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.

The Zero Emission Mercedes-Benz B-Class goes on sale in the UK NOW...

• The first volume electric car from Mercedes-Benz goes on-sale in the UK – first deliveries take place in early 2015
• Prices start at £31,950 – OLEV grant lowers this to £26,950
• Sets the benchmark for space and versatility – able to seat five adults and clever packaging means it’s just as practical as the standard B-Class
• Two model lines – Sport and Electric Art – both featuring a comprehensive range of standard equipment

The first volume production electric car by Mercedes-Benz – the B-Class Electric Drive – is now available to order.

Split into two model lines – Sport and Electric Art – the B-Class Electric Drive is capable of travelling up to 142 miles on a single charge and can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds thanks to its 180 hp and 340 NM of torque generated by an electric motor. Yet it retains all the versatility of the B-Class on which it’s based, including the ability to carry five adults and a 501-litre boot – rising to 1,456-litres if you fold the seats down.

In fact, the B-Class Electric Drive boasts greater versatility and luggage capacity – with the seats both up and down – than any of its direct rivals. It doesn’t just win the space race – it’s got the pace to match. Thanks to Tesla-developed technology, the B-Class Electric Drive is the fastest accelerating five-seat electric car in its class as well as the most powerful and has the greatest theoretical range on a single charge.

Prices for the B-Class Electric Drive start at £31,950 for the Sport model. Subject to approval, an OLEV grant (£5,000) can be applied, bringing the on-the-road price to £26,950. The Electric Art is priced at £32,245 – reduced to £27,245 should the OLEV grant be applied.

The Sport model features a substantial list of standard equipment, including a unique design for the front and rear bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a seven-inch central display, Artico trim, automatic climate control, a reversing camera and cruise control. The Sport model is available in a choice of eight paint colours.

The Electric Art model – available in either Cirrus White or South Seas Blue – features contrasting mirrors and radiator grille elements, 18-inch dual colour alloy wheels, automatic climate control, contrast blue stitching for the seats and aluminium trim.

The lithium-ion batteries that power the B-Class Electric Drive are tightly packaged under the floor of the car, meaning the car retains its benchmark cabin room and boot space. Charging via a wall box or public charging station is made easier through a fast charging cable supplied with the car, which takes between three and four hours and brings the battery from a completely empty state to fully charged. A conventional home supply raises the charge time to around nine hours.

Making the very most of the capabilities of the B-Class Electric Drive is the optional Energy Assist Package (£945). The package features adaptive energy recuperation systems to sense – via the forward facing radar – road conditions. When traffic is identified, increased recuperation is employed to make the most of any deceleration. Likewise, it can use signals from the COMAND system (when specified) to read the topography of the road ahead and adapt accordingly. The driver can override the regenerative cycle via the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel to alter the level of retardation – reducing the likelihood of any energy being wasted.

Further measures fitted as part of the Energy Assist Package include privacy glass and a heated windscreen to reduce loading on the air conditioning system, increased insulation around the doors and windows and the addition of a ‘Range Plus’ button for occasional use, adding extra range to the battery capacity than would normally be feasible. Finally, the car will emit a subtle but audible signal at speeds of up to 18 mph to warn pedestrians of the presence of the car.

The B-Class Electric Drive builds on the success of the petrol and diesel models. Since its launch, over 350,000 examples of the B-Class have been sold worldwide and it remains a sustained favourite in the UK.

USA - New 2015 Honda Civic goes on sale.

• Sporty and youthful styling combines with substantial array of standard and available features
• Fun-to-drive powertrain and chassis performance is matched by high fuel efficiency
• Special Edition (SE) trim adds numerous feature and style upgrades over Civic Sedan LX

The stylish, feature-rich and fun-to-drive 2015 Honda Civic goes on sale tomorrow with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $18,290¹ for the Civic Coupe LX with manual transmission, and a fuel-efficient lineup that includes the Civic Sedan HF with an EPA highway rating² of 41 mpg. Joining the Civic family for 2015 is a new Special Edition (SE) sedan positioned between the LX and EX to provide customers with an even higher-value option, adding over $1,100 worth of telematics, audio, comfort, convenience and style upgrades for just $700 over the Sedan LX.

The Civic lineup received significant upgrades for 2014, including a redesigned Coupe exterior, new wheel designs, interior refinements, a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a host of available premium features, all of which are retained for 2015. The substantial list of high value standard features on the 2015 Civic includes a rearview camera with guidelines, expanded view driver’s mirror and Bluetooth®HandsFreeLink®³. Available features include the 7-inch capacitive touch-screen Display Audio, HondaLinkTM next-generation connected-car technology, LaneWatch™ display and Smart Entry with Push Button start.

The CVT, available on the Civic Sedan LX, Civic Coupe LX and EX, and standard on all other trims, enhances the responsiveness of the Civic’s 1.8-liter i-VTEC® engine by providing quick and smooth acceleration, while its wide ratio range and low internal friction help provide superior fuel efficiency. A slick shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Civic Sedan and Coupe LX and Civic Coupe EX.

The new 2015 Civic Sedan SE comes equipped with the CVT, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black painted inserts, Honda LaneWatchTM, automatic climate control, Display Audio with next-generation HondaLink and additional tweeter speakers.

The 2015 Civic Sedan and Coupe will be joined by the Civic Si Sedan and Coupe, Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas in the fall. The new 2015 Civic Sedan SE will also be available in the fall. Customers can view, build and price the 2015 Honda Civic at automobiles.honda.com/civic.

TRIM	MSRP1	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings2 (city/highway/combined)
Civic Coupe LX 5MT	$18,290	28/36/31
Civic Coupe LX CVT	$19,090	30/39/33
Civic Coupe EX 5MT	$20,390	28/36/31
Civic Coupe EX CVT	$21,190	29/38/33
Civic Coupe EX-L CVT	$22,640	29/38/33
Civic Coupe EX-L Navi CVT	$24,140	29/38/33
Civic Sedan LX 5MT	$18,490	28/36/31
Civic Sedan LX CVT	$19,290	30/39/33
Civic Sedan SE CVT	$19,990	30/39/33
Civic Sedan EX CVT	$21,190	30/39/33
Civic Sedan EX-L CVT	$22,840	30/39/33
Civic Sedan EX-L Navi CVT	$24,340	30/39/33
Civic Sedan HF CVT	$20,040	31/41/35