Take the Baleno for a whirl
Take a glimpse through traffic and what you’ll encounter is a field of drab-hued hatchbacks and sport-utility vehicles from popular brands, with dealerships on virtually every street corner.
Sure, this observation isn’t exactly revolutionary. And it’s been well documented that we are an obstinate bunch when it comes to brand loyalty. But Johannesburg’s deserted roads during December produced some interesting observations.
The motoring public has become privy to the unknown – once-maligned brands have become more prominent on our roads, and whether that is a consequence of want or necessity (personal budget constraints) remains to be seen.
My gut tells me it’s due to the latter but let’s not rain on the underdog’s parade, because Suzuki SA deserves to revel in its achievements. A 37% growth in a stagnant economy is commendable: multiple sales records and international recognition from Suzuki Global made 2018 a rather triumphant year for the Japanese brand.
Spearheaded by the venerable Swift, Suzuki SA shifted a smidge over 12,000 units in 2018, while the car I commandeered registering a meagre 44 units in December. My encounters with fellow owners over the course of December raised a number of questions, chief of which is why not buy the Baleno?
While I’m certain the cheaper, more endearing Swift plays a significant role in cannibalising the sales of Baleno, my summation comes down to the superficial. Turn the dials back to 2013, to the introduction of the fourth generation of the Renault Clio — a model often credited with the resurgence of the once-vilified French brand. It had many gawking at its curvaceous proportions and striking good looks, which inevitably led to increased foot traffic through Renault dealers. While inconsequential to some, inspiring looks are imperative in creating product desire.
Aesthetics apart, I was suitably impressed with the remainder of the Baleno package. It won favour among my peers as the trusted shuttle to and from whatever attractions a barren Johannesburg still had to offer. It coped well with our precarious roads and, thanks to a compliant ride and decent dampening, it also felt suitably refined at highway speeds. But the best bit of all was its frugality. My tenure at the helm saw fuel consumption rise from 5.3l/100km to 5.7l/100km, but that's thanks to more spirited inner-city driving. That aside, the overall driving demeanour was difficult to fault when considering the Baleno’s R239,900 price tag for the GLX model.
The GLX specification includes amenities such as keyless entry and keyless start, cruise control, a sprinkling of chrome, a set of vivid HID headlights and a 4.2” infotainment system among others — although we hear that the touchscreen is soon to be replaced by a more sophisticated unit from the Jimny. In terms of specification, you’d be hard pressed to find any noticeable differences when compared to its ubiquitous rivals.
So then, I raise the question again: why aren’t we buying the Baleno?
It may be devoid of the chic that others in the segments possess, yet the Baleno is a car that represents tremendous value with a capacious cabin, an agreeable driving experience and the right mixture of creature comforts.
It may just be a case of personal preference but might I suggest the next time you find yourself in a Suzuki dealer, that you take the Baleno for a whirl?