SUZUKI BALENO

Suzuki has created a bit of a hidden gem with the Baleno. Behind its polarising exterior lies a decent drive that's shared with the more conventional Swift, while its larger dimensions create a superbly spacious interior. On top of that, the standard kit list on top-spec models mean this is an extremely well equipped supermini for the money. Running costs are also low, yet performance is peppy thanks to its light weight and the use of simplified hybrid technology. If you can live with cheap-feeling interior plastics, there’s little else in the class that offers so much for such a small outlay. 

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Suzuki Baleno

There are two things that Suzuki is good at building: small cars and 4x4s. The Suzuki Baleno is another entrant into the small car class, although it falls somewhere between the supermini and compact hatchback classes in terms of size.

Suzuki has a variety of small cars, and the Baleno is the largest it offers. It's based on the same platform as the new Swift, and it also shares tech with the recently launched Ignis small crossover. The rounded shape is designed to offer something sensible in comparison to the youthful and funky Swift and Ignis, and a fringe benefit of those looks is that the Baleno is one of the most spacious cars at this price level.

The name Baleno is a blast from Suzuki's past, as it was last used on a fairly unexciting saloon and hatch. The current Baleno was launched in 2016 in South Africa, and it's only offered as a five-door supermini. Prices start from around $19 000, while even the most expensive model only comes in at around $23 000. 

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