SCOTTISH COTY - The Small Car category, usually fiercely competitive, was taken by the new Suzuki Baleno.

Suzuki is well established as the small car experts and is pleased to announce that it has won the ‘Small Car’ category at the 2016 Scottish Car of The Year Awards held in Edinburgh by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.

Baleno was announced as a category winner following an intensive test programme over the last 12 months with the 18 members of the Association recently assembling to cast their votes for the best new cars on the market.

Stephen Park, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Value for money is hugely important to Scottish new car buyers spending their own hard earned cash and the ASMW recognised immediately that the Baleno is priced and equipped to deliver. 

It’s good to drive too with the incredible new Boosterjet engine delivering exceptional real-world economy and strong performance. Well packaged, generously kitted out and combining strong performance with exceptional eco credentials, our winner performs strongly across these key areas”.

Dale Wyatt, Director of Automobile at Suzuki GB PLC comments: “We have 22 dealers in the Scottish Region and this award is really positive news for us as the launch of Baleno has opened up further opportunities to win new buyers in the crowded small car segment. It certainly appeals to customers who are looking for a more rational choice than Swift with extra interior space and larger boot capacity but who may not be looking to move up in size to a Vitara or S-Cross”.

Priced from £13,249 the Baleno is available with Suzuki’s highly acclaimed 1.0-litre three cylinder Boosterjet turbocharged engine offering CO₂ emissions of 105g/km and achieves 62.7mpg on the EC combined fuel consumption cycle. It was also Suzuki’s first car to be available with SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology and is equipped with a lithium–ion battery and Integrated Start Generator to enable CO₂ emissions of just 94g/km.

Standard equipment for all Baleno models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ-T model (Available with 1.0-litre Boosterjet) includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass, cruise control with speed limiter and front electric windows.  

SZ5 (Boosterjet and SHVS model) adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, 4.2 inch central colour trip display, LED rear lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Brake Support .

TOWCAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - Suzuki takes the Ultralight title with the Vitara S Sports utility Vehicle.

Suzuki is very pleased to announce that Vitara S has been voted the winner of the Ultralight category at the Tow Car Awards 2016. Suzuki introduced the 1.4-litre Boosterjet model in January which provides a more sporting and dynamic character to the Vitara line up and it was this latest model that really impressed the judges.  

Commenting on the award, David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine said;

“We were thoroughly impressed with the Vitara diesel we tested last year, and this year's petrol powered Vitara S is light enough to be considered an ultralight tow car. For a car which barely weighs more than 1.2 tonnes, stability at speed was excellent. The Suzuki pulled its trailer to 60mph and well beyond without any waywardness.

The S is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine which performs well, pulling the trailer from 30-60mph in 14.4 seconds. Turbocharging helps give more mid-range pull than you get from most petrols, making for an engine that's surprisingly well suited to towing lightweight trailers and micro-caravans. So, your £20k buys lots of kit, impressive stability and four-wheel drive.

That makes the Vitara a worthy winner of this year's 'Best Ultralight Tow Car' award”.

Dale Wyatt, Sales and Marketing Director, Suzuki GB PLC added; “This is another fantastic  accolade for us at Suzuki; our compact and lightweight SUV is proving to be really popular on the roads now with around 11,000 sold since launch last year.

Vitara is available from £13,999 for the 1.6-litre SZ4 model with manual transmission; the SZ5 model is available with either a 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6 diesel engine and offers ALLGRIP four wheel drive as an option. The 1.4-litre turbo-charged S model tested in the competition offers ALLGRIP as standard equipment.

Vitara is rated one of Europe‘s safest cars according to independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, and received the maximum 5-star rating. Vitara was also the first compact SUV to earn five stars in the more rigorous 2015 Euro NCAP testing programme which reinforces its exemplary safety.

The All-New Suzuki Baleno, the new midsized family car that aims to boost the sales higher than ever.

