Suzuki Baleno 2019: Turbo 1.0-litre dropped

Suzuki Australia has launched the 2019 model year Baleno range, which continues to be priced from $15,990 plus on-road costs.

While there are no actual updates to the Baleno range, Suzuki Australia has removed the turbocharged engine from the line-up, which was previously in the GLX Turbo.

The lack of a turbo has reduced the GLX's pricing to $18,990 plus on-road costs, or $19,990 drive-away as a special introductory offer.

In light of the removal of the 82kW/160Nm 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine in the former GLX Turbo, the sole engine offering in the Baleno is now a 68kW/130Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, matched to a five-speed manual (only in the base GL) or four-speed automatic transmission.

Suzuki claims it uses 5.1L/100km of regular unleaded fuel on a combined cycle as a manual, and 5.4L/100km as an automatic.

Standard equipment levels for both the GL and GLX trim levels have not changed with the 2019 update to the Baleno.

The $15,990 GL includes features such as cruise control, a 7.0-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, satellite navigation, a reversing camera, front fog lights, automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and air conditioning.

The $18,990 GLX then adds 16-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, paddle shifters, a front centre armrest, keyless entry and start and climate control.

Disappointingly, no Baleno is equipped with active safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking in either forward or reverse, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control.

Measuring 3995mm long, 1745mm wide, 1470mm high and with a 2520mm long wheelbase, the Baleno is one of the largest cars in its segment.

The Baleno features a 355-litre boot, which expands to 1085 litres with the rear seats folded and can tow 1000kg with a braked trailer.

2019 Suzuki Baleno pricing:

Does the loss of a turbocharged engine in the Suzuki Baleno matter to you? Let us know in the comments below.