seen in the industry as impossible to attain.

The body frame has smooth curving lines with fewer joints that enable reductions in required reinforcements. This structure is not only lighter but disperses collision force energy more efficiently and improves overall crash safety.

This high level of weight reduction has only been made possible by analysing the car as a whole, not by simply analysing individual parts. Technologies to reduce weight have been applied to the vehicle body as well as mechanical parts including the doors, seats, interior parts, suspension, engine and brakes.

Depending on variant and transmission, kerb weight ranges from 935kg to 980kg making it the lightest ‘B’ segment hatchback amongst its competitors – in one case by more than 200kg.

Thanks to this new platform strategy and development of the body shape, Baleno is also the most aerodynamic car that Suzuki has ever produced with a drag coefficient of just 0.299.

Key dimensions (Full technical specifications listed in Tech Spec document)

Overall length: 3,995mm
Overall width: 1,745mm
Overall height: 1,470mm (1,460 for SHVS)
Wheelbase: 2,520mm
Minimum turning circle: 9.8m (10.0 for SHVS)

Specification Highlights

A full standard equipment table for the new Baleno model is listed on the final pages of this pack.

Standard equipment for all Baleno models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ-T model (Available with 1.0-litre Boosterjet) includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass and front electric windows.

SZ5 (Boosterjet and SHVS model) adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, 4.2 inch central colour trip display, LED rear lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Brake Support .

Baleno is available in the following six colours with metallic paint available as a €370 option. The optional Ray Blue metallic paint uses luminescent elements to create more colour variation and gives the impression of a green hue in bright sunlight that turns to a red tinge when in shaded light.

  • Fire Red (solid colour)
  • Superior White (solid colour)
  • Glistening Grey metallic
  • Midnight Black metallic
  • Ray Blue metallic
  • Premium Silver metallic

Pricing for the Baleno range is as follows:

SZ-T 1.0-litre Boosterjet M/T                                    €17,995
SZ5 1.0-litre Boosterjet M/T                                      €19,495
SZ5 1.0-litre Boosterjet A/T                                       €22,495
SZ5 1.2–litre SHVS M/T                                             €18,995

Convenience

The luggage area has a capacity of 320 litres (VDA) with the rear seat in its upright position and the rear seat and luggage board can also be repositioned to suit luggage requirements. Luggage capacity with the rear seats folded is 756 litres and 1,085 litres is available if fully loaded to the roof.

Engines and transmissions

Boosterjet Engine – in detail

After the debut of Boosterjet in the Vitara S, the engine technology continues for the new Baleno model with an all new 1.0-litre three cylinder version.  Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine (1.8-litre), it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure.

This unit has an output of 111PS and is also Direct Injection turbocharged (DITC). The new engine has very compact dimensions and offers 170Nm of torque available from 2,000rpm through to 3,500rpm. The optional six speed automatic transmission equipped model offers 160Nm of torque and is available slightly earlier at just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm.

Boosterjet technology is developed by Suzuki and is characterised by improved fuel efficiency and driving pleasure made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. By controlling the wastegate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy load operation and remains open during normal driving, the Boosterjet system reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power and fuel-efficiency. An air bypass valve is also utilised to prevent turbo ‘stall’ after the throttle has been closed and then quickly reopened.

The new 1.0-litre engine employs six-hole fuel injectors and high tumble port technologies to inject fuel with a high combustion efficiency to provide greater fuel economy and improved power output.

Fuel is injected at a pressure of 35 Bar into the combustion chamber during the air intake stroke which then forms a rich mixture around the spark plug and leaner mixture around the outer edge of the piston. The tumble flow of the fuel is created by utilising a straight intake port and a complex shape piston crown design.

The latest Boosterjet engine for Baleno has been developed with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size with added response and smooth power delivery to achieve the characteristics Suzuki engines are well renowned for.

This engine also utilises a variable fuel pressure control system that optimises the amount of fuel injection according to driving conditions. This helps promote fuel atomisation and also improves fuel combustion efficiency.

During development, Suzuki’s engineers virtually eliminated the typical delay in turbo power delivery or ‘lag’ by attaching the specially developed compact turbo charger directly to the cylinder head as well as incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head casting. This design ensures optimum gas flow with minimal heat loss through to the turbo unit. The turbocharger has a boost pressure of 1.0 Bar and is manufactured by IHI.

Historically, power and torque delivery from a turbo-charged engine would not have been available until much higher engine speeds, offering less flexibility to the driver.

