Baleno vs Starlet, which is best?

Maybe also ironic is that Suzuki outsold Toyota (and everybody else) in May in the passenger car department, the smaller Japanese carmaker gaining traction in SA at a blistering pace.

So what does the new Baleno offer?

And, will it not be better than buying a Starlet instead?

Let’s have a look.

More power

The biggest change Suzuki made when building the new Baleno was to fit a new, more powerful engine.

While the old car was powered by a 68kW/130Nm, 1.4-litre unit, the new model employs a 1.5-litre engine with outputs of 77kW and 138Nm.

This is sent to the front wheels via either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Due to the new hatch’s low weight of 915kg, it has a better power-to-weight ratio than the 85kW 1.0-litre turbo VW Polo.

Suzuki claims that the manual will only sip 5.4-litres for every 100km and the automatic 5.7-litres/100 km.

Also under the skin, revisions to the steering setup and suspension - which Suzuki claims contribute to a more supple ride quality - plus improvements to the bodyshell offers higher rigidity, thus making for a more refined drive.

More tech

Suzuki Auto is selling two trim levels in SA: GL and GLX.

Inside, both trim levels now boast a multi-layered dashboard, contoured seats clad in higher-grade cloth upholstery and new centre armrest with rear air vents and two rear USB ports.

Standard spec on the GL includes a seven-inch colour infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, electric adjustable and foldable side mirrors, cruise control, remote central locking and a multi-function leather steering wheel.

The GLX gains a head-up display and 360-degree round view monitor.

The GLX also feature a high-resolution nine-inch infotainment system, 4.2-inch colour information display in instrument cluster and keyless stop/start function.

As far as safety is concerned, the GL comes with two frontal airbags, ABS (anti-lock brakes) and electronic stability control.

The higher specced GLX, meanwhile, features another four airbags (also side- and curtain airbags).

Hill-hold assist is standard on both trim levels.

Baleno or Starlet?

A spec-for-spec comparison reveals the Baleno offers more standard features across its trim levels than the equivalent Starlet, like the 360-degree camera and heads-up display the latter don’t have.

Suzuki also sells the Baleno with a superior warranty and service plan compared to Toyota.

Then there’s pricing: Suzuki has positioned the Baleno range well below the Starlet which should make any buyer’s decision quite easy.

Or does it?

That Toyota badge has a massive following and Toyota fanatics don’t change brands easily, but Suzuki is picking up speed faster than a dragster.

Which means if you’re not too bothered by the latter manufacturer’s smaller dealership footprint, the Baleno is the best choice.

See the Baleno range’s pricing below:

1.5 GL manual - R225 900 1.5 GL auto - R245 900

1.5 GLX manual - R275 900 1.5 GLX auto - R295 900