Suzuki Baleno Hatchback (2016 - 2019) 1.0 Boosterjet SZ-T 5d Owner Review

The Suzuki Baleno SZ-T is the mid-price spec from Suzuki UK with the 1 litre three-cylinder Boosterjet engine. The specs are widely available so let’s bypass those. First impressions on driving away from the dealership was of the solid feel of the car. It’s very similar to the Volvo C30 hatchback, in that everything feels well screwed together. The seats are comfortable, road noise is subdued and the cabin, despite what the reviewers slate with ‘hard plastics’, is a nice place to be. The seats are especially good at the price point, and the SZ-T comes with the Suzuki SLDA info/nav system by Bosch, with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There's a nice dash display with trip computer, and a temperature gauge. Air-Con is freezy cold, with pleasant leather steering wheel and gear knob, and 'flowing' design in the cockpit. The 110 BHP Boosterjet engine is typical of the breed, though more refined than say, the TCE90 from Renault. Suzuki’s engine doesn’t display the surging characteristics of many of the 1 litre turbo triples, but makes a smooth progression up the tachometer to about 4000 rpm. It feels like a much bigger engine, but is currently giving 58 MPG. There's loads of torque at low revs, so no need for a heavy right foot to drive it in town. The car is also very nimble, it handles well on the motorway, and there’s plenty of power for lane three use. The steering is very precise, and there are no complaints over the European-tested suspension. Driving it is a pleasant experience, and the chassis feels stiff and responsive. My car came in metallic grey at £430 extra. If you missed the Suzuki badge on the rump you might mistake it for a VW. It’s hard to find any faults with the Baleno. The slick Italian styling has a restrained beauty, the car is fast enough, if 120 MPH will do you, and in SZ-T form, all it really lacks is cruise control. Otherwise it’s an exceptionally pleasant car to own and drive with more room in the rear than its rivals. The engine is camchain driven, so no worries over cam belt failure. It doesn't come with a spare wheel. The fuel tank is 37 litres, and tank range is about 350 miles. Summary: SZ-T Baleno is possibly the nicest car in its price bracket. Test drive one if you’re in the market for a refined compact supermini. It's the Suzuki Swift's grown up brother.