The 1.0-litre engine offers strong benefits in performance too with 0-100kmh acceleration time of 11.4 seconds with manual transmission and 11.0 seconds for the optional automatic model. Maximum speed, where permitted, is 200kmh for manual and 190kmh for the automatic.

1.2-litre Dualjet with SHVS

Suzuki first introduced its Dualjet technlogy in 2014, initially in the 1.2-litre Swift (K12C) and then more recently in the 1.0-litre Celerio (K10C). This technology is now utilised for the four cylinder 1.2-litre Baleno and includes the addition of SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki).

In summary, Dualjet incorporates Suzuki’s latest engine technology and uses twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy.  Utilising Dualjet design that positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder.  Internal modifications to the engine include the use of a new design inlet port and combustion chamber. Other mechanical parts are also modified to reduce frictional losses and facilitate smoother running.

The piston crowns are modified with a slight bowl shape to achieve higher air turbulence inside the cylinder and the pistons incorporate cooling oil jets to help reduce internal temperatures.  Additionally, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is used which helps avoid abnormal combustion or ‘knocking’. The maximum power output is 90PS with a torque figure of 120Nm at 4,400rpm.

SHVS.

The SHVS mild hybrid system is a compact and lightweight system that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor,  the ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.

The system also uses a compact high performance lithium-ion battery placed under the front passenger seat to store energy and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Start Generator. The SHVS system only uses its conventional engine starter motor when first started from cold, under all other conditions it uses the ISG unit to allow smooth and quiet engine restarts. The ISG unit has a power output of 2.3kW and a torque figure of 50Nm.

The energy assistance provided during acceleration enables the SHVS to be known as a mild hybrid system which is ideally suited to a compact car and adds just 6.2 kg to the overall weight.

The ISG generates electricity more efficiently than a conventional alternator through regenerative braking which is the term given to the transfer of kinetic heat energy into electrical energy. The ISG unit detects this as soon as the brake pedal is depressed and recharges both lithium-ion battery and conventional 12 volt battery.

In the new Baleno the SHVS system helps Suzuki reach a top class CO2 emissions figure of 94g/km plus achieve a fuel consumption figure of 70.6mpg on the EC combined cycle.

A series of power flow diagrams to illustrate the SHVS system are listed below.

Engine Auto Stop Start System – SHVS model.

This new system helps to further reduce fuel consumption by cutting the supply of fuel in the interval between when the car begins to decelerate and when it starts moving again. The engine is stopped for longer periods than conventional stop start systems and operates at speeds of less than 15kmh when the drivers foot is removed from the clutch pedal and the gearbox is in neutral. The engine then restarts as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.

Manual transmission.

A five speed manual transmission is fitted as standard for the new 1.0-litre Boosterjet model  and 1.2-litre Dualjet SHVS models; slightly different gear and final drive ratios are utilised for the SHVS and each manual transmission’s gear ratios are optimised to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy. Additional measures include a shift lever counterweight to help provide a smooth, positive shift action.

Automatic transmission.

A six-speed automatic transmission is available optionally for the SZ5 1.0-litre Boosterjet. It has a wide gear ratio range to permit precise driver control and which also helps provide quick response at low vehicle speeds (for instance, when pulling away from standstill or driving slowly uphill) The wide ratios also help the engine to run at lower rpm when cruising too.  The transmission has an expanded lockup range to promote good acceleration, high fuel economy and low levels of NVH.

Additionally, a manual mode is fitted to enable the driver to change gear using shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

CO2 emissions

The Baleno’s CO2 emissions are low thanks to the use of an all new high tensile steel platform  and other weight saving measures in the body plus the latest engine technology. CO2 emissions are 105g/km for the 1.0-litre Boosterjet with manual transmission and 94g/km for the 1.2-litre with SHVS.

Hill Hold Control

Available with the optional automatic transmisssion equipped SZ5 model, Hill Hold Control makes hill starts much easier by preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards for two seconds as soon as the driver removes his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal.

Suspension

The front suspension is of MacPherson strut design. During development of the Baleno, revised shapes for the lower arms and suspension frame were utilised and improved strut damping adopted for higher rigidity and also promote better driving stability.

Enhanced cornering stability has been achieved by incorporating the rear wheel suspension with a stabiliser inside the hollow of the intermediate Torsion beam. The rear suspension design utilises conventional coil springs and provides superior rigidity and ride comfort.

Fundamental design and development work for the Baleno was undertaken in Japan. This was supported by a full evaluation programme of suspension and steering tuning in Europe with Suzuki’s technical teams also carrying out their important testing in the UK.