• All-new Baleno hatchback model – on sale in the UK from 1 June 2016.
• New 1.0-litre three cylinder engine – second application of Suzuki’s new Boosterjet technology.
• 111PS Direct Injection Turbo-charged engine (DITC) offers a wide spread of torque. available from just 2,000rpm with CO₂ emissions of 105g/km for manual transmission model.
• Launch of Suzuki’s first mild hybrid system - four cylinder 1.2-litre SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) offering latest mild hybrid and Dualjet technology with CO₂ emissions of 94g/km.
• EC Combined fuel consumption of 64.2mpg for Boosterjet model with manual transmssion, 70.6mpg for SHVS model.
• Six airbags, Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth, air conditioning and DAB Radio fitted as standard on all models.
• Radar Brake Support and Adaptive Cruise Control fitted as standard to SZ5 grade.
• Priced from £12,999 for SZ-T 1.0­-Litre Boosterjet and £13,499 for SZ5 1.2-litre SHVS version.

Suzuki is well known globally for its expertise in small cars and the new Baleno hatchback is its latest example. Since launching its first car in 1955, the Suzulight, Suzuki has produced a vast range of significant models each tailored to the needs of its time.

A larger car than Swift at 3.99 metres long, Baleno offers a more rational choice for buyers looking for extra interior space and larger boot capacity but may not be looking to move up in size to a Vitara or S-Cross. Baleno offers the best tandem distance in its class which is the measurement taken between the front and rear seats.

The Baleno is produced in India where Suzuki has a long established reputation and a major presence for more than 30 years. In 2015, 1.3 million cars were manufactured in Suzuki’s two Indian plants and the current share for the passenger vehicle market is a very impressive 48 per cent (April 2016).

Specification Highlights

Standard equipment for all Baleno models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ-T model (Available with 1.0-litre Boosterjet) includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass, cruise control with speed limiter and front electric windows.  

SZ5 (Boosterjet and SHVS model) adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, 4.2 inch central colour trip display, LED rear lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Brake Support.

Pricing for the Baleno range is as follows:

SZ-T 1.0-litre Boosterjet M/T	£12,999
SZ5 1.0-litre Boosterjet M/T	£13,999
SZ5 1.0-litre Boosterjet A/T	£15,349
SZ5 1.2–litre SHVS M/T	£13,499

With the increasing popularity of Personal Contract Purchase to new car buyers, the new Baleno is available from launch with an attractive PCP offer. Taking the SZ-T model as an example, the offer comprises of a Nil customer deposit, £1,000 deposit contribution from Suzuki followed by 48 monthly payments of £199. Payments can also be reduced to just £159 over the same period if a deposit of £1,679 is made. As is normal with a PCP arrangement, a final payment is required to keep the car and the APR is 5.9 per cent.

Boosterjet Engine

After the debut of Boosterjet in the Vitara S in January 2016, the engine technology continues for the Baleno model with an all new 1.0-litre three cylinder version. Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine (1.8-litre), it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure.

This unit has an output of 111PS and is also Direct Injection turbocharged (DITC). The new engine has very compact dimensions and offers 170Nm of torque available from 2,000rpm through to 3,5000rpm. The optional six speed automatic transmission equipped model offers 160Nm of torque and is available slightly earlier at just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm.

Boosterjet technology is developed by Suzuki and is characterised by improved fuel efficiency and driving pleasure made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. Historically, power and torque delivery from a turbo-charged engine would not have been available until much higher engine speeds, offering less flexibility to the driver.

The 1.0-litre engine offers strong benefits in performance too with 0-62mph acceleration time of 11.4 seconds with manual transmission and 11.0 seconds for the optional automatic model.

1.2-litre Dualjet with SHVS

Suzuki first introduced its Dualjet technlogy in 2014, initially in the 1.2-litre Swift (K12C) and then more recently in the 1.0-litre Celerio (K10C). This technology is now utilised for the four cylinder 1.2-litre Baleno and includes the addition of SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki).

The SHVS mild hybrid system is a compact and lightweight system that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor,  the ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.

