Suzuki Baleno Wins 2017 Irish Small Car Of The Year Award

Dale Wyatt, Director of Automobile, said, "This award is really positive news for us at Suzuki as the launch of Baleno has opened up further opportunities to reach some important new buyers in the crowded small car segment. It appeals to customers who are looking for a more rational choice than Swift with extra interior space and larger boot capacity but who may not be looking to move up in size to a Vitara or S-Cross."

The Irish-spec Baleno is offered with a choice of two petrol engines: the 109bhp 1.0-litre Boosterjet and the 89bhp 1.2-litre Dualjet with SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki). Depending on the selected variant, its list of equipment includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, satellite navigation, automatic climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, etc..

Baleno, manufactured exclusively in India, was launched here a little over an year ago. The hatchback, which recently achieved the one lakh sales milestone in India, is not only among Maruti Suzuki's top-selling cars but also that of the nation's.

Maruti Suzuki is expected to add a new and more powerful variant to the carline soon. Referred to as the Baleno RS here, it will come powered by the 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol motor developing 109bhp and a peak torque of 170Nm.