Suzuki has boosted fuel economy in its new Baleno hatchback by using a mild hybrid system for the first time in one of its models sold in Europe. The Baleno is offered with a 90hp, 1.2-liter or 112hp, 1-liter petrol engines. The mild hybrid system is available only with the 1.2-liter engine. The system stores electricity generated during braking in a lithium ion battery under the front passenger seat. It helps the engine during acceleration and when the car starts from a standstill. The system reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 5%. The subcompact car is a slightly larger alternative to the Swift, Suzuki’s current top-selling model in Europe.
Suzuki expects the Baleno to appeal to families looking for a more affordable model than the larger Vitara or S-Cross especially in central and eastern European markets. The company touts the five-seat hatchback’s generous cabin space. This hatchback is Suzuki’s first model in Europe underpinned by a new platform with a lightweight highly rigid body structure. The platform’s rigidity has been improved by 10% compared with the platform currently used in the same vehicle class and weight cut by 15%. The 3,995mm-long Baleno seats up to 5 people and has a boot space of 355 liters.
Let’s wait for the Proton version here… ^.^