SUZUKI BALENO 1.4 GLX (manual)
ABOUT IT
It’s tough out there, folks. Financial stability is waning and deal-seeking customers are proliferating. While those lusting for status and prestige will continue unabated with their German prejudices, the remainder of the market is adapting to a downward-spiralling economy. The result of this acclimatising is the influx of Asian market-specification cars, which 10 years ago would probably have never even made it to our shores.
Meaning that brands like Suzuki and its value-championing ensemble of products has risen to acclaim in SA, thanks, in part, to cars like the Baleno. It offers buyers C-segment space for B-segment money, and included in the package is a healthy serving of features, durability and frugality. It’s a car that carries its anonymity with conviction and seems to deliver all that is promised on the box.
WHERE I WENT
While the attractions of an idyllic coastal resort were alluring, the threats that “Januworry” posed quelled any temptation to venture off in the Baleno for a fleeting getaway. Johannesburg seemed to be the safest bet. It was a good call as the barren roads provided respite from the belligerent GP drivers who were now harassing coastal dwellers, giving me the opportunity to become better acquainted with my holiday companion.
PRAISES AND GRIPES
The Baleno found an endearing fan base among my peers as it was used as the designated Uber shuttle, while I was given the virtuous title of Uber commander. Good for the wallet and the liver. My inebriated compadres lauded the Baleno for its compliant ride, commodious cabin and NVH levels that did its best to curb any stomach-churning car sickness. Piloting the Baleno produced similar praise, although it must be noted that if you are taller, or larger in stature, it is difficult to find an entirely comfortable driving position.
I’m 1.8m tall and felt that I sat slightly too elevated; but apart from that, and lethargic steering that makes tackling meandering roads laborious, further faultfinding would be trivial. Infrequent petrol station visits, an agreeable driving demeanour and just enough technology to not confuse the elderly means the plucky Baleno ticks all the boxes a buyer in this segment would be looking for.
MILEAGE DRIVEN: 985km AVERAGE CONSUMPTION: 5.5l/100km PRICE: R239,920
ABOUT IT
When considering a test vehicle for the festive period — and knowing I had a long road trip lined up and three passengers – my main priorities centred around fuel efficiency, comfort and luggage space.
Settling on the Grandland X, these boxes were ticked, plus a whole lot more. With Opel recently becoming part of the PSA Group (Peugeot, Citroën and DS brands), it hasn’t taken long for the synergies to appear and the Grandland X draws on many features of the Peugeot 3008 — including the same 1.6-litre turbo engine. It’s a peach of a powerplant: quiet with just the right amount of oomph when needed. Plus with a cabin full of passengers and enough luggage to rival the Kardashians, the vehicle still managed to return the excellent figure of 7.8l/100km. Design-wise, the Grandland X is definitely more conservative than, say, the 3008, but there were still plenty of second glances, thanks to an overall attractive profile.
WHERE I WENT
Along with what appeared to be every man and his dog, I headed to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast via the Eastern Cape for a bit of sun, sea and surf. I must admit though, there were times that I questioned the wisdom of holidaying in this region over the festive period as often it felt as if I was back in Gauteng, thanks to the number of GP licence plates on display and the queues at the shops. Mind you, the view of the ocean beats that of mine dumps any day.
PRAISES AND GRIPES
In an age when things tend to get complicated, the simplicity of the interior design was most welcome, along with the use of top-quality materials. It all added up to a pleasant place to be, even when travelling up to 12 hours at a stretch. The airy feeling of the interior also means there is no chance of cabin fever. It was also nice to be behind the wheel of a German-built car that comes with a comprehensive list of standard features, rather than having to take on a second job just to enjoy the likes of cruise control, heated and “activeventilation” seats, a full-length panoramic glass roof, navigation, a lane-departure warning system, auto-lights and rainsensing wipers. On the downside the entertainment system left me slightly baffled at times. Mind you, those who know me would probably say that is par for the course.
MILEAGE DRIVEN: 2,735km AVERAGE CONSUMPTION: 7.8l/100km PRICE: R465,000