I have a 2004 Silver Baleno LXI @ 40k, thought about writing my ownership experience.
Design
I like the front and side profile. Didn’t like the back profile, it’s too bland for my taste.
Interiors
Dash board clearly shows it’s a decade old design, nothing to complain. It’s plain and simple, with all power windows, central locking and electronic adjustable side Outside Rear View mirror.
When it comes to space, it provides decent space at back and good at front. you can a find a comfortable driving position if you are ok with “low seat design” and provide good road view.
Engine
It’s smooth, not too refine. You will have ample amount of power @ your command, just tap gas pedal you will have cheeky grin on your face. you can drive @ 40km/hr speed in 5th gear, which means less gear changes needed for city driving. Highway driving is a breeze never need to worry on loss of power to when Ac is switched on.When you hit the sweet spot(80-100km/hr), it seems like gliding on the road.
Mileage: gives 13 – 17 Km/lt depending on driving conditions, with A/C or without A/C
Handling and ride:
As some of the other reviewers pointed out, its little bumpy in slow speed. It shows its true dynamics only when car climbs to 60Km/Hr and above. Steering feedback is excellent, its weighs well with high speed and light in slow speed. With independent suspension, ride is well balanced, you won’t feel small potholes and bumps. I felt that back seat provides more comfortable ride than @ front seat.
High speed cornering is fun and high speed straight line stability is also good
Never felt twitchy like my Accent(apart from handling part accent is also a very good car, no offense to accent owners, I like this gentle giant(accent) a lot).
Maintenance: Apart from regular service, it didn’t demand much.
Negatives: Low ground clearance and procuring Suzuki spare parts might be a problem(I haven’t faced yet).
Summary:Baleno is a wonderful car which slowly grows on you, the more you drive the more you get involved. I’m enjoying every moment of driving Baleno, it provides enormous driving pleasure.
Some might think why we need a review/ownership experience when baleno is no more in production and an old model. When I thought about buying a second hand petrol sedan, I was looking for VFM fun to drive and reliable machine. I had three option Ford Fiesta, Accent and Baleno. I opted for Baleno because its already depreciated much, less to invest, reliable and fun to drive. Anyone looking for second hand petrol sedan around 2 lakhs can get this wonderful beast in pristine conditions, it’s definitely worth considering before taking the decision.
Bala, Have fun, Drive Safe