The Japanese carmaker, the Suzuki Motor Corporation officially introduced the new compact hatchback 2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The main novelty of this Japanese brand, Suzuki booth became a five-door hatchback Baleno that is focused on the European market. This new 2018 Suzuki Baleno is the 2nd generation model in the product line of the Japanese company.
The first generation model was produced in Japan from 1995 to 2002 with three bodies – hatchback, sedan, wagon. The automaker hasn’t been offering the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) feature on the Baleno, something that is available on the Ciaz and Ertiga. Now, the 2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS will be using this hybrid system after the Ciaz and Ertiga model. It arrives as a B-segment 5-door supermini that offers an excellent value for money.
2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS – Design Changes
On the outside, it surely features some inspirations from Suzuki Swift, another extremely popular model from the car manufacturer. Furthermore, it is based on the ik2 concept, which was first revealed at 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Most likely, it will flaunt a special exterior badging along with new alloy wheels and rear disc brakes.
This new model will ride on a new platform that reduces its curb weight and increases its stiffness at the same time. This design will also result in reduced vibration and noise levels. This five-door hatchback has a modern and dynamic view from “flowing” lines of the body.
The front of the car bears stylish lighting equipment with LED navigation lights as well as a neat false radiator grille stylishly accentuated with chrome wings, large triangles headlamps with lens optics and a powerful bumper with the large air intake.
Modern Interior
Inside, the 2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS competent layout can accommodate five adult passengers and 355 liters of luggage. The cabin is more modern, with features like LCD on the dashboard and a new center console having chrome trim. Its dashboard adorns a 7-inch touchscreen on the central stack for controlling navigation, iPhone connectivity, music and other infotainment applications.
2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS – Powertrain Specs
Speaking of its powertrain, the 2018 Suzuki Baleno Hybrid utilizes its hybrid SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology, which was first used on the Suzuki Ciaz and later on the Suzuki Ertiga.
The 2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS offers two petrol engines. The first one is a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.0-liter Booster Jet, producing 110 hp and 170 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual and available as an option 6 automatic transmission.
The second one is the four-cylinder 1.2-liter Dualjet engine, capable of producing 88 hp and 120 Nm of torque with a pair of 5-speed manual and CVT. The engine is a mild hybrid SHVS system with the Integrated Starter Generator and the Brake Energy Regeneration system.
This system also helps the engine to reduce fuel consumption 70.6mpg and reduces CO2 emissions to 93 g / km. This hybrid system SHVS, includes in its membership a starter-generator, which helps the engine under acceleration, and a lithium-ion battery.
Availability and Price of the 2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS
This new 2018 Suzuki Baleno SHVS will hit the market sometime in late 2017. However, it has been reported that it could have a price tag higher than $14,000.
Summing it up
The Baleno is more commonly known in Australian and Asian markets only. Lately, the automaker is also shifting its focus to the European market, which has become a hub for sub-compact vehicles. In the market, it will be seen competing against VW Polo and Ford Fiesta.
