Likes
- Great value for money
- Solid reliability
- Infotainment system is easy to use
- Spacious and practical
Used Suzuki Baleno review
2016 - 2022
Dislikes
- Not extensively feature-packed
- Safety compared to some rivals (lacks AEB and other driver assistance features)
- Servicing costs are on the dearer side
- Dull
Stuff you should know
The EW Suzuki Baleno is one of those ‘cheap and cheerful’ cars that focuses on being simple and unpretentious. The EW Baleno arrived in Australia in July 2016 and is produced in Manesar, India.
It is available as a five door hatchback with a 1.4 naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine as well as a 1.0 turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine (from 2016-19). Model variants include GL (base model), GLX (premium) and GLX Turbo (premium model, discontinued in 2019) and the Shadow (introduced 2022).
Standard features include air conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors; six speaker sound system, a 7-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink smartphone integration, cruise control, speed limiter, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, trip computer, immobiliser, rearview camera, 60:40 split rear folding seats and rear privacy glass. Plus, the GLX/GLX Turbo features HID headlights, climate control, alloy wheels and push-button start. GLX models also added LED headlights and see me home function.
On the safety front, the Baleno does feature six airbags, ABC, EBD, brake assist, ESP, traction control and front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, however, it does lack more modern safety equipment like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning and cross-traffic alert – for this reason it wa scored 3 out of 5 stars by EuroNCAP s. It has not been tested by ANCAP in Australia.
The Baleno has had two recalls already issued, with one affecting the ISOFIX child restraint information provided in the owner’s manual and another relating to a loss of braking assistance due to the vacuum assist brake booster swelling. Otherwise, there’s really little for the Baleno to go wrong, and vehicles delivered post-2019 will still have warranty left on them as Suzuki upgraded their warranty offering to 5 years/unlimited kms from October 2019.
If you need something to take you from A to B, the Suzuki Baleno represents great value given what they’re going for on the used car market. The only thing to bear in mind is that they are pretty basic in comparison to other hatchbacks on the market, and you’ll need to be comfortable comprising on modern safety equipment that a lot of its rivals would have fitted as standard (or at least available).
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- If it’s been used a city run about, then be sure to check the paintwork. Despite early, high mileage Balenos could have spent lots of time under trees with unforgiving sap or parked on the streets, being exposed to the elements.
Interior:
- Older examples of the Baleno could start seeing their interiors going a little shiny due to the loads of plastic used in the interior.
Mechanically:
- There are some reports of the clutch wearing out from as early as 45,000km mark, but this isn’t a common occurrence.
- The ignition coils are known for failing on the Baleno. If these fail, you will notice that the car is misfiring and the engine idling will be very erratic, instead of the revs remaining at a constant speed.
- In models built between February 2016 and December 2017, there is a potential issue with the Integrated Starter Generator Belt breaking. This can cause the water pump to stop working, which can lead to overheating.
- There have been reports of the start/stop system on the Baleno malfunctioning. This can cause the car to stall when it is stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams.
- Some owners have reported problems with the rear axle on the Baleno. This can lead to excessive wear on the rear tyres and can also cause the car to vibrate when driving at high speeds.
- There have been a few reports of problems with the gearbox on the Baleno. This can manifest itself in the form of difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when changing gears, or the car jumping out of gear.
Recalls:
- 2016-17 models: Manufacturing defect on the value located between the engine and vacuum assist brake assist may swell under particular conditions, and can cause a reduction or loss in powered brake assistance and increased brake pedal effort might be required to slow the vehicle.
- 2016-18 models: Incorrect information in the owner’s manual relating to the installation of the ISOFIX child restraints.
It is important to note that not all 2016-2022 Suzuki Balenos will experience these problems.
Exterior:
- If it’s been used a city run about, then be sure to check the paintwork. Despite early, high mileage Balenos could have spent lots of time under trees with unforgiving sap or parked on the streets, being exposed to the elements.
Interior:
- Older examples of the Baleno could start seeing their interiors going a little shiny due to the loads of plastic used in the interior.
Mechanically:
- There are some reports of the clutch wearing out from as early as 45,000km mark, but this isn’t a common occurrence.
- The ignition coils are known for failing on the Baleno. If these fail, you will notice that the car is misfiring and the engine idling will be very erratic, instead of the revs remaining at a constant speed.
- In models built between February 2016 and December 2017, there is a potential issue with the Integrated Starter Generator Belt breaking. This can cause the water pump to stop working, which can lead to overheating.
