Baleno, a bold move for Suzuki<\/p>\n
By Russell Williamson<\/p>\n
SUZUKI, marketed by Indomobil, is using the Jakarta Auto Expo
\nto promote existing products and preview some new vehicles.<\/p>\n
Being previewed is the Baleno, a small car to be launched by
\nthe company at the end of this year. The car is bigger than the
\nother sedans produced so far by the company. The Baleno's size is
\ncomparable to cars such as the Toyota Corolla or Mazda 323
\nLantis.<\/p>\n
Although a degree of individuality is evident in the car's
\nhigh-waisted profile, its style is otherwise conservative: only
\nkeen car spotters are likely to separate the Suzuki from other
\nregular small cars.<\/p>\n
In overseas markets, two choices of Baleno are available: a
\nfour-door sedan, and a shorter-wheelbase three-door hatchback.
\nBoth have a 72kW, 1600cc four-cylinder engine and are available
\nwith either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
\ntransmissions.<\/p>\n
Both models maximize space by providing split-fold rear seats.
\nThe sedan's trunk is large and uncluttered, and it's lid opens
\nright down to bumper level for easy loading. Suzuki claims its
\ncar beats some of its competition on interior space. There are
\ncertainly no problems with the Baleno's ability to provide
\nlegroom for tall drivers, and shoulder room appears to be class-
\ncompetitive. The driver is confronted by a neatly contoured
\ninstrument panel and a height-adjustable steering wheel.<\/p>\n
In typical Japanese style, there is absolutely no problem in
\nfinding important controls and knowing how to operate them. The
\nmaster switch for the driving lights is on the end of the
\nindicator stalk, wipers-washers are on the left-hand stalk and
\nheater controls are on the center console. There is a problem
\nwith the radio: it is excruciatingly difficult to use and
\ndangerously distractive for the driver. With a multitude of tiny
\nbuttons and not a rotating knob in sight, it introduces
\ncomplications that are neither necessary nor desirable.<\/p>\n
As a driver's car, the Baleno stacks up pretty well: the 1.6-
\nliter engine is responsive and able to deliver at both ends of
\nits revolutions-per-minute (rpm) range, while the clutch-
\ntransmission combination is well balanced and conducive to
\nsmooth, quick changes.<\/p>\n
It is surprising that the engine is neither smooth nor quiet:
\nalthough Suzuki has developed a refined mounting system which is
\ndesigned to reduce vibrations and noise, the 1.6-liter engine is
\nmore intrusive than the engines of many of its competitors. To
\ncompensate, the Baleno is highly geared. Cruising at 100kmh, the
\nengine spins comfortably below 3000rpm, which is normal for other
\ncars in its class. This means less noise and better economy,
\nwhich is made possible by the Baleno's tendency to weigh less
\nthan its competition.<\/p>\n
The Suzuki's newly developed all-strut suspension effectively
\nsmooths over bumps and helps the car to track on corners. The
\ncar's under-steering is predictable, which means the car tends
\nnot to display any unsettling vices when pushed close to its
\nlimit. Although not necessary for most drivers, a set of slightly
\nwider tires than the standard 175\/7013s would sharpen its
\nresponsiveness.<\/p>\n
The first small car to wear the Suzuki badge is a strong
\ncompetitor in an increasingly populated class. The car is no
\ndisappointment from the driver's seat and it provides class-
\ncompetitive accommodation.<\/p>\n
The other product on show and already on sale is the 1600cc
\nSidekick. Another car is the X-90 which, although unavailable in
\nIndonesia in the short term, offers an insight into some of the
\nmore quirky vehicles that the Japanese parent company is
\nproducing. On the Sidekick's short wheelbase, the cheeky little
\ntwo seater four-wheel-drive recreational vehicle is powered by a
\n1500cc engine. With removable roof panels, the X-90 quickly
\nconverts into an open-top four wheel drive which is guaranteed to
\nturn heads both on the road and in the bush.<\/p>\n
However, given the lack of space to put anything other than
\nthe driver and the passenger it is unlikely that this urban
\nfashion accessory will ever see anything more harsh than the dirt
\non the side of the highway.<\/p>",
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