Suzuki Baleno details go online

SUZUKI has quietly revealed the two initial equipment levels that it will offer Australian customers in its all new Baleno small hatchback that goes on sale later this month.

No official announcement was made regarding the specification but GoAuto’s keen eye spotted the information pop up on the Japanese car-maker’s local website, revealing the little model will be on offer in either entry-level GL or more generously-equipped GLX guises.

Pricing and detailed specifications including engine size, power, transmission and performance figures will have to wait until the car’s official launch, but the website has revealed that the Baleno will be offered with a choice of two engines starting with the naturally aspirated GL.

GoAuto has previously reported that Suzuki Australia was not interested in the 1.2-litre mild hybrid version, but the website confirms the Baleno will be offered with an atmo petrol engine, suggesting the local market will get a version remit of the hybrid tech.

In United Kingdom trim, the entry-level version is available only with a manual gearbox and produces 66kW/120Nm, although that figure will be different if the electric boost has been removed for Australia.

The base version gets a good dusting of standard equipment including a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system that incorporates navigation, Apple CarPlay, USB, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and keyless entry.

Safety features are also revealed on the site and both versions of the Baleno will come with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and seven airbags as standard.

Moving up to the GLX brings a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that wears the company’s Boosterjet moniker.

If the unit matches the figures of the UK version, Australian Baleno owners will have 82kW at their disposal and 170Nm when paired with the five-speed manual, or 160Nm when bolted to the six-cog automatic transmission.

In automatic form, the GLX gets to 100km from standstill in 11 seconds or 11.4 when shifting manually, while emissions are rated at 115g and 105g of CO2 per kilometre respectively.

The GLX is expected to offer more standard kit than the GL, but in addition to the most affordable version, the website lists keyless start as the only extra over the GL’s equipment. It also appears to get alloy wheels compared with the GL steel rims.

The UK-spec vehicle may offer some hints as to the other equipment that will be offered in Australia where the SZ-T equivalent of out GL gets 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air-conditioning and front electric windows.

Moving up to the range-topping SZ5 GLX equivalent adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and a 4.2-inch colour trip display.

All will be revealed next week when the new model joins the car-maker’s growing line-up alongside the Celerio and Swift hatchbacks, S-Cross crossover and Jimny, Vitara and Grand Vitara SUVs.