Suzuki Baleno GLX Auto Review

motormatters.co.za/
www.changecars.co.za/
The new Suzuki Baleno has been launched in a 4 model line-up and very soon after our test of the GL manual model, the high-spec GLX version arrived complete with automatic transmission.
Powered by the same 1.5L 4 cylinder motor with 77kW and 138Nm driving the front wheels, the auto box provides a rather old-fashioned sounding 4 speed torque convertor technology. Shifts are smooth and generally comfortable in normal driving, but we were constantly aware of the feeling that this box really does need at least 1 more ratio in todays motoring environment.
Apart from the transmissions tendency to hunt between 3rd and 4th gears on a freeway, cruising at the national limit is at far higher revs than usual in most other cars today.
YET......the Baleno is such a compelling offering with regard to value for money that the points above pale into insignificance when looking at the car as an overall package. Space, power and especially specification are almost beyond belief at the asking price.
Items like 7 airbags, 16" alloy wheels, 9" infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, 360 deg and overhead camera system, Heads-up display and auto air-conditioning, keyless entry and start are among the standard items that the GLX adds to the already well-equipped GL model.
Based on Suzuki's Heartect platform provides good handling plus the recipe of lightweight construction that always adds up to exceptional fuel economy and yet again the GLX didn't disappoint here. Overall fuel economy of 5.8 L/100km is typical of the brand.
Considering the overall package, the Baleno GLX Auto is an absolute bargain at the current asking price of R295 000. Remember that this includes a 4 year/60 000km service plan and 5 year/ 200 000km warranty.
As a personal opinion, I feel that the GL Auto at R245 000 minus many of the extra items as mentioned above is an absolute winner in its category. However, if I was shopping and had a budget that allowed the extra for all the added spec of the GLX, then I would find an additional R10-15 000 that may be added to the price if Suzuki could provide an automatic transmission that was more suited to modern needs.
#suzuki
#suzukisa
#suzukibaleno
#marutisuzuki

[@essamokoena]

I cannot wait to get this car in a couple of months - thank you for this video…

[@MotorMatters]

You are welcome to contact me when you are looking to buy. We are waiting to assist you in sourcing the car of your dreams

[@llukayden7251]

One really appreciates the detailed reviews you give on this channel, please do invest in filming equipment, it will take your reviews to a whole different level. Keep it up!

[@Sanosuke197]

Actually picking up my 2023 Baleno GLX Manual on Wednesday.

[@cliffpetzer5758]

Intriguing review. Thank you for reviewing a car which we will surely see a lot more on the roads due to its value for money and overall great packaging. I drive a 2021 Baleno GLX Auto and I must say that this "old school" 4 speed Auto definetely requires a gentle foot and as such the high revving nature that you spoke of is dependent on your right foot. The only aspect that does raise further questions is the fact that the engine revs high at freeway speeds according to your review. I in fact note quite the opposite and can state that the engine revs at 3000rpm at a indicated speed of 120km/h which is quite a lot lower than the engine revs in the manual. I believe that a bugbear of previews reviews was the high revving nature of the manual at the national speed limit and in my experience the Auto solves this issue. The majority of my driving is done on the freeway. Has the rations of the 4 speed Auto changed and could this high revving nature have anything to do with the 1.5l engine fitted. The 2021 model has the 1.4l engine fitted.

[@V00nster]

I enjoyed your comment around the high revs seemingly not affecting fuel consumption - I've had a 2012 Swift and more recently a 2022 and noted the same with both. You can rev their nuts off and consumption stays in the mid 6's per 100 for town driving. They also respond joyfully to firm application of the right foot.

[@6___________99_____________64]

That's good to know. Especially with the fuel price the way it is

[@gazg00]

10k subs.......congrats Alan!!

[@MotorMatters]

Thanks Gary, you were one of my early supporters

[@anelezondi8857]

Wow i love this car

[@mbandazayoyolisa5849]

I want this car so bad and I'm gonna get it.

[@MotorMatters]

If you would like assistance with your purchase then please send me your contact details and I will get the ChangeCars team to contact you

[@muhammedkhandookhee4631]

Thanks for this review, was waiting for your feedback on the Auto box as I'm considering the GL Auto. There's currently a stock shortage of the GL Auto, so I'm patiently waiting.

[@MotorMatters]

Let me know if we can assist you in sourcing a vehicle.

[@MotoringAndTechWorld]

Muhammed did you manage to get your GL in auto?

