Not mentioned and not known by many who bought this S75 Trim is a choice of ride hardness. By default, as new, the Tyre Pressure settings are set to ECO mode with front tyres set to a high 41psi & rear tyre 36psi allowing in more mpg. Alternatively there is a COMFORT mode with front Tyre Pressures set to 36psi and rear tyres set to 32psi which gives the vehicle a much nicer ride than the ECO tyre pressure settings. When changing to the COMFORT mode ensure you change the Tyre Pressure Management System (TPMS) to the lower COMFORT tyre pressure settings otherwise the WARNING light in the dashboard will come on. Instructions are found in the Drivers Handbook Page 3-87 how to set up the various tyre pressure modes. The explanation as to the working and purpose is found on Page3-82 to 3-86 Remember to reset the TPMS is you change to a different tyre pressur mode. Give it a try and see what you think
Thank you, this isn't my car, it belongs to one of my channel viewers, but the next time I am in touch I will tell him that a new comment has been made on the video that he may like to read.
I really wanted one of these but couldn't get one with low mileage for my budget so ended up with a Sandero 0.9 TCE, but equally impressive for less money.
It's amazing the amount of power manufacturers can extract these days from a little 1 litre engine. A three cylinder turbocharged engine is of course the very same format as the notorious (if still entertaining) Ford Ecoboost 1.0 - let's hope the Suzuki motor proves to he more reliable in the long term.
Yes, the Volkswagen TSI engine in our old Seat Toledo was similar in that it was a 1.0 three cylinder turbo producing 110 bhp. We tend to avoid talking about the Ecoboom engine on this channel...
Thanks for another interesting review. I don't even own a car at present but sooner or later intend to. I am finding your channel is so helpful and enjoyable. This particular car is just TOO sensible for me. At my age I would prefer the risk, uncertainty, perhaps daftness of buying the Jaguar Sovereign you recently reviewed. However, I am finding it really useful and enjoyable to mentally compare my feelings for your various reviewed cars.
It was the same situation with the Mark IV Seat Toledo. The Leon was sold alongside it, and was smaller and more expensive, but they couldn't give the Toledos away!
A good car. Sounds like it has a decent engine and equipment and lots of room too. Sort of to the Swift what the Toledo was to the Leon. There's a hint of Kia Rio about the styling too and not in a bad way
Yes, I think the best way of explaining the raison d'etre behind the Baleno is to compare the relationship between the Leon and Toledo. In a logical world, we would all be driving Toledos and Balenos as opposed to Swifts and Leons, but sometimes things just don't make sense like that, do they?
Always thought they should make a "GSR" version like they did with the older 90s one, could use the 1.4 boosterjet from the swift sport. Having said that the specs of the turbocharged K10C are very impressive, a manual example of these transplanted into a HA23S alto (2002-2006) that'd make it very interesting.
Yes, I think that the 1.4 Boosterjet engine would be great in the Baleno, but sadly, I don't think that it will ever happen now. I have driven one of those Altos, and they don't weigh anything, so having a turbo in it would be rather entertaining, I am sure!
You would enjoy those displays, wouldn't you, Mr Watters? Yes, better value than a Swift, rather like the Seat Toledo being better value than a Leon, but no one seemed to care....
I've seen many 18 plate Balenos especially SZ5 hovering around £7500 or £8000 and when you can get a Toledo Xcellence for the same or less money I know where my money would be! That said it does appear a capacious workhorse for size and price
They are quite similar cars in that both had a smaller, more stylish alternative for more money which comprehensively outsold it! The Toledo is really good, but so is this...
Yes, white is perhaps not my favourite colour, but this one is in remarkable condition and very nicely equipped. It seems that I am not the only one who is a fan of these on this channel!
Shame they killed this off, but size wise I imagine Suzuki found it was too close to the Swift, which is reasonably well established in this country, where the Baleno of the 90's was quite a bit different to this and really the majority of these buyers would of found that the Swift met their needs. But I really liked this new Baleno. Agree on the Suzuki infotainment system no physical buttons make it a pain to use but the steering wheels buttons are a God send.
Yes, the infotainment system isn't the best these days, but it wasn't bad at all when the car was new. It is much more common to lack physical buttons on them now too! I did really like it, although I think a Seat Toledo of the same era is probably even better for the money, and has a slightly nicer interior with more space. It is a shame that both had to be discontinued, really....
