Η Suzuki μπορεί να έχει παρουσιάσει το νέο Baleno εδώ και καιρό, αλλά έπρεπε να φτάσουμε στην έκθεση της Φρανκφούρτης για να αποκαλύψει τα τεχνικά χαρακτηριστικά του νέου μοντέλου της. Το Suzuki Baleno, τοποθετείται πάνω από το Swift στην γκάμα της Ιαπωνικής εταιρίας. Έχει μήκος 3.995 χιλιοστών, πλάτος 1.745 και ύψος 1.470. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι είναι μακρύτερο και φαρδύτερο από το μικρό αδερφάκι του αλλά με ελάχιστα χαμηλότερο ύψος. Επίσης, διαθέτει σημαντικά μεγαλύτερο χώρο αποσκευών που φτάνει τα 355 λίτρα. Βασίζεται σε μία ολοκαίνουρια πλατφόρμα και όσον αφορά στην ανάρτηση, διαθέτει τα κλασικά γόνατα McPherson εμπρός και ημιάκαμπτο άξονα στον πίσω άξονα.
Το νέο Suzuki Baleno, θα προσφέρεται με έναν 1200άρη Dualjet που αποδίδει 89 άλογα και 120 Nm ροπής αλλά και τον 1000άρη, τρικύλινδρο, υπερτροφοδοτούμενο Boosterjet που αποδίδει 110 άλογα και 170 Nm ροπής μεταξύ 2.000 και 3.500 σ.α.λ. Η γκάμα, συμπληρώνεται από μία “mild-hybrid” έκδοση που ονομάζεται SHVS και ενσωματώνει στον 1200άρη βενζινοκινητήρα έναν ηλεκτροκινητήρα. Η Suzuki ισχυρίζεται ότι το σύστημα βοηθάει στις εκκινήσεις και προσφέρει ομαλότερη επανεκκίνηση του κινητήρα σε stop-start καταστάσεις. Όλα τα σύνολα, συνδυάζονται με 5-τάχυτο, μηχανικό κιβώτιο ενώ διαθέσιμο είναι και ένα CVT. Όσον αφορά στον Boosterjet ειδικότερα, οι πελάτες μπορούν να επιλέξουν ένα συμβατικό, 6-τάχυτο, αυτόματο κιβώτιο. Για να κλείσουμε με τα μηχανικά, να αναφέρουμε ότι το υβριδικό Baleno είναι και το πιο “πράσινο” αφού εκπέμπει μόλις 93 γραμμάρια CO2 ανά χιλιόμετρο με το Dualjet να εκπέμπει 101 gr/km και το ισχυρότερο, Boosterjet, 103 gr/km.
Τέλος, όσον αφορά στην καμπίνα, ξεχωρίζει η απλότητα του ταμπλό που προσφέρεται προαιρετικά και με μία οθόνη αφής 7 ιντσών, τη στιγμή που οι πιο βασικές εκδόσεις διαθέτουν μόνο μία LCD οθόνη στο κέντρο του πίνακα οργάνων. Υπάρχει και συμβατότητα με Apple CarPlay. Οι πωλήσεις του νέου Baleno αναμένεται να ξεκινήσουν γύρω στην άνοιξη του 2016 και οι τιμές θα ανακοινωθούν πιο κοντά στο λανσάρισμα.
Παράλληλα η Suzuki ανακοίνωσε το μεσοπρόθεσμο 5-ετές επιχειρηματικό πλάνο με το οποίο στοχεύει να αυξήσει τις πωλήσεις της και τα έσοδα της από τα 3 δισ γιεν στα 3,7 δισ. γιεν. Για να το πετύχει θα παρουσιάσει 20 νέα μοντέλα, ώστε να αυξήσει τις ετήσιες πωλήσεις της από τα 2,87 εκατ. στα 3,4 εκατ. αυτοκίνητα έως το 2020. Πάνω στη νέα αρθρωτή πλατφόρμα που έχει ετοιμάσει η Suzuki, η οποία είναι κατά 15% πιο ελαφριά από αυτή που αντικαθιστά, θα κατασκευάσει τα μελλοντικά της A-segment, B-segment και τα μεγαλύτερα μοντέλα της.
