Suzuki Baleno II (2015 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.5/10

The Suzuki Baleno II (introduced in 2015) marked the revival of the Baleno nameplate as a practical, spacious B-segment hatchback. Built on Suzuki's ultra-lightweight Heartect platform, it prioritizes interior space, boot capacity (355 liters), and exceptional fuel efficiency over driving dynamics. While it had a relatively short lifespan in Europe (withdrawn around 2019/2020), it became a monumental success in India (sold via Maruti Suzuki's premium Nexa network) and other emerging markets, where it received a major facelift/new generation in 2022. It is also widely sold as the Toyota Glanza (India) and Toyota Starlet (Africa). Focus on the Diesel (1.3 DDiS): The diesel variant was exclusively available in the Indian market until early 2020. Powered by the legendary Fiat-sourced 1.3 Multi

✅ Strengths

Exceptional fuel economy, especially the 1.3 DDiS diesel (often exceeding 22 km/l or 4.5 L/100km in real-world conditions)
Class-leading interior space and rear legroom
Large boot capacity (355 liters) for a B-segment car
Extremely reliable naturally aspirated petrol engines (K-Series)
Low cost of ownership and cheap spare parts (especially in India/Africa)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Thin sheet metal and lightweight build lead to poor NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels
Interior plastics feel cheap and scratch easily
Stiff low-speed ride quality
1.3 DDiS diesel is noisy and unrefined compared to modern European diesels
Sticky steering issue on early models (does not self-center easily)

🎯 Verdict

The Suzuki Baleno II is a triumph of packaging and cost-efficiency. If you are looking at the 1.3 DDiS Diesel, it is a fantastic workhorse that will deliver unbeatable fuel economy. However, because it was discontinued in 2020, you are buying an older vehicle. It is highly recommended for high-mileage drivers, but avoid it if your commute is strictly short city trips, as the DPF and EGR will inevitably clog. For the vast majority of buyers, the 1.2L petrol variants are the safer, more refined, and virtually indestructible choice.