I think this was model was Suzuki's best kept secret ......lol Go for the SZ range if you can as it's got Discs Brakes all round unlike the lower range models which has Drum Brakes. If you have not had a call from Suzuki yet, ref the Vacuum Pump modification in the 1litre engine, you should do so.
Yes, the chassis could probably handle that 1.4 from the Vitara and the Swift Sport, but it never happened, sadly. Glad you enjoyed the video, Mr and Mrs Quirk!
Yeah I rather like that, might even look for one actually. It's quite similar to the old Hyundai Accent in spirit; a small car that's been blown up in size so it's more like the next size up, priced to suit, and with reliable mechanicals. Couple on ebay for four grand. Not bad. Certainly a more interesting prospect than a Golf at twice or three times the age and double the miles.
Yes, we had a Golf Mark 7.5 on the channel in March 2019! Funny to think that they are about the same size. If you do need help finding a new car, then please do feel free to get in touch via the e-mail address which appears on screen at about 1:37. The value that something like this or a Mark IV Seat Toledo offers is brilliant.
Pleasing shape which reminds me of something else but I can't pin point exactly what. Interior colour coordination is beautiful and relatively airy. Which class is it in, Corsa or Golf? Maybe it is another Rover 25 that is a bit of both and neither emphatically at the same. The ride seems lovely and noise level is very very low. Were you aware that there was a small furry creature trying to eat your Sensible Second hand Reviews Jacket, Sir? Very sad to hear of the Celerio leaving the market. Possibly a result of the 3 years only warranty compared to similar rivals.
@@mattw8332 not much wrong with a Suzuki. They only give sterling service to their owners.. My Dad has a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara that he bought new. In 14 years he has replaced a belt tensioner, a number plate and the alternator. Only other expenses have been tyres fuel and servicing. He is never selling it.
Yes, Suzukis are very reliable indeed on the whole. The Baleno is indeed about the same size as a Golf Mark 7.5, although ever so much cheaper, and with an even bigger boot.
Very nice review! I do like this, and the sound of the engine. Downshifting an automatic is very advantageous especially in winter driving. I must say that most infotainment systems are annoying, although I do like Android Auto, one needs a co-pilot like myself to operate.
It does actually make a surprisingly good noise, and this is probably one of the few times where the automatic version of a normal car like this is definitely superior to the manual one by most accounts!
Thank you for doing this review. I'm looking for a new car and I've been looking at the city cars. I then discovered this little beauty that seems to have the advantages of a city car in mpg ratings and overall cost but has the added advantage of having loads of boot space ... AND ... I love the styling. That rear end profile is just perfect. I love a rear profile that takes full advantage of the interior space that can be made available and also is well streamlined. A beautifull design both aesthetically and practically, which is why I was puzzled to then discover they had stopped making them due to low sales. WHAT! How come the Swift is more popular than this car? In my eyes the Baleno is also a better looking car than the Swift. There are a lot of cars that go for the less practical, less streamlined chopped off upper rear end profile, the Swift is not bad in that respect, the worst one is the Fiat 500. I bet that's got hardly any boot space, and very little rear seat leg room, and that's not because of its short length, that's purely due to that chopped off upper rear end, which also to my eyes just looks ... well .. so WRONG! Thanks for this video Lloyd, together with the reliability record of this car I think you have convince me to go for one. I'm not sure I remember right, but I think I read that its side impact rating is not as high?
No problem at all, Richard! The Baleno never really appealed to a lot of buyers over here, as the Vitara and Swift were far better established at the time, and nobody really knew why Suzuki needed so many different cars in the small car segment. Yes, both the Celerio and Baleno were both discontinued for 2019 as people simply were not buying them. The Fiat 500 is not in the same class as one of these, they were one of the largest superminis, whereas the 500 is a small city car.
Good review I was wonderig about the brakes as the Which Report gave the brakes 1 star. I am considering buying this automatic but Which Report put me off a bit.
Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting! I drive an awful lot of cars, and have come across some terrible brakes in my time. The brakes in this Baleno were definitely not in that category!
@@lloydvehicleconsulting Thank you so much for replying that puts my mind at rest as I have already purchased the car. I am getting it in a week's time and have only had a test drive in a manual. My car has low miles so hoping to keep it for a long time.