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Η Suzuki στην 66η Έκθεση Αυτοκινήτου της Φρανκφούρτης
Στην 66η Διεθνή Έκθεση Αυτοκινήτου της Φρανκφούρτης η Suzuki πραγματοποίησε την πρώτη παγκόσμια παρουσίαση του νέου Suzuki Baleno –ένα νέο compact hatchback που ανεβάζει τον πήχη σε θέματα σχεδιασμού, συνολικής απόδοσης και τεχνολογίας.
Nέο Baleno, το ιδανικό hatchback της Suzuki
Το νέο Baleno με τον κομψό σχεδιασμό του και το ευρύχωρο εσωτερικό, εφοδιασμένο με τις πιο πρόσφατες τεχνολογίες της Suzuki, αποτελεί το ιδανικό hatchback. Ενώ παράλληλα είναι εξελιγμένο βάσει της μακρόχρονης εμπειρίας και παράδοσης της εταιρείας στην κατασκευή compact αυτοκινήτων.
Εξωτερικά, ο σπορτίφ και κομψός σχεδιασμός, ο οποίος βασίζεται στο concept του “Liquid Flow” design, παραπέμπει στο γεμάτο ενέργεια και δυναμικό χαρακτήρα του μοντέλου. Ενώ, στο εσωτερικό, η καμπίνα εξασφαλίζει την άνετη φιλοξενία των επιβατών τόσο στα μπροστινά όσο και στα πίσω καθίσματα, καθώς και έναν κορυφαίο για την κατηγορία χώρο αποσκευών 355 λίτρων*.
Για υψηλά επίπεδα επιδόσεων και οικονομίας καυσίμου, το Baleno διαθέτει νέες τεχνολογίες, όπως μια ολοκαίνουρια πλατφόρμα αμαξώματος, turbo βενζινοκινητήρα BOOSTERJET με τεχνολογία άμεσου ψεκασμού και το σύστημα SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki). Μετά από συνεχείς, απαιτητικές δοκιμές στην Ευρώπη, το Baleno, προσφέρει μια οδηγική εμπειρία που ανταποκρίνεται στη συνεχή αναζήτηση της Suzuki για την ιδανική ισορροπία ανάμεσα στη σβέλτη απόδοση και την εξευγενισμένη ποιότητα κύλισης.
Επίσης, το νέο μοντέλο ενσωματώνει πληθώρα τεχνολογικών καινοτομιών, οι οποίες προσφέρουν ασφάλεια, άνεση και σιγουριά. Ορισμένες από αυτές είναι, η εξελιγμένη έγχρωμη οθόνη πολλαπλών πληροφοριών, το adaptive cruise control με περιοριστή ταχύτητας, ηχοσύστημα με οθόνη 7’’ και δυνατότητα σύνδεσης με Smartphones (Smartphone Linkage Display Audio, συμβατό πλέον με Apple CarPlay), αλλά και το σύστημα υποβοήθησης φρεναρίσματος (Radar Brake Support).
(*) Σύμφωνα με τις μετρήσεις της Suzuki στα hatchback του B Segment, όπως αυτά ορίστηκαν από τη Suzuki (μήκος αμαξώματος 3,700mm-4,100mm) και μετρήθηκαν με την μέθοδο VDA του German Association of the Automotive Industry.
Η νέα έκδοση S του Vitara
Η νέα έκδοση S έχει προστεθεί στη γκάμα του Vitara, το οποίο πραγματοποιεί μια πολύ καλή εμπορική πορεία από την παρουσίασή του την άνοιξη του 2015. Η νέα έκδοση εφοδιασμένη με τον κινητήρα 1.4 BOOSTERJET για βελτιωμένη οδηγική επίδοση, τη νέα εμπρός μάσκα, καθώς και τα νέα σχεδιαστικά στοιχεία στο εσωτερικό και όχι μόνο, προσφέρει συνολικά μια πιο σπορτίφ αίσθηση.
Νέες τεχνολογίες στην επιδίωξη αναβαθμισμένης οδηγικής εμπειρίας, οικονομίας καυσίμου, ασφάλειας και προστασίας
Οι βασικοί πυλώνες για επίτευξη τεχνολογικών καινοτομιών, θα είναι η αναζήτηση μιας βελτιωμένης οδηγικής εμπειρίας σε συνδυασμό με την οικονομία καυσίμου, μέσω της βελτίωσης των αμαξωμάτων και των κινητήριων συνόλων, καθώς και η επιδίωξη αναβάθμισης της ασφάλειας, μέσω βοηθητικών συστημάτων και παροχής τεχνολογιών πληροφορίας και ενημέρωσης. Ήδη το νέο Baleno χρησιμοποιεί τουλάχιστον τρεις από αυτές τις νέες τεχνολογίες για την επίτευξη μιας βελτιωμένης οδηγικής εμπειρίας και οικονομίας καυσίμου: την άκαμπτη και ιδιαίτερα ελαφριά πλατφόρμα αμαξώματος, τον εξαιρετικό υπερτροφοδοτούμενο κινητήρα BOOSTERJET 1.0 λίτρου, με τεχνολογία άμεσου ψεκασμού, και το SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki).
