The long-forgotten Suzuki Baleno nameplate will be resurrected for a new hatchback – the production version of Geneva’s iK-2 concept – that will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Judging from the teaser video and sole side profile photo released, the Baleno will look almost identical to the show car, with tall headlights, distinctive front grille, blacked-out pillars, curvy side profile and short rear overhang. The only changes we can see are the smaller wheels, some minor detail changes and more production-friendly head- and tail lights, wing mirrors and door handles.
The new car’s market positioning is unclear, and official dimensions have yet to be released. Given that the iK-2 measured 4,023 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,450 mm tall (with a 2,520 mm wheelbase), however, we can expect the Baleno to be a B-segment supermini to challenge the likes of the similarly-sized Honda Jazz and Ford Fiesta in Europe.
Information regarding the iK-2 concept suggests that the Baleno will be built on an all-new platform and will boast improved NVH levels as well as increased rigidity and a lower kerb weight compared to Suzuki’s current crop of hatches.
Also set to be included is a new range of Boosterjet engines, inclusive of a 1.0 litre direct-injected turbo engine that promises improved fuel efficiency as well as performance. There will also be a Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) system on offer.
Suzuki iK-2 Concept
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The front looks weird but the rear is decent. How la this car going to compare with Captur / HR-V and CX-3. Suzuki can bungkus la if come to Malaysia. Maybe Proton can steal this model and market it as their new baby Proton SUV.
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Like it or not sushi cars now dun have Jepunis quality. Killer airbags, sudden acceleration, malfunction brakes, high FC, bad suspensions., problematic parts and the list goes on. Even kimchi and p1 are better. The worst thing is it costs lives.
That shows how they work.
Individual cases doesn’t mean all Japanese cars are the same. And, problems you mention do happen on other car manufacturers too. Are they all equally bad?
I rather have bad FC instead of FC that looks good but is later found to be a lie (ahem, korean manufacturers).
Franfurt or Frankfurt?
Frankfurt. As per the football club
k
If Proton were to re-badge this than the name should be
Proton BallNo (endorsed by non other than Najib) lol.
where is Franfurt, Jonathan?
opppsss, it thought “baloney”…..
is this a hatchback? the first pic looks more like a small suv,
Will this car enter Malaysia market? If yes, targeted when?