A mutually-beneficial partnership So how did Toyota acquire the right to start selling rebadged Suzukis? Well, Toyota was very keen to increase its market share in the lucrative Indian market, while Maruti Suzuki (the runaway market leader in that country), was eager to acquire TMC’s hybrid- and autonomous driving technologies, both of which are becoming increasingly important as the market evolves - even in the developing world. The companies, which decided to co-operate as long ago as 2016, signed an agreement for a capital alliance in August 2019 to establish and promote long-term cooperation; Toyota duly acquired a 4.94% stake in Suzuki, while the latter bought a 0.21% stake in the former. Toyota produces 2 hybrid vehicles for Suzuki, of which the first is the Across (or A-Cross), which is a petrol-electric RAV4 for the European market (it's built in Turkey) and the other is reported to be a Corolla Estate (produced in the UK). Suzuki, on the other hand, will supply Toyota with the aforementioned Baleno (rebadged as a Toyota Starlet), Vitara Brezza (rebadged as a Toyota Urban Cruiser), but also, some reports say, the Ciaz budget sedan and Ertiga small MPV. Here's the link to the source article: www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/no-toyota-is-not-squashing-suzuki/50834/
Suzuki Vitara Brezza vs Toyota Urban Cruiser: Key Differences www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/suzuki-vitara-brezza-vs-toyota-urban-cruiser-key-differences/50932/
Sorry not to have replied to you beforehand, sir! CZcams does not really like links being put in the comments section, and so this has been delayed a bit. The information was pretty interesting, though!
Not mentioned and not known by many who bought this S75 Trim is a choice of ride hardness. By default, as new, the Tyre Pressure settings are set to ECO mode with front tyres set to a high 41psi & rear tyre 36psi allowing in more mpg.
Alternatively there is a COMFORT mode with front Tyre Pressures set to 36psi and rear tyres set to 32psi which gives the vehicle a much nicer ride than the ECO tyre pressure settings.
When changing to the COMFORT mode ensure you change the Tyre Pressure Management System (TPMS) to the lower COMFORT tyre pressure settings otherwise the WARNING light in the dashboard will come on.
Instructions are found in the Drivers Handbook Page 3-87 how to set up the various tyre pressure modes. The explanation as to the working and purpose is found on Page3-82 to 3-86
Remember to reset the TPMS is you change to a different tyre pressur mode.
Give it a try and see what you think
Thank you, this isn't my car, it belongs to one of my channel viewers, but the next time I am in touch I will tell him that a new comment has been made on the video that he may like to read.
I really wanted one of these but couldn't get one with low mileage for my budget so ended up with a Sandero 0.9 TCE, but equally impressive for less money.
Yes, the Sandero is rather different, isn't it? I have driven a Logan MCV and that was all right, actually.
It's amazing the amount of power manufacturers can extract these days from a little 1 litre engine. A three cylinder turbocharged engine is of course the very same format as the notorious (if still entertaining) Ford Ecoboost 1.0 - let's hope the Suzuki motor proves to he more reliable in the long term.
Suzuki did turbo 3 cylinder in the eighties, even though this is more modern.
Yes, the Volkswagen TSI engine in our old Seat Toledo was similar in that it was a 1.0 three cylinder turbo producing 110 bhp. We tend to avoid talking about the Ecoboom engine on this channel...
Thanks for another interesting review. I don't even own a car at present but sooner or later intend to. I am finding your channel is so helpful and enjoyable.
This particular car is just TOO sensible for me. At my age I would prefer the risk, uncertainty, perhaps daftness of buying the Jaguar Sovereign you recently reviewed. However, I am finding it really useful and enjoyable to mentally compare my feelings for your various reviewed cars.
Thank you, sir! Still catching up on comments hidden by the algorithm.
It certainly appeared that Suzuki were having trouble shifting these on as at one point the starting price was £500 less than a base Swift.
It was the same situation with the Mark IV Seat Toledo. The Leon was sold alongside it, and was smaller and more expensive, but they couldn't give the Toledos away!
A good car. Sounds like it has a decent engine and equipment and lots of room too. Sort of to the Swift what the Toledo was to the Leon. There's a hint of Kia Rio about the styling too and not in a bad way
Yes, I think the best way of explaining the raison d'etre behind the Baleno is to compare the relationship between the Leon and Toledo. In a logical world, we would all be driving Toledos and Balenos as opposed to Swifts and Leons, but sometimes things just don't make sense like that, do they?
Always thought they should make a "GSR" version like they did with the older 90s one, could use the 1.4 boosterjet from the swift sport. Having said that the specs of the turbocharged K10C are very impressive, a manual example of these transplanted into a HA23S alto (2002-2006) that'd make it very interesting.