SUZUKI NEXT 100
Τον Ιούνιο αυτού του έτους, η Suzuki ανακοίνωσε το SUZUKI NEXT 100, ένα 5ετές πλάνο, σχεδιασμένο να θέσει τα θεμέλια για τα επόμενα 100 χρόνια του Suzuki Group, το οποίο και θα γιορτάσει το 2020 την επέτειο των 100 χρόνων.
Το πλάνο, με ακρογωνιαίο λίθο τη βασική αρχή της Suzuki «εστιάζουμε στον πελάτη», αποσκοπεί στο να ενισχύσει την εταιρική αξία και να εξασφαλίσει βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη, με την ένωση του Suzuki Group σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο ως μια “Ομάδα Suzuki” η οποία θα πραγματοποιήσει δομικές αλλαγές, θα προωθήσει την παγκοσμιοποίηση της μάρκας και θα παγιώσει τη βάση εργασιών της Suzuki.
Ταυτόχρονα με την ενίσχυση της παραγωγής -και σε αρμονία με την πολιτική της Suzuki να θέτει ως απόλυτη προτεραιότητα την ποιότητα- το Group θα ενισχύσει τις δυνατότητες τεχνολογικής ανάπτυξης και θα βελτιώσει την παραγωγικότητα έτσι ώστε να δημιουργήσει καινοτόμα προϊόντα που θα ξεπερνούν τις προσδοκίες των πελατών.
Στον τομέα της αυτοκίνησης, η Suzuki έχει βελτιώσει την αποτελεσματικότητά της με την ενοποίηση πλατφορμών αυτοκινήτων και την επικέντρωσή της στην εξέλιξη κινητήρων. Μέσα στα επόμενα 5 χρόνια σχεδιάζει να παρουσιάσει 20 νέα μοντέλα παγκοσμίως και να αυξήσει το ήδη υψηλό νούμερο πωλήσεων των 2,87 εκατομμυρίων οχημάτων που επετεύχθη το οικονομικό έτος 2014, σε 3,4 εκατομμύρια το οικονομικό έτος 2019. Το νέο Baleno που παρουσιάστηκε στην Έκθεση Αυτοκινήτου της Φρανκφούρτης αποτελεί το πρώτο βήμα προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση.
SUZUKI AT THE 66TH FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
At the 66th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show today, Suzuki revealed to the world for the first time ever the Baleno – a new compact hatchback that raises the bar in terms of styling, packaging and technology.
The new Baleno compact hatchback
The new Baleno with its stylish design, spacious interior and Suzuki’s latest technologies, is the ideal compact hatchback and one that is based on Suzuki’s experience of making compact cars for 60 years.
Within the Baleno’s sporty and elegant styling—based on a “Liquid Flow” design theme suggestive of an energetic mass of liquid in motion—is a cabin with comfortable seating for adults both in the front and in the rear and a class-leading luggage space of 355 litres*.
For high levels of driving performance and fuel efficiency, the Baleno features new technologies in the form of a newly developed platform, a BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine, and the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild hybrid system. Fine-tuned over repeated test runs in Europe, the Baleno offers a driving experience achieved by Suzuki’s pursuit of the best balance between nimble performance and refined riding comfort.
The all-new Baleno will go on sale in Europe next spring.
*According to a Suzuki survey of B-segment hatchbacks as defined by Suzuki (a hatchback model with an overall length of 3,700mm-4,100mm) and measured using the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) method.
New mid-term management plan SUZUKI NEXT 100
In June this year, Suzuki established and announced the SUZUKI NEXT 100, a five-yearmid-term management plan designed to build the foundation for the next 100 years of the Suzuki Group, which will mark its 100th anniversary in 2020.
