Faults:

New alternator needed after worn bearings started to produce a whining noise (40,000 miles).

Water ingress through driver's side door seal during heavy rain, rectified by hinge adjustment, though the door now needs a firm push in order to close properly.

Courtesy light cover did fall off 1 or 2 times, but easily re-located & has since stayed put.

Standard horn (borrowed from a motorcycle) was pathetic, but replaced with a more meaty two-tone kit from Halfords, which the dealer fitted free of charge.

General Comments:

The level of standard equipment for the price was what sold me the car, coupled with the refreshingly different appearance. It had so much more character than comparably priced peers.

Most of the interior space is devoted to the front two seats, which is bad news for families, but makes sense if you don't often carry passengers and contributes to the 'bigger car' feel.

The steering wheel is archaically thin, but the dash is aesthetically pleasing & standard sports seats are supportive in all areas except the lumbar region.

Performance is lively enough if you can manage to resist the urge to change up earlier than necessary. The engine revs surprisingly high in 5th, which is great for making progress, but irritatingly noisy if you just want to cruise at 70mph or more.

Handling was initially disappointing, especially in the wet, until I had new tyres fitted (Michelins), which miraculously transformed the level of grip & feel.

The Baleno is popular amongst modifiers, but in standard guise makes an ideal 'next step' for a younger driver, looking to trade up to something moderately exciting, without breaking the bank.

Faults:

The radio on the stock CD/Radio stopped working, but this was replaced with no charge.

General Comments:

I love my little Baleno hatch. It's a great little car, but sometime it can be a bit too small.

The stock performance is OK. I have added a performance air filter, lowered by 1 1/2", 15 x 195 rubber and I run her on high octane fuel and it's now it a very zippy car. It's keeps up with my mates Nissan EXA (Pulsar NX)

Faults:

Radio ceased working after 2 years. However, this was not manufactured by Suzuki.

No other faults at all.

General Comments:

This car was purchased after several bad experiences with new fords.

It was excellent value for money and has been 100% reliable.

The car is very well equipped and has excellent performance.

Build quality second to none.

I especially like the conservative looks.

Faults:

The main thing is that the gearbox needed replacing (500 pounds) at only 41,000 miles of careful driving. It deteriorated rapidly over only 500 miles before signs of impending breakdown. We got rid of it.

Radio faulty at about 20000 miles, cost 35 pounds.

Seat belt reels stopped reeling at about 10000 miles.

Right hand rear "bumper" unit came loose at 41,000 miles.

General Comments:

Nice looking car, elegant for an estate. The ride was unusually hard and thumped when driving over potholes with steep (sharp) sides and the wheels lost traction when ascending roughish ground.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Built exceptional well. Comfortable, build strength superb. If only they would fit a thicker steering wheel.

Second Beleno to date. Why oh why do the car guides call this a boring bland car. It's the business and what's more it's good to be part of a select owners club. When did you last see a Baleno estate? The 1.8 new style is even better than my previous 1.6. That didn't go wrong either.

Faults:

Nothing. Looks Nice. Engine a bit buzzy but is ever so powerful. Standard-fit stereo is tinny, so needs upgrading

Love the push-button heater controls.

General Comments:

A great VFM car.