Brakes

The Baleno has ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear (SZ-T models) and rear disc brakes on SZ5 models. Weight savings and drag reductions in the calliper design help provide superior braking performance and also assist fuel economy.

Safety – Baleno Range

  • Comprehensive list of active and passive safety equipment.
  • Six airbags fitted as standard.
  • Radar Brake Support system fitted as standard on SZ5 model.
  • Light, impact absorbing body; speed limiter; ESP® * (Electronic Stability Programme), and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control for more relaxed driving available on SZ5 models.
  • NOTE: ESP* is designed to help keep the vehicle under control. However, the degree of engine torque reduction, the braked wheels and the brake force applied vary according to driving conditions. ESP® is essentially a system to assist stable driving. In the case of slippage or skidding that exceeds the limits of grip between tyres and road surface, ESP® will still function but may not be fully effective.

*ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler AG.

The Baleno’s passive and active safety systems are designed to intelligently anticipate and react to potentially dangerous situations with an excellent level of protection. One of its major safety features is Total Effective Control Technology which is a concept for occupant protecting impact absorption and low weight developed by Suzuki. Extensive use of high tensile steel and computer aided engineering technologies make the body light, highly crashworthy as well as fuel efficient.

Active safety equipment

The Baleno’s active safety equipment includes a Radar Brake Support (RBS) system on SZ5 models. When travelling above approximately 5kmh and the system detects a risk of collision with the vehicle in front, it warns the driver to apply the brakes. At higher speeds and if it senses the possibility of a collision, it warns the driver with a buzzer and also via a notification on the multi information display. The system warning can also be set for either Far or Near distance via a button on the dashboard.

If the probability of a collision has increased, the system activates brake assist which increases the braking force during emergency braking. If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, it applies the brakes automatically. The system thus helps prevent collisions when the vehicle is driving at low speeds and helps reduce damage in the event of an unavoidable collision.

The RBS system fitted as standard on the SZ5 model monitors the road ahead by means of milliwave radar. The radar technology enables it to work even at high speeds, in darkness, and in rain or other bad weather. The system prevents or mitigates a collision by means of three functions which are Warning, Brake Asssist and Automatic Braking.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system

The Baleno’s ACC system fitted as standard on the SZ5 model combines cruise control technology with the RBS system’s milliwave radar to make driving easier and more relaxing. The system uses radar to measure the distance to the vehicle in front and automatically adjusts road speed to maintain any of three driver selected headway distances.

If there is a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead, the Baleno travels at the set input speed. If the vehicle in front is travelling slower the set speed will automatically reduce to allow sufficient distance to be be maintained. Once the millimetre wave sensor detects that the vehicle in front has departed from the lane in front the vehicle will automatically reaccelerate to the input set speed. This system also incoporates a speed ‘Limit’ function to keep the car at a pre determined maximum speed.

Advanced Multi-information display – SZ5 grade.

The SZ5 model is equipped with a 4.2 inch high-definition colour LCD display that shows a range of information including engine output and torque data, fuel consumption, average speed, acceleration and brake operation as well as driving G-force tracking. For the SHVS model an energy flow diagram is also included.

Guide Me Lights.

For convenience and safety after parking the car at night or when returning to it, Baleno is fitted as standard with a ‘guide me light’ function that enables the dipped beam headlamps to remain on for 10 seconds after the door is locked / unlocked. This facility can also be adjusted to up to 25 seconds duration via the settings mode of the instrument cluster.

Display audio system with navigation and smartphone connectivity

The audio system for both SZ-T and SZ5 models has a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio  (SLDA) with a large seven inch touch panel display that enables intuitive operation and can also be used when wearing gloves.  A three dimensional navigation map makes landmarks easy to distinguish and the system also allows the driver to use certain smartphone applications with MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connection.

Apple CarPlay is the smarter and safer way to use iPhone in the Baleno. Apart from making  calls it also facilitates receiving directions for optimised for traffic conditions, listening to music, accessing email, text messages and more.

Servicing

The new Baleno with 1.0 Boosterjet engine requires servicing annually or at 15,000 kilometers and the 1.2-litre SHVS model has a service interval of 20,000 kilometers. Swift and Jimny service intervals remain at 15,000 kilometers together with Vitara S 1.4-litre Boosterjet.  Celerio, S-Cross and 1.6-litre Vitara models all require servicing at 20,000 kilometers.

Comments are closed.