2015-09-24Staff Report 2 When Suzuki set out to create a hatchback like none before, it first established a key guideline—hold back on nothing. The result is the Suzuki Baleno, a hate it or love it compact vehicle with a design that Suzuki calls “Liquid Flow” – whatever that is. Sales for the Baleno would start next year. “We set our sights on developing the ideal hatchback, one that makes no compromises, giving it an elegant, sophisticated and grown-up character. The Baleno perfectly embodies all the elements expected in a car of this size—design, utility, comfort, manoeuvrability, superior driving performance, and fuel efficiency,” says Baleno chief engineer Kunihiko Ito. The Baleno would be available as a 1-litre BoosterJet direct-injection turbo engine with high torque output and SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) with 1.2 DUALJET engine. The 1.0 BOOSTERJET engine has a maximum output of 82kW and a maximum torque of 170Nm. The 1.2 DUALJET, a dual-injection petrol engine has improved thermal efficiency that strikes an excellent balance between power performance and fuel efficiency. The SHVS is a mild hybrid system by Suzuki that uses an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) to assist the engine during acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking, which it does more efficiently than systems using conventional alternators. Using the electricity stored through regenerative braking, the electric motor function of the ISG improves fuel efficiency by partially assisting the engine, which it does by making up for the additional added portion of fuel usually required during the high-fuel-consuming actions of starting from a stop and accelerating. It also allows for a smooth and quiet restart after an automatic engine stop, thanks to the use of an ISG belt-drive start, rather than restart by a conventional starter motor. Innovative features on the inside include advanced multi-information colour display, active cruise control with speed limiter, and a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio compatible with Apple CarPlay. 2015-09-24Staff Report 2