[@jacogreeff4644]

I love the 4 speed auto! I've noticed especially on the 3rd gear, sometimes it drops the revs with about 500, for example 3k to 2.5k without actuality changing to the 4th gear. This is during acceleration. Very interesting

[@Lesiba2]

Please get a mount for that camera, other than that, great review as always

[@elijahthelightning.6704]

Well done my uncle , u aLways delivers

[@MotorMatters]

Appreciated

[@hlabohmahlaba8336]

Nice wheels 🥰🥰🔥

[@khartimudaly1056]

You are a great presenter

[@MotorMatters]

Thank you very much

[@harryclarencealexander9161]

4 speed auto? No problem! The tech has been sorted out unlike cvt.

[@ZI4D.]

Does it have tire pressure monitoring details on screen? Thanks for the video

[@janij69]

Hi I was at a dealership today about a silver glx auto, asked about the auto lock, mentioned your comment regarding the auto lock you'd like to see on all cars in rsa. He said it can be activated on request by their technicians, it locks the second the wheels start moving, not like others where it locks after a few kms or time frame. The manual lock is a safety feature to exit in a hurry if need be. But in rsa, we prefer auto lock for safety reasons. It costs R1000 to have done. The boot can also be opened on its own without opening the whole car, for safety purposes, if you just want to drop something in the boot while shopping or get something out of the boot. Little button next to the main boot button. Also for safety, drivers door opens only, press remote twice and all doors will open. Dealership is offering additional 5 year warranty on top of the manufacturer 5 year warranty therefore 10 years in total. Think it's something 1 million kms , I stand corrected. This covers/valid at any suzuki dealership, linked to the Vin number not owner.

[@janij69]

Was very impressed with the car.

[@MotorMatters]

Very interesting to hear re the auto locking, R1000 is reasonable but I still believe it should be standard. I'm sure some smart dealers will start adding it as a sales incentive. I've seen and heard nothing regarding this extended warranty. It's possibly a dealer offer at this stage but sounds like an amazing extra value offering

[@janij69]

Agree, all my other cars locked automatically. My motivation for the glx is the 6 airbags vs 2, I've had 6 plus in my previous cars and just can't compromise on safety, even with dual side impact beams. Also as a manual driver and petrolhead, love being in control of my gears, changing to auto will be a new thing but due to a left foot and arm injury, back injury, and future retirement, I have to go auto and this one is an uncomplicated , proven auto gearbox, which God willing will be affordable to maintain compared to more fancy gearboxes. Have driven big cars and currently driving a ranger 4x4 dc, but must admit, the interior of the baleno felt very comfortable, the seats were super comfy and hugged me. You get a lot of spec found in more expensive cars,in this car for its price. It does not feel like a budget car or downgrade. The additional warranty is also a bonus and peace of mind for the next 10 years. For all of that, I will happily compromise on a gear or two and drive sedately while saving fuel and money but knowing I'm also safe and comfortable. The target group is supposed to be younger but they mustn't forget the older driver scaling down or changing for other reasons. I've owned almost 20 cars and bikes including a HD sportster so far and can honestly say I'm super excited to buy one of these. It's a very cool classic shape which I think will age well and still look nice in years to come. Reminds me of the audi hatchback. Love your reviews.

[@MotorMatters]

@janij69 thank you for the compliments. You've certainly done your research and I think you've made an excellent and very logical choice

[@LukeIyer98]

This will sell well, to unlock the rear doors press the button on the door twice. A sport version with the 1.4 turbo will be cool.

[@andre_flabie]

y2es altern2atively, you can chang2e on the car setting

[@gopalgovender6542]

Please tell me more about the traction control button ans ESP. Thanks in advance.

[@MotoringAndTechWorld]

Great review Alan. Which would you pick between the Baleno GLX and the Starlet XR?

[@esthermapodu9459]

I picked a baleno 😁

[@MotoringAndTechWorld]

@@esthermapodu9459 it is quite an interesting battle between the 2. I have done a comparison between them. Can you comment on this video linked here on why you have chosen the Baleno over the Starlet. Video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ6xf3V4bd-qjdU

[@ZI4D.]

Do the doors lock after driving and unlock when putting the gear on park?

[@rudzanimakungo7617]

Is the 4 gearshift auto fast or its slow?

[@anandshankar205]

Will it ever come to India

[@andre_flabie]

I would prefer this 1.5 litre K15B aengine even though wwith old school 4AT Torque converter rather than 1.2 , engine with Autogearshift sold and in India

[@s8sg]

If you haven't figured out already, You can press the unlock button twice to unlock all the doors

[@nitheenkeshav3787]

The dealerships charge you about R3000 + VAT for the lock on start feature. I didmine for R1500 all inclusive.

