Frankfurt show: Suzuki outs new Baleno

SUZUKI has released its first image of the forthcoming Baleno small hatchback, revealing a car that has changed little from the iK-2 concept that first aired at the Geneva motor show in March this year.

While Suzuki is remaining tight-lipped about technical details at this stage, the production car is likely to have similar dimensions to the concept, placing it above the Swift hatchback in the Japanese car-maker’s modest line-up.

While the model has not yet been confirmed for Australia, Suzuki Australia general manager Andrew Moore told GoAuto he was “pushing for it”, and that the additional model would bolster the company's growth plans while retaining existing customers.

“It's always good to have an additional model, and we can step Swift customers up into a bigger car,” he said. “That's our aim retention.

“I'm pushing for it. Hopefully we will see it here, but not sure at this stage.”

Mr Moore explained that the Baleno would compete in the small hatchback segment, but unlike its rivals, it has not greatly increased in size since the previous generation.

“It's over four metres (in length), so it's more like your small hatch segment,” he said. “Corollas and Mazda3s just keep getting bigger but Baleno is probably in line with the size of the previous model.”

Final dimensions are yet to be confirmed but the iK-2 concept measured 4023mm in length, 1920mm wide, 1450mm tall and with a 2520mm wheelbase.

The new Baleno will publicly break cover at the Frankfurt motor show next month, showing off its “stylish design, spacious interior and new technologies,” says Suzuki.

Speculative reports predict that the Baleno will be equipped with a forthcoming 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine, but Suzuki is unwilling to confirm engine details until the official reveal.

More images are expected to emerge in the weeks leading up to the Frankfurt show on September 15, along with information regarding drivetrain, specification and performance figures.