New Suzuki Baleno supermini takes a bow at Frankfurt Motor Show 2015
Suzuki's larger B-segment hatchback to bring back Baleno name from the past when it launches in summer 2016
Suzuki is aiming big at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with the new Baleno supermini shown in production form. Billed as a larger and more family-friendly version of the Swift, it's set to go on sale in Spring next year priced from around £12,000.
The Baleno sits on an all-new platform that will eventually be shared with the direct replacement for the current Swift. In this form, it's 3995mm long (100mm more than the Swift), 1745mm wide (50mm more than the Swift) and 1470mm tall.
Suzuki claims this makes it one of the most practical B-segment cars on the market, with exceptional occupant space and a 355-litre boot seats-up. Indeed that figures is ahead of models such as the Ford Fiesta and even the Skoda Fabia, although the Honda Jazz is similar in size.
The new Baleno also debuts a new engine for Suzuki. The 1.0-litre 'Boosterjet' turbo petrol engine has 110bhp and 170Nm of torque, and emits 103g/km of CO2. It sits alongside the familiar Dualjet 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit, with both offered with either a five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed auto.
A new mild hybrid variant has also been confirmed. Dubbed SHVS, it uses an integrated starter generator mated to the 1.2-litre Dualjet, that assists the petrol engine away from a standing start. It claims CO2 emissions of just 93g/km.
The interior features some familiar Suzuki trim and design, but the dashboard is all-new with an optional seven-inch touchscreen display. Suzuki claims it's available with Apple CarPlay, too. We'll have full prices and specs closer to the Baleno's on sale date in Spring 2016.
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