The plan, with Suzuki’s basic principle of “focusing on the customer” as its cornerstone, aims to heighten corporate value and achieve sustainable growth, with the Suzuki Group uniting worldwide as one “Team Suzuki” to undertake structural reform, promote globalization, and solidify Suzuki’s base of business. Aiming to strengthen its manufacturing, the entire group—in line with Suzuki’s policy of placing top priority on quality—will fortify its technology development capabilities and improve productivity so that it can create original products that exceed customers’ expectations. By doing so, Suzuki hopes to be able to increase its consolidated net sales from the 3,015.5 billion yen recorded in fiscal 2014 (1 April, 2014-31 March, 2015) to 3,700 billion yen in fiscal 2019 (1 April, 2018-31 March, 2019).
In its automobile business, Suzuki is heightening its development efficiencies by consolidating vehicle platforms and concentrating engine development. Over the next five years, it plans to introduce 20 new models worldwide and to expand its all-time, global-sales high of 2.87 million vehicles, achieved in fiscal 2014, to 3.4 million vehicles in fiscal 2019. The Baleno announced today at the Frankfurt Motor Show is Suzuki’s first global step toward introducing these 20 new models.
In order for Suzuki to hone its advanced technologies and cutting-edge design to further strengthen its manufacturing, it plans to continuously launch more than one new model each year in the important European market, aiming to achieve annual sales in Europe of 280,000 vehicles in fiscal 2019. In the current fiscal year, in addition to launching a new model, Suzuki is also planning to make its current lineup even more exciting, such as by introducing a new “S” grade as a sporty version of the Vitara, and, thus, forecasts European sales of 205,000 vehicles, an increase of 5 per cent over the previous fiscal year.
The Vitara’s new S grade
A new S grade will be added to the lineup of the Vitara, which has been selling well since its launch in spring 2015 . With a 1.4 BOOSTERJET engine for enhanced driving performance and a five-slotted front grille based on that of the iV-4 SUV concept model shown at the previous Frankfurt show, as well as red accents throughout its interior and other features to provide a sportier feel.
It will be the Vitara’s highest grade, with LED headlamps, leather-and-suede-like seats, RBS (Radar Brake Support) autonomous emergency braking system and adaptive cruise control, among others, as standard. The S grade will be available in seven colours, including two two-tone combinations. Sales will soon start in succession in various countries in Europe, as Suzuki responds to customers’ diversifying needs.
New technologies in pursuit of better driving, fuel efficiency, safety and security
The pillars for strengthening technology development as outlined in the SUZUKI NEXT 100 plan will be pursuit of better driving performance and better fuel efficiency through improving vehicle bodies and powertrain efficiencies and pursuit of greater safety and security through driving-assist and information and communications technologies. The new Baleno features three new technologies for achieving better driving performance and better fuel efficiency: a new-generation platform, the new BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine and the SHVS mild hybrid system. Furthermore, the Smartphone Linkage Display Audio system with a 7-inch display that offers an intuitive operating experience has been evolved to feature Apple CarPlay support, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car.
New-generation platform
This new Suzuki platform was developed by radically reviewing the basic structure of the vehicle underbody in pursuit of achieving lightweight and solid basic performance. As a result of enhancing rigidity while achieving lightweight by creating a continuous and curving skeletal structure, the new platform achieves an approximately 10 per cent increase in body rigidity compared to conventional vehicles in the same class, as well as an approximately 15 per cent reduction in total vehicle weight compared to the platforms it replaces.
Additionally, by aiming for not partial optimisation but rather optimisation of the entire vehicle including components attached to the underbody, Suzuki has been able to keep vibration and noise in check, while maintaining ride comfort. This means better driving performance and fuel efficiency, without sacrificing collision safety and NVH performance.
Also, Suzuki will heighten its development efficiencies by integrating, based on the new platform, its current four platforms into three, centered on minicars, A-segment vehicles, and B-segment and larger vehicles, and by adopting modularization of functional components, such as suspension systems, air conditioning systems and seat frames.
New BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine
The BOOSTERJET is a newly developed direct-injection turbo engine that is characterised by improved fuel-efficiency and driving pleasure, which is made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger.
By controlling the wastegate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy-load operation and remains open during normal driving, the BOOSTERJET reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power and fuel-efficiency performance. The engine employs six-hole nozzle fuel injectors, atomised fuel injection technologies and high-tumble port technologies to inject fuel with a high combustion efficiency for greater fuel economy and improved power output.
