CG | Motocorp, the sole authorised distributor for Suzuki cars in Nepal, will showcase the new 2022 Suzuki Baleno at this year’s NADA Auto Show. The new Baleno gets major changes over the previous iteration in terms of design, equipment, safety, and powertrain.

Design:

The new Baleno brings revised styling, you get a wider, honeycomb-patterned ‘NEXWave’ grille with a silver accent at its base that extends into the new wraparound headlights, accompanied by a flatter clamshell bonnet, a re-profiled bumper, and new fog light housings. The projector headlights are also wider and have a new three-element LED Daytime Running Lamps. The side profile is more or less similar to the pre-facelift version with the only addition being a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels. The rear features new C-shaped LED taillamps and a new tailgate. The bumper has been reworked as well.

Inside, the new Baleno gets a new dashboard with a three-layered design. It gets a dark blue theme that is carried over to the door cards and seat upholstery. Additionally, the updated Baleno also comes with a new steering wheel, new front seats, new switchgear for climate control, and a new design for the instrument cluster design.

Features: 

The center console houses an all-new 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system which is called Smart Play Pro+. It comes with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Arkymys sound system, and connected car tech. In terms of features, the new Baleno comes with segment-first features such as a 360-degree camera and a heads-up display.

Other features include keyless entry with push-button start/stop, cruise control, auto-folding mirrors, automatic headlamp, auto-dimming IRVM, a sliding center armrest, and rear A/C vents with fast-charging USB ports. In terms of safety, the new Baleno comes with 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS, EBD ESC, and hill start assist.

Engine and Transmission:

The new Baleno comes with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine which is called K12N. This engine features an integrated starter generator which adds the auto engine start/stop functionality to save more fuel. It produces 89hp and 113nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. It delivers 22.35 km/l in the manual guise and 22.94 km/l in the AMT.

Rivals:

The new Suzuki Baleno will continue to go up against other premium hatchbacks in its segment, namely the Hyundai i20, and the Tata Altroz.

The 2022 NADA Auto Show will take place between August 23- 28, 2022 (Bhadra 7- Bhadra 12, 2079 B.S.). The 15th edition of the NADA Auto Show will showcase four-wheelers, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, garage and auto components, and financial institutions.