The system also uses a compact lithium-ion battery placed under the front passenger seat to store energy and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Start Generator. The SHVS system only uses its conventional engine starter motor when first started from cold, under all other conditions it uses the higher voltage ISG unit to allow smooth and quiet engine restarts.

In the new Baleno the SHVS system helps Suzuki reach a top class CO₂ emissions figure of 94g/kmplus achieve a fuel consumption figure of 70.6mpg on the EC combined cycle.

New Platform Strategy

Under the ‘SUZUKI NEXT 100’ plan announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, Suzuki has developed a new platform strategy for its future models and the Baleno is the first with this new generation platform to be introduced in Europe. The lightweight highly rigid body structure has been achieved by extensive use of 980MPa and 780MPa High Tensile steel sheeting.

The body frame has smooth curving lines with fewer joints that enable reductions in required reinforcements. This structure is not only lighter but disperses collision force energy more efficiently and improves overall crash safety. As a result of this development, Baleno is the most aerodynamically efficient Suzuki to date with a Cd figure of just 0.299.

Active safety equipment

The Baleno’s active safety equipment includes a Radar Brake Support (RBS) system on SZ5 models.  When travelling above approximately 3mph and the system detects a risk of collision with the vehicle in front, it warns the driver to apply the brakes. At higher speeds and if it senses the possibility of a collision, it warns the driver with a buzzer and also via a notification on the multi information display.

The RBS system fitted as standard on the SZ5 model monitors the road ahead by means of milliwave radar. The radar technology enables it to work even at high speeds, in darkness, and in rain or other bad weather. The system prevents or mitigates a collision by means of three functions which are Warning, Brake Asssist and Automatic Braking.

Display audio system with navigation and smartphone connectivity

The audio system for both SZ-T and SZ5 models has a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio  (SLDA) with a large seven inch touch panel display that enables intuitive operation and can also be used when wearing gloves.  A three dimensional navigation map makes landmarks easy to distinguish and the system also allows the driver to use certain smartphone applications with MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connection.

Apple CarPlay is the smarter and safer way to use iPhone in the Baleno. Apart from making  calls it also facilitates receiving directions for optimised traffic conditions, listening to music, accessing email, text messages and more.

Suzuki to show the world the new Baleno in production form, as well as other models within it's range at Geneva.

New Baleno – Suzuki’s ideal compact hatchback

The full production version of the all new Baleno will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show from March 1^stand will be launched in the UK in June of this year.

Since manufacturing its first car in 1955, the Suzulight, Suzuki has produced a variety of compact cars that deliver value much greater than their sizes. Developed using the company’s compact car expertise, the Baleno has an elegant and powerful design, a spacious cabin and luggage space plus a host of new technologies.

The new technologies include a rigid, lightweight new generation platform, highly responsive 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo BOOSTERJET engine, and 1.2-litre SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) powertrain featuring engine assist from an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) connected to a Lithium ion Battery. All of these contribute to a fun yet fuel efficient driving experience, giving the Baleno much more than just good looks and convenience.

In addition to fulfilling fuel efficiency and dynamic performance expectations, the layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars.

Further details will be available on March 1^st at the Suzuki press booth and also via media.suzuki.co.uk. If you are attending the show this year, we look forward to welcoming you in Hall 4 on stand 4251.

The Suzuki Vitara range is now enhanced further with the addition of the new S Model.

• All new Vitara S model – on sale in the UK from January 2016.
• New 1.4-litre engine - first application of Suzuki’s new BOOSTERJET technology.
• 140PS Direct Injection Turbocharged engine (DITC) offers a wide spread of torque available from just 1,500rpm.
• Unique S model trim specification includes Gloss Black 17 inch alloy wheels, rear upper spoiler, satin silver door mirrors and red interior stitching.
• CO₂ emissions of 127g/km for manual transmission, just one gram higher for the optional automatic transmission model.
• EC Combined fuel consumption of 52.3mpg for manual transmission model.
• ALLGRIP intelligent four wheel drive fitted as standard equipment on S grade, optional on SZ5.
• Seven airbags including Drivers Knee Airbag fitted as standard on all four Vitara models.
• Smartphone link audio and navigation fitted as standard on SZ-T, SZ5 and S grades.
• Radar Brake Support and Adaptive Cruise Control fitted as standard to SZ5 and S grades.
• Priced at £20,899 for manual and £22,249 for automatic version.