The BOOSTERJET engine has been developed with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size, with added responsiveness and smoothness to achieve the characteristics Suzuki engines are renowned for.
The BOOSTERJET comes in the two displacement sizes of 1.0 litre and 1.4 litres. Suzuki will first introduce the 1.0 BOOSTERJET, which has a maximum output of 82kW and a maximum torque of 170Nm, in the new Baleno, and will first introduce the 1.4 BOOSTERJET, which has a maximum output of 103kW and a maximum torque of 220Nm, in the new S grade of the Vitara.
New mild hybrid system (SHVS)
The SHVS is a mild hybrid system by Suzuki that uses an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) to assist the engine during acceleration and generate electricity through regenerative braking.
An ISG is used in place of a conventional alternator because an ISG regenerates electricity more efficiently. It also heightens regenerative efficiencies by detecting the degree to which the brakes are applied and accordingly amplifying the amount of electricity generated.
Using the electricity stored through regenerative braking, the electric motor function of the ISG enhances fuel efficiency by partially assisting the engine, which it does by making up for the additional fuel usually required during the high-fuel-consumption required when starting from a stop and accelerating.
Furthermore, the SHVS fitted to Baleno uses a compact, high-charging-performance lithium ion battery, making frequent engine assists possible.
As part of a wider response to environmental issues, Suzuki intends to actively expand the number of vehicle models fitted with the SHVS mild hybrid system. The SHVS system are fuel, space and cost efficient.
Smartphone Linkage Display Audio with Apple CarPlay
Smartphone Linkage Display Audio with Apple CarPlay is now available using the Smartphone Linkage Display Audio system, which offers an intuitive operating experience through its 7-inch display. By connecting an iPhone to the system via a USB cable, Apple CarPlay’s various functions appear on the instrument panel touchscreen. Maps, Phone, Messages, and Music, as well as Podcasts, Audiobooks, and third-party Apple CarPlay compatible apps, can be controlled via the touch screen or voice commands using Apple’s Siri language interface. This allows the driver to easily and safely use an iPhone while still focusing on driving.
Suzuki will first introduce Apple CarPlay on the S grade of the Vitara and will then introduce it on successive new models, including the newly announced Baleno. It also plans to make upgrades available for current vehicle models with the Smartphone Linkage Display Audio system.
CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 and later iPhone models.
INTRODUCING THE BALENO
When Suzuki set out to create a hatchback like none before, it first established a key guideline—hold back on nothing. The result is the Suzuki Baleno, a harmonious combination of styling that flows, superb performance achieved through ground-breaking technologies, and smart packaging.
To create a new, bar-raising hatchback that is fun to drive and engineered to meet today’s consumers’ needs, Suzuki wanted to take the compact car to the ultimate level. Baleno chief engineer Kunihiko Ito explains: “We set our sights on developing the ideal hatchback, one that makes no compromises, giving it an elegant, sophisticated and grown-up character. The Baleno perfectly embodies all the elements expected in a car of this size—design, utility, comfort, manoeuvrability, superior driving performance, and fuel efficiency.”
With its “Liquid Flow” design theme, compact body, spacious interior, and efficient powertrains—all on a new-generation platform- the Baleno offers style, utility, manoeuvrability, driving performance and fuel efficiency. It also offers comfort, including on long-distance journeys, with plenty of space for adults in both the front and rear, as well as generous luggage space.
Sales of the Baleno will start in Europe in the spring of 2016.
Baleno highlights:
New-generation platform, with increased rigidity and reduced weight, enhances fuel efficiency, handling and stability, while still achieving high levels of safety and NVH performance.
New 1.0 BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine with high torque output and SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki)*1 with 1.2 DUALJET engine both provide excellent fuel economy in combination with Suzuki’s most-aerodynamic hatchback design ever.
Sporty profile that is low and wide, avant-garde front section, wraparound windows, expressive character lines and gently contoured, continuous surfaces convey elegance and power.
Innovative features on the inside include advanced multi-information colour display, active cruise control with speed limiter, and a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio compatible with Apple CarPlay*2.
Seating for five people features generous shoulder room in front, and generous legroom in the rear.
Spacious and flexible boot offers best-in-class*3 luggage space.
Radar Brake Support (RBS) *2 and other comprehensive safety features add to safety and peace of mind.
