The Baleno is designed to compete in the same class as Suzuki’s existing Swift but offer a very different ownership proposition. Riding on an all new platform with two clever petrol engines, is it different enough to succeed?

There are a couple of petrol engine options in the Baleno; Suzuki’s 1.0-litre three cylinder Boosterjet powerplant with 111PS. Or a 90PS 1.2-litre four cylinder variant that uses the brand’s ‘SHVS’ mild hybrid technology. In the 1.0-litre variant, the 0-62mph acceleration time is rated at 11.4 seconds with manual transmission and 11.0 seconds for the optional automatic model.

As for efficiency, well in the Baleno, the SHVS system helps this Suzuki reach a strong CO2 emissions figure of 94g/km, plus achieve a fuel consumption figure of 70.6mpg on the EC combined cycle. With the 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol variant, the CO2 figure rises to 105g/km and it returns 64.2mpg on the combined cycle. As for the warranty, this remains a typical three year, 60,000 mile affair.

Compared to the Swift, the Baleno is longer, wider yet lower. This gives it a much less upright look although you’d never call it sleek. There is an attractive feature line that rises from the headlight, over the front wing before dropping down and slowly climbing to meet the window line. Up front there’s a bold grille with a large Suzuki ‘S’ logo while the rear is not quite as adventurous. Underneath is a brand new platform that is around 10 per cent stiffer yet 15 per cent lighter than that found beneath the Swift.

While the platform may be new, the suspension is the familiar mixture of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam out back. Inside, the cabin is clean and uncluttered but not what you’d consider exciting. Still, there is just enough silver trim to lift the ambience while the overall shape of the dash does add to the feeling of width within the car.

In summary, some might think it a little odd that Suzuki seems to be competing with themselves by releasing a second car in the B-segment supermini class. The truth of the matter is that the Swift and Baleno are different enough to ensure they are unlikely to steal sales from each other. While the Swift is a funky little city car, the Baleno is that little bit bigger and more mature.

CAR: Suzuki Baleno
PRICES: £13,249 - £15,849
INSURANCE GROUP: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 94-105g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.0] 0-62 11.4s / top speed 124mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.0] (combined) 62.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Airbags, ABS, traction control, stability control
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 3995/1745/1470mm