Suzuki recently released a first set of images of the new Baleno, which will be unveiled officially at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show 2015. This new hatchback will also be sold in India and will sit above the popular Maruti Swift.
The production version of the Suzuki Baleno gets mildly toned-down styling, which was earlier seen on the iK-2 concept. The front bumper is a bit narrower and the air dam is less aggressive-looking. Also, the wheels on the Baleno seen in these images look a size smaller and are similar in design to the ones seen on the India-spec S-Cross recently.
The Suzuki Baleno will be powered by the new 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine, along with the 1.2-litre K-series petrol and the 1.3-litre diesel; the diesel variant will utilise the recently unveiled SHVS technology. Maruti’s SmartPlay infotainment system will also feature on the India-spec Baleno.
In India, the new Baleno (codename: YRA) will take on the likes of the Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz. This hatchback is based on a new-generation platform which will underpin upcoming models from Suzuki. Suzuki is also working on a “crossover” version of the Baleno hatchback. However, whether that model will come to our shores remains to be seen.