*1Only for vehicles with 1.2. DUALJET engine. *2Availability depends on vehicle configuration. *3“B-segment hatchback” as defined by Suzuki (hatchback with overall length of 3,700mm-4,100mm)
Styling that flows
The “Liquid Flow” design theme—suggestive of an energetic mass of liquid in motion—permeates throughout, articulated by curving lines and expressive surfaces. Meanwhile, a low and wide silhouette helps underline a strong and sporty look.
Exterior
Seen from the front, the body graciously flares outward from the cabin, resulting in a low, wide and sporty yet elegant profile that is complemented by a wide bumper, grille, distinctive LED positon lamps, and wraparound windows with blacked-out A-pillars. From the side, character lines that begin at the front and sweep toward the rear create flowing highlights, while a forward-sloping rear hatch suggests the moving forward of dynamic energy, and gently contoured, continuous surfaces create the impression of power amidst elegance.
Other exterior features:
High intensity discharge projector headlamps*, with a black and chrome design that emanates virility and sharpness, and LED position lamps*, which also work as daytime running lights, with inner lenses that produce an even line of light, convey a high-tech impression.
“Guide me light” headlamps* help users find their way in the dark after leaving the vehicle or when unlocking the doors by remote control.
LED rear combination lamps give an advanced impression due to an inner lens that projects an even beam*.
Nine body colours include “Premium Silver Metallic”, which emphasises the body’s curving lines, and “ Ray Blue Pearl Metallic”, which changes from a green hue to a red tinge, depending on surrounding lighting conditions.
Outer weather strips made of iridescent stainless steel and chrome door handles provide greater elegance*.
Wraparound windows with blacked-outA-pillars and black sashes* add to a sporty look.
A thin roof-spoiler integrated into the flowing body lines help improve aerodynamic performance*.
16-inch alloy wheels* or 15-inch steel wheels* have a mechanical design that contrasts with the flowing design of the body.
Interior
The instrument panel is flared at each end for a sense of breadth and is characterised by curving lines. Silver accents stand out against the restrained black of the cabin, and reddish-amber illumination for the audio, air conditioner, gear shift indicator, and other controls underline the cabin’s stylishness.
Beyond elegant styling, interior innovations that make vehicle usage informative, comfortable and easier:
A large, high-definition colour LCD display in the instrument cluster shows performance and other information through user-friendly graphics. Highlighted features include driving G-force, engine output and torque, accelerator/brake operation, and energy flow (for vehicles with SHVS), among others.*
A Smartphone Linkage Audio Display with a 7-inch touch panel screen has a USB port and SD card slot and displays the view behind the vehicle by way of a rear view camera*. It can be connected to an iPhone via a USB cable for using Apple CarPlay’s various functions, such as Maps, Phone, Messages, and Music, as well as Podcasts, Audiobooks, and third-party Apple CarPlay compatible audio apps. It can also be connected to smartphones using MirrorLink.
A unique circular display and a high-contrast LCD panel highlight the automatic air conditioner*.
An adaptive cruise control system uses millimetre wave radar to monitor following distance and automatically accelerate or decelerate the vehicle to maintain a long, medium, or short distance from any vehicle directly in front as set by the driver. It also features a speed limiter that prevents the vehicle from exceeding the maximum speed set by the driver, regardless of the extent to which the accelerator pedal is pushed.
*Availability depends on vehicle configuration.
Technology-enhanced performance
The new Baleno features three new technologies for achieving better driving performance and better fuel efficiency: a new-generation platform, the new BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine and the SHVS mild hybrid system.
New-generation platform
A new Suzuki platform was developed by radically reviewing the basic structure of the vehicle underbody in pursuit of achieving lighter weight and enhancing fundamental vehicle performance. Compared to the platform currently used in the same vehicle class, body rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 10 per cent and, due to the use of a continuous skeletal structure that creates a smooth form, total vehicle weight has been reduced by approximately 15 per cent. Additionally, by aiming for optimisation of the entire vehicle including components attached to the underbody, Suzuki has been able to keep vibration and noise in check, while maintaining riding comfort.
New 1.0 BOOSTERJET direct-injection turbo engine
The 1.0 BOOSTERJET is a newly developed direct-injection turbo engine that achieves both good fuel economy and driving pleasure, which is made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger.
By controlling the wastegate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy-load operation and remains opened during normal driving, the BOOSTERJET reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power performance and also fuel-efficiency.
