Suzuki, well known as the ‘small car experts’ has won the Small Car category at the 2017 Irish Car of The Year ceremony, which this year celebrated its 40th anniversary, supported again by its long established sponsor, Continental Tyres.
Dale Wyatt, director of automobile, said the award was “positive news for Suzuki as the launch of Baleno had 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 Baleno is available with Suzuki’s highly acclaimed 1.0-litre three cylinder boosterjet turbocharged engine offering CO2 emissions of 105g/km and consumes 4.5l/100km (62.7mpg ) on the EC combined fuel consumption cycle. It was also Suzuki’s first car to be available with SHVS (smart hybrid vehicle by Suzuki ) technology and is equipped with a lithium–ion battery and integrated start generator to enable CO2 emissions of just 94g/km.
Standard equipment for all Baleno models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ-T model, available with 1.0-litre boosterjet, includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, DAB radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass, cruise control with speed limiter and front electric windows.
SZ5 (boosterjet and SHVS model ) adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, 4.2 inch central colour trip display, LED rear lights, adaptive cruise control and radar brake support.
