Likes

  • Great value for money
  • Solid reliability
  • Infotainment system is easy to use
  • Spacious and practical

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.

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

Models, pricing & features

suzuki-baleno1

GL

Price when new: $15,990 - $19,990

Price used: $8,800 - $19,800

Standard features:

12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
6 Speaker Stereo
ABS (Antilock Brakes)
Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt only
Air Conditioning
Airbag – Driver
Airbag – Passenger
Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
Audio – MP3 Decoder
Audio Decoder – WMA
Bluetooth System
Body Colour – Door Handles
Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
Bottle Holders – 1st Row
Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
Brake Assist
Camera – Rear Vision
Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
Chrome Grille Surround
Clock – Digital
Control – Electronic Stability
Control – Traction
Cruise Control
Cup Holders – 1st Row
Cup Holders – 2nd Row
Daytime Running Lamps – LED
Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
Fog Lamps – Front
GPS (Satellite Navigation)
Headlamps – Electric Level Adjustment
Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
Intermittent Wipers – Variable
Leather Steering Wheel
Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
Multi-function Steering Wheel
Power Door Mirrors
Power Steering
Power Windows – Front & Rear
Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy
Rear Wiper/Washer
Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
Seatback Pocket – Front Passenger Seat
Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelt – Load Limiters 2nd Row(Rear Outer seats)
Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelt – Pretensioners 2nd Row(Rear Outer seats)
Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
Smart Device App Display/Control
Smart Device Integration – Android Auto
Smart Device Integration – Apple CarPlay
Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
Speed Limiter
Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
Trim – Cloth
Trip Computer
Hill Holder

2019 updates:

Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
Engine Immobiliser
Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
Chrome Rear Garnish
Grab Handle – Passengers Side
Grab Handles – 2nd Row
Rear View Mirror – Manual Anti-Glare
Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
Tacho

GLX Turbo

Price when new: $18,990 - $21,990

Price used: $13,800 - $21,900

In addition to GL:

16″ Alloy Wheels
Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
Air Cond. – Climate Control
Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
Chrome Door Handles – Exterior
Disc Brakes Rear Solid
Gear Shift Paddles behind Steering Wheel
Headlamps – High Intensity Discharge
Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
Starter Button

GLX

Price when new: $21,990

Price used: $13,100 - $20,500

Same as GLX Turbo, just renamed to GLX after 2019.

2019 updates:

Headlights – LED
Headlights – See Me Home

Shadow

Price when new: $25,806

Price used: $23,000 - $25,990

In addition to GLX:

Body Kit – Lower (skirts, F & R Aprons)
Decals

Tech specs

Body Styles

5 door hatchback

Engines

1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Power

68kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

82kW – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Torque

130Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

160Nm – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Transmissions

5-speed Manual (GL)

4-speed Automatic (GL, GLX, Shadow)

6-speed Sports Automatic (GLX Turbo)

Fuel Consumption

5.1 – 5.4L / 100km

Length

3995mm

Width

1745mm

Height

1470mm

Kerb Weight

895 – 975kg

Body Styles

5 door hatchback

Engines

1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Power

68kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

82kW – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Torque

130Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

160Nm – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Transmissions

5-speed Manual (GL)

4-speed Automatic (GL, GLX, Shadow)

6-speed Sports Automatic (GLX Turbo)

Fuel Consumption

5.1 – 5.4L / 100km

Length

3995mm

Width

1745mm

Height

1470mm

Kerb Weight

895 – 975kg

Body Styles

5 door hatchback

Engines

1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Power

68kW – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

82kW – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Torque

130Nm – 1.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (GL, GLX, Shadow)

160Nm – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (GLX Turbo)

Transmissions

5-speed Manual (GL)

4-speed Automatic (GL, GLX, Shadow)

6-speed Sports Automatic (GLX Turbo)

Fuel Consumption

5.1 – 5.4L / 100km

Length

3995mm

Width

1745mm

Height

1470mm

Kerb Weight

895 – 975kg

Warranty & servicing

Warranty

3 years / 100,000 km

5 years / unlimited kms (from 1st October 2019)

Service Intervals

10000 km / 6 months (2016 GL, 2016 GLX Turbo, 2016 GLX)

15000 km / 12 months (2016 GL, 2016 GLX, 2016 Shadow)

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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.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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