The Baleno features the 1.0 BOOSTERJET engine, which has a maximum output of 82kW and a maximum torque of 170Nm.
The Baleno is also available with a new 1.2 DUALJET, a dual-injection petrol engine with improved thermal efficiency that strikes an excellent balance between power performance and fuel efficiency.
Regarding transmissions, the 1.0 BOOSTERJET can be paired with either an optimally geared five-speed manual incorporating a specially designed convergent gear locating system that helps reduce frictional losses and improve shift feel or a six-speed automatic transmission that enables high performance at low speeds and optimum fuel-efficiency at high speeds. The 1.2 DUALJET can be paired with either the same five-speed manual transmission as the 1.0 BOOSTERJET or with a continuously variable transmission.
An intuitive suspension has been developed for direct-response handling with MacPherson struts and coil springs up front and a torsion beam and coil springs in the rear. Reduced rolling resistance tyres improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing directional stability, ride comfort, and braking performance.
Fine-tuned over repeated test runs in Europe, the Baleno offers a driving experience achieved by Suzuki’s pursuit of the best balance between nimble performance and refined riding comfort.
New mild hybrid system (SHVS)*1
The SHVS is a mild hybrid system by Suzuki that uses an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) to assist the engine during acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking, which it does more efficiently than systems using conventional alternators.
Using the electricity stored through regenerative braking, the electric motor function of the ISG improves fuel efficiency by partially assisting the engine, which it does by making up for the additional added portion of fuel usually required during the high-fuel-consuming actions of starting from a stop and accelerating. It also allows for a smooth and quiet restart after an automatic engine stop, thanks to the use of an ISG belt-drive start, rather than restart by a conventional starter motor.
Furthermore, the SHVS uses a compact, high-charging-performance lithium ion battery, making possible frequent engine assists. In the Baleno, the system aims to lessen the footprint on the environment with a CO2emissions target of 93g/km*2.
*1Only for vehicles with 1.2. DUALJET engine. *2Tentative figure for vehicles with SHVS.
Smart packaging
The common difficulty of achieving both a stylish design and a spacious interior has been overcome by ensuring maximum space through repeated revisions down to a single millimetre. The result is smart packaging that not only achieves spacious comfort, but also best-in-class luggage space. A key element in achieving this within an overall body length of less than four metres is a new-generation platform that enables efficient use of space plus a more-compact engine design with a less-tilted mounting position that also frees up more interior room.
Seating considerations
The front seats come with ample shoulder room due a wide space between the driver and passenger seat positions. Both seats feature an optimised shape and spring position for ride comfort and high-tensile materials for lightness and strength.
The rear seats feature ample legroom, due to a substantial front-rear-seat tandem distance of 805mm. They can be easily folded by a single action and come in various bench or split configurations with three separate-type head restraints. Also, ingress and egress in the rear is facilitated by generous rear door apertures.
Luggage space
The luggage space boasts 355 litres, making it the largest among B-segment hatchbacks*. To accommodate long or wide items, the shape of the suspension has been optimised to free up space on both sides at the back of the boot.
Flexibility is another key asset of the luggage space. The space can be enlarged by folding down the rear seatbacks, sliding the front seats forward, and using the luggage board in either its upper or lower position.
*According to a Suzuki survey of B-segment hatchbacks as defined by Suzuki (a hatchback model with an overall length of 3,700mm-4,100mm) and measured using the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) method.
Safety and security
Safety performance for assisting the driver and mitigating injury in accidents is enhanced by a number of safety technologies, chief among which is Radar Brake Support*1 (RBS). With RBS, when the vehicle is travelling at a speed greater than approximately 5 km/h, millimetre wave radar detects any vehicle that might be directly in front. Upon detecting a potential collision, depending on the situation, the vehicle 1) alerts the driver, 2) increases braking force, or 3) automatically applies the brakes.
Other safety features include ESP®*2, six SRS airbags and an impact absorbent body. Various components have also been designed to lessen injuries sustained by pedestrians in vehicle-to-person collisions.
*1Availability depends on vehicle configuration. *2ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler AG.
Key dimensions
Length: 3,995mm; Width: 1,745mm; Height: 1,470mm (1,460mm with SHVS); Wheelbase: 2,520mm; Minimum ground clearance: 120mm (110mm with SHVS); Tread front/rear: 1,520mm with 185/55R16 tyres (1,530mm with 175/65R15 tyres)
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