Just eight months after the successful UK launch of the new Vitara, Suzuki is introducing the S model in January 2016 which provides a more sporting and dynamic character to the Vitara line up. Vitara has already proved to be a very popular model in the range with over 5,000 units sold to date.

Specification Highlights

A full standard equipment table for the new S model is listed at the end of this release. The new S has a unique specification that provides a visual difference to other models in the Vitara range.

Standard equipment for all Vitara models in the range is comprehensive and includes seven airbags, alloy wheels, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning and front and rear electric windows.  

The S model is equipped with 17-inch Gloss black alloy wheels, unique grille design, satin silver door mirrors, LED Headlamps with red projector covers, rear upper spoiler and black side body mouldings. For the interior the sporting theme continues with red interior stitching, red accents for air conditioning vent and instruments and aluminium alloy pedals.

Vitara S is available in the following colours:

• Bright Red (solid colour) 
• Cool White Pearl metallic
• Galactic Grey metallic
• Cosmic Black metallic

BOOSTERJET Engine

The new S model is the first Suzuki to be launched that utilises the new BOOSTERJET technology engine which in Vitara is a 140PS 1.4-litre Direct Injection turbocharged unit (DITC). This new engine has compact dimensions and offers 220Nm of torque available from just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm.

The BOOSTERJET engine is a newly developed Suzuki unit that is characterised by improved fuel efficiency and driving pleasure that has been made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. By controlling the wastegate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy load operation and remains open during normal driving, the system reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power and fuel-efficiency.

During development, Suzuki’s engineers virtually eliminated the typical delay in turbo power delivery or ‘lag’ by installing the specially developed compact turbo charger attached directly to the cylinder head as well as incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head casting. This design ensures optimum gas flow with minimal heat loss through to the turbo unit. The turbocharger has a boost pressure of 1.1 Bar.

Historically, power and torque delivery from a turbocharged engine would not have been available until much higher engine speeds, offering less flexibility to the driver.

The 1.4-litre engine offers strong benefits in performance too with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.2 seconds for both manual and automatic transmissions and a maximum speed, where permitted, of 124mph.

A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard for the new 1.4-litre BOOSTERJET engine with optimised gear ratios to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy. Additional measures include a shift lever counterweight to help provide a smooth, positive shift action.

A six-speed automatic transmission is available optionally which has a wide gear ratio range to permit precise driver control and help provide quick response at low vehicle speeds (for instance, when pulling away from standstill or driving slowly uphill). The transmission has an expanded lockup range to promote good acceleration, high fuel economy and low levels of NVH. Additionally, a manual mode is fitted to enable the driver to change gear using shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

CO₂ emissions

The Vitara’s CO₂ emissions are low thanks to the use of high tensile steel and other weight saving measures in the body. This has resulted in the Vitara being one of the lightest SUV’s in it class at just 1,210 kg for the new S model with manual transmission.

An Engine Auto Stop Start system is also used which shuts down the engine when stationary.

Four-wheel drive is typically seen as detrimental to fuel economy and emissions performance. By contrast, Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system enables CO₂ emissions that are remarkably low for a four-wheel drive SUV. CO₂emissions for the new S model with its standard ALLGRIP system and manual transmission is 127g/km and just one gram higher for the optional automatic transmission.

Suzuki evolved its renowned four wheel drive technologies into a new generation that delivers driving pleasure and peace of mind in diverse conditions while promoting economy and limiting the burden four wheel drive cars place on the environment.

Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system is fitted as standard on the new S model. It has four driver-selectable modes for safe, enjoyable driving on diverse surfaces. ALLGRIP debuted in the S-Cross model in 2013 and has since proved very successful.  During development, the Vitara ALLGRIP system was enhanced by the addition of a feed forward function that allocates torque to the rear wheels before any slippage can occur. The system has four driver-selectable modes which are Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock.