Yes, I think that the 1.4 Boosterjet engine would be great in the Baleno, but sadly, I don't think that it will ever happen now. I have driven one of those Altos, and they don't weigh anything, so having a turbo in it would be rather entertaining, I am sure!
Great looking Car, think I would enjoy the torque and power setting on the dash display. Shame it never sold well in the UK.
You would enjoy those displays, wouldn't you, Mr Watters? Yes, better value than a Swift, rather like the Seat Toledo being better value than a Leon, but no one seemed to care....
I've seen many 18 plate Balenos especially SZ5 hovering around £7500 or £8000 and when you can get a Toledo Xcellence for the same or less money I know where my money would be! That said it does appear a capacious workhorse for size and price
They are quite similar cars in that both had a smaller, more stylish alternative for more money which comprehensively outsold it! The Toledo is really good, but so is this...
Quite a nice shape not keen on the colour though never really considered a Suzuki before nice review as always👍🏾
Yes, white is perhaps not my favourite colour, but this one is in remarkable condition and very nicely equipped. It seems that I am not the only one who is a fan of these on this channel!
Shame they killed this off, but size wise I imagine Suzuki found it was too close to the Swift, which is reasonably well established in this country, where the Baleno of the 90's was quite a bit different to this and really the majority of these buyers would of found that the Swift met their needs. But I really liked this new Baleno. Agree on the Suzuki infotainment system no physical buttons make it a pain to use but the steering wheels buttons are a God send.
Yes, the infotainment system isn't the best these days, but it wasn't bad at all when the car was new. It is much more common to lack physical buttons on them now too! I did really like it, although I think a Seat Toledo of the same era is probably even better for the money, and has a slightly nicer interior with more space. It is a shame that both had to be discontinued, really....
I think this was model was Suzuki's best kept secret ......lol
Go for the SZ range if you can as it's got Discs Brakes all round unlike the lower range models which has Drum Brakes.
If you have not had a call from Suzuki yet, ref the Vacuum Pump modification in the 1litre engine, you should do so.
Interesting Suzuki does exactly what it says on the tin- now this would be fun with the Swift Sport 1.4 Booster jet, thank you Joseph
Yes, the chassis could probably handle that 1.4 from the Vitara and the Swift Sport, but it never happened, sadly. Glad you enjoyed the video, Mr and Mrs Quirk!
Nice car,great review Joseph
Thank you, sir!
The blanking space by the hand brake is usually for seat warming
Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting!
Yeah I rather like that, might even look for one actually. It's quite similar to the old Hyundai Accent in spirit; a small car that's been blown up in size so it's more like the next size up, priced to suit, and with reliable mechanicals. Couple on ebay for four grand. Not bad. Certainly a more interesting prospect than a Golf at twice or three times the age and double the miles.
Yes, we had a Golf Mark 7.5 on the channel in March 2019! Funny to think that they are about the same size. If you do need help finding a new car, then please do feel free to get in touch via the e-mail address which appears on screen at about 1:37. The value that something like this or a Mark IV Seat Toledo offers is brilliant.
Pleasing shape which reminds me of something else but I can't pin point exactly what. Interior colour coordination is beautiful and relatively airy. Which class is it in, Corsa or Golf? Maybe it is another Rover 25 that is a bit of both and neither emphatically at the same. The ride seems lovely and noise level is very very low.
Were you aware that there was a small furry creature trying to eat your Sensible Second hand Reviews Jacket, Sir?
Very sad to hear of the Celerio leaving the market. Possibly a result of the 3 years only warranty compared to similar rivals.
It's more of a Golf sized car than a Corsa/supermini size.
Ha ha, I noticed the small furry creature too!
@@mattw8332 not much wrong with a Suzuki. They only give sterling service to their owners.. My Dad has a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara that he bought new. In 14 years he has replaced a belt tensioner, a number plate and the alternator. Only other expenses have been tyres fuel and servicing. He is never selling it.
Yes, Suzukis are very reliable indeed on the whole. The Baleno is indeed about the same size as a Golf Mark 7.5, although ever so much cheaper, and with an even bigger boot.
Very nice review!
I do like this, and the sound of the engine.
Downshifting an automatic is very advantageous especially in winter driving.
I must say that most infotainment systems are annoying, although I do like Android Auto, one needs a co-pilot like myself to operate.
The sound is glorious and a good automatic is simply default in my book summer and winter.
