Suzuki Baleno

Last week, Suzuki unveiled its showstopper for the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Previously seen as the concept iK- 2, in Geneva, earlier this year, this new model will wear the Baleno nametag when it arrives in Frankfurt as a fully-specced production model.

With the iK-2 measuring 4,023mm in length, 1,920mm in width, 1,450mm in height and featuring a 2520mm wheelbase, the Baleno, in all probability, will be similarly sized. In that case, Maruti Suzuki will have to make a few changes to the exterior design in order to squeeze this new model under the sub-4 metre bracket and take advantage of the excise benefits.

Being a completely new model, the Baleno’s feature list will include the brand’s newly developed 1-litre BOOSTERJET direct injection petrol engine. Armed with a turbocharger, this new petrol engine will be highly fuel efficient while offering a respectable amount of grunt. The Swift’s naturally aspirated, 1.2-litre K-Series engine may be used for the Indian market along with the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine in 90bhp form.

Design wise, the new Baleno looks thoroughly contemporary. Up front, Suzuki has opted for a new y-shaped grille and sweptback headlights with daytime running lights. The latter is reminiscent of the existing Swift and gives the car a distinctive presence. The rear, on the other hand, seems pretty mundane with the only interesting bits being the boot lip spoiler and the attractive circular taillight assembly.

Although full details on the new Baleno will be released closer to its unveiling on September 15 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Suzuki has made it official that the vehicle will arrive in the UK by July next year. Given its affinity with hatchbacks, Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch the Baleno here in India around the same time, with the car being made available through its premium line of Nexa dealerships. But what’s not certain at the moment is whether the brand will adopt the Baleno nameplate. The latter, as we know, soldiered on as a mid-size sedan until 2006 in India and was forced into retirement by the drastically different SX4.