[@bennetndlovu1042]

Where did you do it?

[@marcusmo4863]

Suzuki is definitely getting it right when it comes to the entry level car market. Hence Toyota is copying them 🤣🤣

[@sumukhsonkar3136]

Exactly, they offer value for money 👍🏻👍🏻

[@xolanixego6774]

They not copying them, they have a partnership

[@jeroenjansen2709]

I rather have an old tech auto than a modern CVT

[@citedcanvas85]

Im really interested in the automatic. Pity its a 4 speed tho. But iIf it doesnt affect the economy that much then its alright by me. Just need my bank to agree lol

[@MotorMatters]

Send me your contact details and I'll get the ChangeCars team to contact you to ensure you get the best deal and service

[@seanfenwick]

Only if you measure tank to tank Will the true fuel consumption be revealed

[@MotorMatters]

The onboard computers on most modern cars are reasonably accurate, certainly enough to give you a good indication

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

The Baleno is not bad. It's not good, but it's not bad.

[@keithkenny4576]

Sadly the Maruti Suzuki plant slipped up in a bad way on safety... No auto lock on doors while driving, must be locked manually.... On infotainment radio you must press agree for safety reasons to use infotainment... but while on FM the station fades away due to frequency changes , so if the radio had RDS the AF does this for you and you listen to your favorite station continuously. These are two safety factors that will not break the bank to install and be a lot safer, but obviously the designers thought other wise

[@GetWetDiving]

The HUD console on the dash makes a really distracting reflection that covers pretty much your whole field of view. It's most prominent early morning or at sunset and also when it's raining. This is a terrible design flaw.

[@molebogengmaponya8523]

It actually helps with speed when you focusing on the highway and you can easily hide the HUD if you don't want to use it but trust me its very effective on the highway when you cannot feel on the speed.

[@GetWetDiving]

@@molebogengmaponya8523 not talking about the info being displayed. Talking about the physical plastic console on the dashboard. It reflects as a big square right in your field of view.

[@thabo9218]

The reviewing is good but the videography is holding back this channel

[@cxxlb3651]

I don’t know …I was planning on buying Kia Rio but now this car is challenging my wishes 🤷‍♂️ it just better then kia in all rounds except design cause kia is hotter then this🤣now it either I buy appearance or value for money 💰

[@MotorMatters]

You have an interesting decision here. Personally, I would look at my own affordability first because there is quite a big price difference, especially if you want similar spec levels. If you have any further questions or if we can help you with sourcing a car, please contact me directly. My email is [e-mail]

[@MotoringAndTechWorld]

Hi Cxxl which one did you end up choosing and why?

[@prabcare]

HI5 & Namaste Buddy! Amazing video buddy! #PrathameshBhat7288

[@bennetndlovu1042]

I really love this car but I'm worried about the automatic of it. I don't like a manual car but the revs on this one is a bit worrying for me

[@MotorMatters]

I suggest that you go and test drive to see for yourself. If you'd like assistance in sourcing the best deal on the car, please contact us

[@MotoringAndTechWorld]

Bennet did you test drive this car? What were your thoughts?

[@tron3652]

I have the auto gl and I am extremely happy.. If you light foot there isn't any issue with high revs. It's pleasantly acceptable for this price bracket. I also own a 2013 Audi A4 Cvt transmission and that car is lazy on takeoff. Stutters/jerks at low speeds when you suddenly accelerate. Takeoff is hesitant at times and just revs without gaining any momentum when you in a hurry. The baleno has been a pleasure to drive in the city. So light on acceleration. I haven't done much freeway to comment on the high Rev but at 100km/h it was generally quiet. From driving an Audi and then a suzuki the difference is marginal. You only notice it with regards to build quality and insulation. If these 2 were Improved on it would beat the Audi in many areas. That's not to say that this car isn't well put together. I sat in the swift as a passenger and felt I was in a shell with something missing so opted for the baleno as it felt much more well put together. Doesn't feel like a cheap car, it's well acceptable for this price with all the features. By the way the gearbox doesn't feel outdated as other amt boxes.. You don't even notice the gear change if you drive the car like a responsible person. It's very smooth in the city and can't even tell it has 4 gears. I have 2023 version so not sure if they improved something but I am very happy for the value I got. Still think you should test drive before driving as not everyone driving style is same

[@bennetndlovu1042]

@@tron3652 I ended up buying the GLX manual. Best budget car