Baleno, a bold move for Suzuki
Baleno, a bold move for Suzuki
By Russell Williamson
SUZUKI, marketed by Indomobil, is using the Jakarta Auto Expo to promote existing products and preview some new vehicles.
Being previewed is the Baleno, a small car to be launched by the company at the end of this year. The car is bigger than the other sedans produced so far by the company. The Baleno's size is comparable to cars such as the Toyota Corolla or Mazda 323 Lantis.
Although a degree of individuality is evident in the car's high-waisted profile, its style is otherwise conservative: only keen car spotters are likely to separate the Suzuki from other regular small cars.
In overseas markets, two choices of Baleno are available: a four-door sedan, and a shorter-wheelbase three-door hatchback. Both have a 72kW, 1600cc four-cylinder engine and are available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
Both models maximize space by providing split-fold rear seats. The sedan's trunk is large and uncluttered, and it's lid opens right down to bumper level for easy loading. Suzuki claims its car beats some of its competition on interior space. There are certainly no problems with the Baleno's ability to provide legroom for tall drivers, and shoulder room appears to be class- competitive. The driver is confronted by a neatly contoured instrument panel and a height-adjustable steering wheel.
In typical Japanese style, there is absolutely no problem in finding important controls and knowing how to operate them. The master switch for the driving lights is on the end of the indicator stalk, wipers-washers are on the left-hand stalk and heater controls are on the center console. There is a problem with the radio: it is excruciatingly difficult to use and dangerously distractive for the driver. With a multitude of tiny buttons and not a rotating knob in sight, it introduces complications that are neither necessary nor desirable.
As a driver's car, the Baleno stacks up pretty well: the 1.6- liter engine is responsive and able to deliver at both ends of its revolutions-per-minute (rpm) range, while the clutch- transmission combination is well balanced and conducive to smooth, quick changes.
It is surprising that the engine is neither smooth nor quiet: although Suzuki has developed a refined mounting system which is designed to reduce vibrations and noise, the 1.6-liter engine is more intrusive than the engines of many of its competitors. To compensate, the Baleno is highly geared. Cruising at 100kmh, the engine spins comfortably below 3000rpm, which is normal for other cars in its class. This means less noise and better economy, which is made possible by the Baleno's tendency to weigh less than its competition.
The Suzuki's newly developed all-strut suspension effectively smooths over bumps and helps the car to track on corners. The car's under-steering is predictable, which means the car tends not to display any unsettling vices when pushed close to its limit. Although not necessary for most drivers, a set of slightly wider tires than the standard 175/7013s would sharpen its responsiveness.
The first small car to wear the Suzuki badge is a strong competitor in an increasingly populated class. The car is no disappointment from the driver's seat and it provides class- competitive accommodation.
The other product on show and already on sale is the 1600cc Sidekick. Another car is the X-90 which, although unavailable in Indonesia in the short term, offers an insight into some of the more quirky vehicles that the Japanese parent company is producing. On the Sidekick's short wheelbase, the cheeky little two seater four-wheel-drive recreational vehicle is powered by a 1500cc engine. With removable roof panels, the X-90 quickly converts into an open-top four wheel drive which is guaranteed to turn heads both on the road and in the bush.
However, given the lack of space to put anything other than the driver and the passenger it is unlikely that this urban fashion accessory will ever see anything more harsh than the dirt on the side of the highway.