2019 Suzuki Baleno Review

Detailed Review

The Suzuki Baleno has been in production for five generations since 1996. The first generation was in production from 1996 to 2002. The second generation was produced from 2003 to 2007. the third generation was produced between 2008 and 2010. The fourth generation was in production from 2015 to 2022 while the fifth generation has been in production from 2022 to present.

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno comes with two engine options, the 1.0L Boosterjet engine and the 1.4L K14B engine all petrol. The 1.0L engine is available with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the 1.4L comes has a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Suzuki Baleno Grades

2019 Suzuki Baleno GL- This is the base model and comes with,16-inch alloy wheels, Halogen projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, Fabric seats, Fog lights, a Rear spoiler, 60:40 split-folding seats, manual air conditioning, power windows, and a simple audio system.

2019 Suzuki Baleno GLX- This grade comes with more features such as a Chrome grille and door handles, automatic air conditioning, Power adjustable and heated door mirrors, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Keyless entry and start.

2019 Suzuki Baleno GLX Turbo – This grade comes with a turbocharged engine, LED headlights, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, electric windows, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition.

2019 Suzuki Baleno RS- This is the top-of-the-line grade and comes with sportier features such as a different front grille, unique alloy wheels, a Touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and smartphone integration, Adaptive cruise control, Sports seats with red stitching, Sports suspension, and a rear spoiler.

Interior Legroom & Space

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno provides ample interior space, particularly for a compact car. The legroom and headroom are sufficient for five passengers.

The front seats are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of head and legroom for taller drivers and passengers making longer journeys more enjoyable.

In the second row, the 2019 Baleno has a surprising amount of legroom for a car of its size. Even the tallest passengers are able to stretch out. However, headroom for taller passengers may be limited, especially if the vehicle has a sunroof.

The interior design of the 2019 Baleno is simple and functional, with a clean and uncluttered layout. The dashboard is well-organized and simple to use, with controls for the air conditioning, audio system, and other features that are simple to use.

Cabin Storage

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno offers a decent amount of cabin storage for a subcompact car. In the first row there is a glovebox, center console, and door pockets. For the second row, the Baleno has seatback pockets and cupholders in the center armrest.

2019 Suzuki Baleno Boot Space

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno has a boot space of 12.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in their upright position. If more space is needed the rear seats can be folded to create a boot space of 38.3 cubic feet. The boot space is quite large for a car in this class, making it suitable for carrying luggage and other items for a small family.

2019 Suzuki Baleno  Safety Features: Dual front airbags, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Brake assist, Electronic stability program (ESP), Hill hold control, Rearview camera and Seatbelt pretensioners

Exterior

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno has a sleek and modern exterior design that is sure to turn heads on the road. It features a sporty profile with a low hood and a sloping roofline which contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency.

The front grille has a chrome accent bar that runs between the headlights, giving the vehicle a bold and aggressive appearance. The rear bumper of the 2019 Baleno is sculpted and has a diffuser-like design, which adds to the car’s sporty appearance.

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno is available in a range of vibrant colors, including Urban Blue, Solid Fire Red, Premium Silver Metallic, Metallic Premium Silver and Autumn Orange Pearl Metallic.

2019 Suzuki Baleno Fuel Consumption

2019 Suzuki Baleno 1.0-L fuel consumption: 20km/l (on average)

2019 Suzuki Baleno 1.4-L 5-speed manual transmission fuel consumption: 19.6km/l (on average)

2019 Suzuki Baleno 1.4-L 4-speed automatic transmission fuel consumption 18.5 km/l (on average)

2019 Suzuki Baleno  Acceleration

2019 Suzuki Baleno 1.0-L  accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11 secs

2019 Suzuki Baleno 1.4-L 5-speed manual transmission accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs

2019 Suzuki Baleno 1.4-L 4-speed automatic transmission accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.5 secs

2019 Suzuki Baleno Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 liters

2019 Suzuki Baleno  Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches. This is lower than the recommended clearance of 6.5 inches. It may be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car for Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

2019 Suzuki Baleno  Stability and Handling

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno handles well and generates a reasonable grip while driving thanks to its lightweight design, which helps it to feel nimble and responsive on the road.

The 2019 Baleno also has a well-tuned suspension system that provides good stability and composure on the road. The steering grip makes it easy to maneuver around corners and navigate through tight spaces. Its low center of gravity also helps it to feel stable on the road even at higher speeds.

That being said, some owners have criticized the 2019 Baleno’s handling in certain situations, especially the car’s brakes which they claim are less responsive than some competitors, which could also impact handling in emergency situations. Some owners also feel that Baleno’s body roll can be noticeable in corners.

While the 2019 Suzuki Baleno is considered by some owners not to be perfect in terms of handling and stability, it generally receives positive feedback and is regarded as a capable and enjoyable car to drive.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil

Major Service: At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

A few years ago, Suzuki spare parts were expensive and hard to find in Kenya, but things have changed. Suzuki parts especially service parts are now affordable and easy to find both in Nairobi and other major towns. However, specialty parts such as the gearbox, engine components, and sensors can get very expensive and hard to find. For a list of Suzuki Spare Part dealers in Kenya, follow this link.

2019 Suzuki Baleno Reliability

The 2019 Suzuki Baleno is considered a reliable car with a good track record for dependability. It is built on the Heartect platform which is known for its durability and efficiency. The 2019 Baleno’s engines are also considered reliable, with few reported issues.

However, just like any vehicle the  2019 Suzuki Baleno is not perfect and may experience some issues. Some owners have raised concerns with the automatic transmission especially, transmission failure, rough shifting, and slipping gears. Some owners have also reported issues with the battery failing to charge causing an engine to stall. A few owners have reported excessive noise from the suspension system, particularly when going over bumps or uneven road surfaces.

It’s worth noting that these issues are not widespread and the majority of 2019 Baleno owners report few issues and are generally pleased with the vehicle’s reliability. Many of these issues can be avoided or mitigated by regular maintenance and servicing. We recommend you follow the car’s guidelines as per the Owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Suzuki Baleno Competitors: Honda Fit, Toyota Vitz, Volkswagen Polo, Suzuki Swift, Ford Fiesta and Mazda Demio.

What we like about the 2019 Suzuki Baleno

• Fuel efficiency
• Spacious interior
• Standard features

What we don’t

• Mediocre engine power
• Lack of advanced safety features
• Limited boot space

Conclusion

While the 2019 Suzuki Baleno may not offer powerful engines or the most advanced safety features it provides good value for money and is a solid choice for drivers who are looking for a practical and reliable car. The Baleno is ideal for drivers who value comfort and efficiency over performance, thanks to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. It’s a good choice for buyers who frequently travel in urban areas, as its small size and responsive handling make it easy to maneuver through traffic.