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.