2005 Suzuki Baleno LXi 1.6 petrol

Summary:

The Ultimate Car

Faults:

The silencer touches on the high speedbreakers... otherwise everything is amazing... the a/c gas pipe was tore off due to some fan... the arrangement of this pipe is weird... should be improved...

General Comments:

Well overall I am satisfied with the cars performance.. it is amazing... the headlights are damn powerful... the light spreads in all thre directions... braking is excellent.. people inside the car don't get a jerk even while hard braking... A/C is the best more powerful than a C-Class... the car has no effect while on a slope... I can go up without changing a single gear... amazing performance... really a value for money car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2005

2004 Suzuki Baleno Vxi 1.6L petrol

Summary:

Good value for money - nice to drive

Faults:

Sometimes the power antenna fails to retract all the way.

General Comments:

Nice performance overall; neat pickup and good braking, even when driving in Delhi's crazy traffic. Very linear response to the accelerator and has a very large range for the 4th and 5th gears. I can slow down to 30 km/h at 5th and not hear a rattle.

The interiors are pretty sad; looks like they were yanked out of a second-hand dealer shop. A continuous sea of gray.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th March, 2005

9th Mar 2005, 20:17

Suzuki rules! I love Suzuki. Everyone complains about the interiors, but nobody complains about the prices. Go figure.

12th Apr 2005, 23:24

Suzuki Baleno is an excellent value for money car in its category. It gives an ultra smooth ride with a 1600 work horse at your command and decent mileage as well. Air conditioning is great as well. As regards ordinary interiors well the price is ordinary as well. If its bothering too much, Leatherite seat covers and some other accessories can be added at a low price of 5K to 6K and the interiors spruced up. If that does not quench the desire increase the purchasing power and go for a Corolla.

12th Oct 2005, 05:36

Baleno is the only car where you get more than what you pay for. It has the best road holding in its class at high speeds and a super suspension. Gear changing is minimal even in heavy traffic. Breaking could improve. Road holding would be improve with wider tires like 175/70 R13. I got the tires changed in my Baleno and the change was amazing. I would recommend it to all provided you can adjust to the VERY plasticky looks of the interiors.

30th Dec 2005, 04:32

Best and smooth drive with a feel of Power. Good balance on road at high speed.

Great pickup and comfortable seats.

22nd Jul 2007, 22:46

I was the original commenter. 2.5 years, 66000 km later, very satisfied. No major repairs ever, touch wood. Had wider tyres installed at 40000km, these significantly improved the road holding, at a slight cost in terms of pickup.

In reply to 22nd Jul 2007, 22:46

28th Jul 2015, 13:24

How many kilometers has it done now. Is it good to buy a 2004 model Baleno VXI?

2000 Suzuki Baleno 1.6L

Summary:

Indeed, a high performance bargain

Faults:

A minor rattle with the steering column was attended to promptly by factory personnel.

General Comments:

My initial choice was between the Baleno and the Honda City and it was rather a difficult one. But I seem to have made the right decision and am pleasantly surprised at having a very rewarding ownership experience.

The performance is fantastic especially on account of the flat torque curve - you seem to be in the meat of the power band in most driving conditions. In fact the engine is so responsive, you rarely need to use more than 4500 RPM at any point unless you are in a real hurry. Overtaking Lancers (1.6) and Honda City's are a walk in the park.

The fuel efficiency is extremely good when you consider the performance on tap helped largely on account of the torque available which allows you to move along all day in a high gear.

The service is definitely good as you are the top of the line and are given preferential treatment too.

Tyres could be better though and the handling is towards understeer though depending on where you are it doesn't really matter.

Looks? Good from all angles except the rear from about 250 meters away. The side is especially good and gives a very solid look to the car. The redesigned front end is trendy too.

The Interiors could do with a tach that's the same size as the speedo indicating its performance pedigree.That's about the only peeve I have with the interior, otherwise its pretty good, insulates noise and has a very effective air con. The Kenwood music system is more than adequate and comes with a remote too. Power mirrors are standard along with the usual central locking and power windows etc.

Value for money if you are a performance freak.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2002