It does actually make a surprisingly good noise, and this is probably one of the few times where the automatic version of a normal car like this is definitely superior to the manual one by most accounts!
Thank you for doing this review. I'm looking for a new car and I've been looking at the city cars. I then discovered this little beauty that seems to have the advantages of a city car in mpg ratings and overall cost but has the added advantage of having loads of boot space ... AND ... I love the styling. That rear end profile is just perfect. I love a rear profile that takes full advantage of the interior space that can be made available and also is well streamlined. A beautifull design both aesthetically and practically, which is why I was puzzled to then discover they had stopped making them due to low sales. WHAT!
How come the Swift is more popular than this car? In my eyes the Baleno is also a better looking car than the Swift. There are a lot of cars that go for the less practical, less streamlined chopped off upper rear end profile, the Swift is not bad in that respect, the worst one is the Fiat 500. I bet that's got hardly any boot space, and very little rear seat leg room, and that's not because of its short length, that's purely due to that chopped off upper rear end, which also to my eyes just looks ... well .. so WRONG! Thanks for this video Lloyd, together with the reliability record of this car I think you have convince me to go for one. I'm not sure I remember right, but I think I read that its side impact rating is not as high?
No problem at all, Richard! The Baleno never really appealed to a lot of buyers over here, as the Vitara and Swift were far better established at the time, and nobody really knew why Suzuki needed so many different cars in the small car segment. Yes, both the Celerio and Baleno were both discontinued for 2019 as people simply were not buying them. The Fiat 500 is not in the same class as one of these, they were one of the largest superminis, whereas the 500 is a small city car.
@@lloydvehicleconsulting Am I right that Toyota have brought the car back as the Starlet but with a few tweaks?
@@richardarcher3435 , yes, in South Africa, I believe. Suzuki and Toyota have done a swap of some models.
My step dad had a baleno in red very nice car
Thank you ever so much indeed for watching, yes, I quite liked this one!
I drive the same car in Germany; on the German car papers the brand is 'maruti' ; thus confirming it is produced in India
Thank you ever so much indeed, glad we got that right in the video! Really appreciate you watching.
Good review I was wonderig about the brakes as the Which Report gave the brakes 1 star. I am considering buying this automatic but Which Report put me off a bit.
Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting! I drive an awful lot of cars, and have come across some terrible brakes in my time. The brakes in this Baleno were definitely not in that category!
@@lloydvehicleconsulting Thank you so much for replying that puts my mind at rest as I have already purchased the car. I am getting it in a week's time and have only had a test drive in a manual. My car has low miles so hoping to keep it for a long time.
@@lloydvehicleconsulting Thank you for second reply on good automatic. Appreciated
@@PrettyPortUK , no problem at all!
A mutually-beneficial partnership
So how did Toyota acquire the right to start selling rebadged Suzukis? Well, Toyota was very keen to increase its market share in the lucrative Indian market, while Maruti Suzuki (the runaway market leader in that country), was eager to acquire TMC’s hybrid- and autonomous driving technologies, both of which are becoming increasingly important as the market evolves - even in the developing world.
The companies, which decided to co-operate as long ago as 2016, signed an agreement for a capital alliance in August 2019 to establish and promote long-term cooperation; Toyota duly acquired a 4.94% stake in Suzuki, while the latter bought a 0.21% stake in the former.
Toyota produces 2 hybrid vehicles for Suzuki, of which the first is the Across (or A-Cross), which is a petrol-electric RAV4 for the European market (it's built in Turkey) and the other is reported to be a Corolla Estate (produced in the UK).
Suzuki, on the other hand, will supply Toyota with the aforementioned Baleno (rebadged as a Toyota Starlet), Vitara Brezza (rebadged as a Toyota Urban Cruiser), but also, some reports say, the Ciaz budget sedan and Ertiga small MPV.
Here's the link to the source article: www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/no-toyota-is-not-squashing-suzuki/50834/
Suzuki Vitara Brezza vs Toyota Urban Cruiser: Key Differences
www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/suzuki-vitara-brezza-vs-toyota-urban-cruiser-key-differences/50932/
ROAD TEST: Toyota Starlet vs. Suzuki Baleno
www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/road-tests/comparative-road-tests/comparison-test-toyota-suzuki/
Sorry not to have replied to you beforehand, sir! CZcams does not really like links being put in the comments section, and so this has been delayed a bit. The information was pretty interesting, though!
It's built in india
They are indeed!