On conventional full time 4WD vehicles, feedback control allocates torque to the rear wheels after detecting front wheel drive slippage.

On Vitara, as well as offering feedback control it also offers feed forward control that anticipates slippage based on road surface, throttle opening position, steering angle and other factors. In summary, rather than reacting after grip is lost, it controls the vehicle to prevent grip from being lost which results in greater stability.

The Vitara is rated one of Europe‘s safest cars according to independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, and received the maximum 5-star rating. Vitara was also the first compact SUV to earn five stars in the more rigorous 2015 Euro NCAP testing programme which reinforces the exemplary level of safety of the model.

Suzuki showcases new concepts, re-imagines old name plates, and shows what they can do without VW Interference.

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced its exhibits for the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 (organised by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), which will open to the public on 30 October until 8 November.

The theme for Suzuki’s booth is “SUZUKI NEXT 100”. Suzuki will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, so the exhibits represent proposals for products and technologies that give a sense of the company’s preparations for ongoing success in the next 100 years.

A range of concept models will show how Suzuki can deliver wonder and enjoyment to drivers and riders. The concept cars will include the IGNIS, which gives shape to Suzuki’s foray into the new compact crossover genre; and the MIGHTY DECK, which offers new kinds of fun in the minicar segment.

The booth will also highlight other technologies that include exhibits such as cutaway models of newly developed engines.

MIGHTY DECK: a new-concept minicar offering new kinds of enjoyment and utility

• The MIGHTY DECK is a new, fun-oriented minicar with a canvas top and an open load deck that can be repositioned for diverse purposes.
• An “urban/outdoor” concept is embodied by features that free people to move between contrasting situations and mind sets: city and nature; home and away; work and leisure or relaxed and playful.
• Wide-ranging functionality including an automatic raise/lower function for the open deck accommodates lifestyle situations ranging from daily life to leisure.

Air Triser: a newly conceived three-row compact minivan with a private lounge

• The Air Triser is a new-concept three-row compact minivan within a manageable body size, it offers a cabin where roominess and smart seat configurability embody the concept of a private lounge.
• While the Air Triser is parked, the seats can be configured in a relaxation mode (where the seats face each other) or in a lounge mode (where the seats form a U-shape sofa). Users can enjoy media content from a smartphone on a large format display that extends from one of the B-pillars up to the roof line.
• The extent to which the Air Triser enables users to enjoy their time together not only on the move but also while they’re stationary makes it unprecedented among minivans.

IGNIS: new-genre compact-crossover versatility for daily life and leisure

• The IGNIS shows how a compact car can straddle the boundary between daily life and leisure. A high eye point and plenty of ground clearance ensure day to day convenience. They also allow confident driving on snowy roads and rough tracks, so weekends become a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.
• A compact, visually striking body and a simple, highly practical interior design highlight the IGNIS’s credentials in the compact crossover genre.

IGNIS-Trail Concept: even greater compact-crossover enjoyment

• The IGNIS-Trail Concept expands upon the IGNIS concept of urban and outdoor versatility by offering even greater rough-road ruggedness.
• Large diameter wheels and bold wheel-arch mouldings are included in a design package that heightens compact-crossover enjoyment by emphasizing the IGNIS-Trail Concept’s outdoor credentials.

Baleno: a new compact hatchback that blends dynamic, elegant styling with optimal packaging and high performance

• The Baleno is an all-new B-segment hatchback in which Suzuki refined the styling, performance, fuel economy, and practicality expected of a compact car and brought them together in an outstanding new way.
• Plenty of space for passengers and luggage means four adults can enjoy long journeys in comfort even when they’re carrying a full complement of gear.
• Powertrain technologies include the newly developed 1.0-litre direct-injection, turbocharged BOOSTERJET engine and the 1.2-litre DUALJET engine.
• The Baleno will be on sale in the UK from early next Summer.