Suzuki Baleno Hatchback (2016 - 2019) 1.0 Boosterjet SZ5 5d Auto Owner Review

In summary, the Baleno is the best value compact hatch, that ticks all my needs. We wanted to switch to petrol after the disappointment of a diesel which failed to live up to expectations as an all-rounder for city and distance drives. The usual DPF, poor economy, and dirty or failed injector seals were rife before a white van driver was caught writing the car off when parked roadside. Our shortlist was very small as we didn't want to spend more than £9k, and we were keen on a car that was over 3 years old. Our new requirements were: Space for four occupants with a decent boot. Comfort in ride and refinement. Solid, well engineered build. Flexible engine that was economical in the city and that could hold its own at 70mph. Safety or driver oriented features including reverse camera, auto lights/wipers, smart autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, auto gearbox, usable infotainment screen with DAB, Android Auto/carplay, electric windows, heated mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirror, climate control and a good range of rake and reach adjustment in the steering wheel. Overall length of 4m or less. We weren't so bothered about a chuckable go kart handling, a panoramic roof, or having soft touch plastics which are unusual or non existent in most compact cars. The drive is great, and aided by that amazing 1.0litre Boosterjet engine. Its the best, most economical and dynamic 1.0 engine by far compared with Ford, VW and Korean options I've driven. When mated to the best CVT auto gearbox I've come across it gives great response for the city and A roads, and a decent 6th gear for the motorway. Driving position is great although it can't trump my Mazda6, and the view of the road is just fine. It won't compare with a Fiesta for handling but it's more than competent. At less than 1tonne and several hundreds of kilos lighter than its competition, the car brakes well and you get a sense of being in a little peppy car, even if the steering doesn't give you the most feedback. The controls are all within logical and easy reach, and the interior design is driver oriented. I applied a simple firmware update to make the Infotainment system Android Auto compliant. Space is amazing rear seat passengers have Mondeo or Passat levels of legroom, and plenty of headroom for 6ft adults. The boot is as large as a Ford focus or VW golf, so it's punching above its weight there too. The rear doors open wide enough to get a baby seat in easily. The interior is more than adequate and functional. Remember this isn't meant to give you VW Golf levels of refinement with soft touch plastics around the top of the dashboard and doors. Instead it's harder plastics that are designed to just last. The safety features are amazing and they do work well. The adaptive cruise control and auto box makes motorway driving a doddle, leaving you calm and less tired after a long drive. My only gripe with the car is that the USB port that enables Android Auto to work does not support high speed charging. But we can live with that given a cigarette lighter plugin charger only cost £6. I was less pleased with the Dealer, EMG who sold me the car as roadworthy but it came with a failed front washer pump that set me back £20. They also tried to increase the APR rate on the paperwork after I'd negotiated it, when my wife was putting the wet signature on the paperwork. They did sort the minor paintwork blemishes on the front bumper as requested. This has nothing to do with the car, but it was part of the sales experience.