- There have been reports of the start/stop system on the Baleno malfunctioning. This can cause the car to stall when it is stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams.
- Some owners have reported problems with the rear axle on the Baleno. This can lead to excessive wear on the rear tyres and can also cause the car to vibrate when driving at high speeds.
- There have been a few reports of problems with the gearbox on the Baleno. This can manifest itself in the form of difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when changing gears, or the car jumping out of gear.
Recalls:
- 2016-17 models: Manufacturing defect on the value located between the engine and vacuum assist brake assist may swell under particular conditions, and can cause a reduction or loss in powered brake assistance and increased brake pedal effort might be required to slow the vehicle.
- 2016-18 models: Incorrect information in the owner’s manual relating to the installation of the ISOFIX child restraints.
It is important to note that not all 2016-2022 Suzuki Balenos will experience these problems.
Exterior:
- If it’s been used a city run about, then be sure to check the paintwork. Despite early, high mileage Balenos could have spent lots of time under trees with unforgiving sap or parked on the streets, being exposed to the elements.
Interior:
- Older examples of the Baleno could start seeing their interiors going a little shiny due to the loads of plastic used in the interior.
Mechanically:
- There are some reports of the clutch wearing out from as early as 45,000km mark, but this isn’t a common occurrence.
- The ignition coils are known for failing on the Baleno. If these fail, you will notice that the car is misfiring and the engine idling will be very erratic, instead of the revs remaining at a constant speed.
- In models built between February 2016 and December 2017, there is a potential issue with the Integrated Starter Generator Belt breaking. This can cause the water pump to stop working, which can lead to overheating.
- There have been reports of the start/stop system on the Baleno malfunctioning. This can cause the car to stall when it is stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams.
- Some owners have reported problems with the rear axle on the Baleno. This can lead to excessive wear on the rear tyres and can also cause the car to vibrate when driving at high speeds.
- There have been a few reports of problems with the gearbox on the Baleno. This can manifest itself in the form of difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when changing gears, or the car jumping out of gear.
Recalls:
- 2016-17 models: Manufacturing defect on the value located between the engine and vacuum assist brake assist may swell under particular conditions, and can cause a reduction or loss in powered brake assistance and increased brake pedal effort might be required to slow the vehicle.
- 2016-18 models: Incorrect information in the owner’s manual relating to the installation of the ISOFIX child restraints.
It is important to note that not all 2016-2022 Suzuki Balenos will experience these problems.
Should you buy it?
If ever there was a car that screamed you are unpretentious, it would be the Suzuki Baleno. It represents everything we’ve come to expect from the Japanese manufacturer.
Small, light, only the features you need, meanwhile a joy to drive. No nonsense, modest motoring.
Because many will have been used as city runabouts, and they’re cheap to buy, it’s not uncommon to find Balenos that have been abused. Not in a “I’m going to drift around every corner” kind of way, more of a “Well it’s a pretty cheap car, so I’m not going to precious with it” way. So make sure you go over the exterior with a fine-toothed comb to check for cosmetic damage.
As usual, it’s crucial to make sure the Baleno you’re looking at has a full and thorough service history and get a pre-purchase inspection done.
If ever there was a car that screamed you are unpretentious, it would be the Suzuki Baleno. It represents everything we’ve come to expect from the Japanese manufacturer.
Small, light, only the features you need, meanwhile a joy to drive. No nonsense, modest motoring.
Because many will have been used as city runabouts, and they’re cheap to buy, it’s not uncommon to find Balenos that have been abused. Not in a “I’m going to drift around every corner” kind of way, more of a “Well it’s a pretty cheap car, so I’m not going to precious with it” way. So make sure you go over the exterior with a fine-toothed comb to check for cosmetic damage.
As usual, it’s crucial to make sure the Baleno you’re looking at has a full and thorough service history and get a pre-purchase inspection done.
Should you buy it?
If ever there was a car that screamed you are unpretentious, it would be the Suzuki Baleno. It represents everything we’ve come to expect from the Japanese manufacturer.
Small, light, only the features you need, meanwhile a joy to drive. No nonsense, modest motoring.
Because many will have been used as city runabouts, and they’re cheap to buy, it’s not uncommon to find Balenos that have been abused. Not in a “I’m going to drift around every corner” kind of way, more of a “Well it’s a pretty cheap car, so I’m not going to precious with it” way. So make sure you go over the exterior with a fine-toothed comb to check for cosmetic damage.
As usual, it’s crucial to make sure the Baleno you’re looking at has a full and thorough service history and get a pre-purchase inspection done.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of July 24, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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