The Suzuki Baleno will go on sale with the newly developed 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine that will also make it to the Indian market with the international launch scheduled for early next year.
Ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 15th September, Suzuki has officially revealed the 2016 Baleno premium hatchback that is positioned above the Swift in the company’s lineup. To be launched in India as a rival to the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the likes, the Baleno retains the lines from the iK-2 concept, albeit in a toned down fashion with the V-shaped grille and honeycomb mesh taking centre stage. The sweptback headlights come with internal detailing including projectors as well as LED lights, while the front bumper is a large unit with a wide air intake flanked by fog lamps on either corner.
The bulbous look is in abundance on the Suzuki Baleno as seen on the bonnet and wheel arches that seamlessly merge into the side profile. You get door mounted ORVMs, while the shoulder line recedes north taking up some of the glass area integrating well into the sloping roofline at the C-pillar.The 8-spoke alloy wheels look trendy on the premium hatchback. The rear profile gets a roof spoiler as well as curved LED tail lights.
Inside the cabin, Suzuki promises spacious interiors and luggage space as well as a host of new technologies on the new Baleno. The India spec model will mostly get the SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system as optional. The automaker is yet to reveal the dimensions of the car, but we know for a fact that the domestic version will be tucked under the 4-metre mark, whereas the international version could be similar to the concept measuring at 4023 mm. The wheelbase could be same as the concept at 2520 mm.
In terms of power, the new 1.0-litre direct injection BoosterJet petrol engine will debut on the 2016 Suzuki Baleno along with the SVHS hybrid system, in addition to the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine options. The Baleno will make it to international markets early next year and the Indian launch could see the model get a different name with the debut expected later this year around the festive season.
