Faults:

The electric power steering tends to stiffen or does not return smoothly to the center after turning.

Clutch feel is sensitive, and it tends to slip or wear out prematurely with heavy city driving or frequent stop-and-go traffic.

Regarding the air conditioning drain, the internal drain hose sometimes disconnects, causing moisture or water to accumulate in the front passenger footwell.

The quality of the interior panels is generally good, but feels somewhat lightweight, and some noises are noticeable, especially around the armrest.

General Comments:

It is understated and well-equipped; while the design may not make a bold statement, it holds its own. It features an aggressive, modern front end and a silhouette that hints at a substantial stance, though the rear design is less successful.

The car's standout qualities, despite its compact size, are its spaciousness and comfort. The five-door hatchback offers two comfortable, roomy front seats with good ergonomics and excellent visibility for the driver.

In the rear, there are three additional seats; two offer generous headroom and legroom, while the middle seat is designed for children. It is truly impressive how much passenger space this car manages to provide despite measuring less than four meters in length.

In terms of driving dynamics, the Baleno offers far more than one might expect for its segment and price point. Although it measures under four meters and weighs less than a thousand kilograms, it feels larger and more composed—a definite plus.

The suspension is good; it absorbs impacts firmly on rough surfaces while providing sufficient stability in corners. However, hitting a speed bump too fast will almost certainly cause it to bottom out. And if you accelerate too aggressively through a curve, the rear end may well step out. It is best to drive prudently; after all, this is a small hatchback designed with families in mind.

The steering is the aspect I like least, it feels somewhat numb and offers little feedback regarding what is happening at the wheels, though it is neither over-assisted (a common trait of Chinese cars in this segment) nor sluggish.

Significant vibrations occur at speeds above 130 km/h, accompanied by increased cabin noise. It is best to drive with caution.

The engine isn't particularly punchy, but it is perfectly capable of moving this amount of mass. It starts eagerly and revs responsively in sync with the throttle; it performs best above 2,500 rpm, and while it lacks strong mid-range recovery, it benefits from a well-matched transmission that extracts every bit of power from the engine, which is also fuel-efficient.

In conclusion, it is a solid family car, and exceptionally comfortable if used by just two people. It is very spacious inside, which is essential for a family-oriented vehicle, and comes well-equipped with plenty of technology. Mechanically, it is well-endowed; like all Suzukis, it delivers more than its appearance suggests. It accelerates well, handles corners and braking with confidence, and offers the right level of suspension compliance for this type of car. It is lightweight, a fact reflected in both its agile handling and its fuel economy.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Love this car, even though only 1.4L it is definitely very peppy and also very comfortable.

Ideal for a family of two.

I am very happy with my purchase and the service from the Suzuki dealer.