2016 Suzuki Baleno

Toyota’s popular Starlet leaps from 0 to 4 stars in latest Global NCAP crash tests

After a disappointing 0-star rating for adult occupant protection earlier this year, Toyota’s popular hatchback has bounced back following a crucial safety update.

The Toyota Starlet has achieved a commendable 4-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP #SaferCarsForAfrica crash tests.

Earlier this year, the Indian-built hatchback – one of South Africa’s best-selling models – was heavily penalised for offering only 2 front airbags. Following the original test, Toyota made 6 airbags (including side curtain airbags) standard fitment across the locally offered range.

Putting the updated model to the test

Global NCAP independently funded a follow-up assessment to test the revised safety spec. The results proved the benefit of the extra equipment, with the Starlet securing 4 stars for adult protection and retaining its 3-star rating for child occupant protection.

The structural assessment revealed a stable footwell area, although the body shell was deemed unstable under further frontal loadings. In the side and pole impact tests, head, abdomen and pelvis protection scored well, while chest protection ranged from adequate to marginal. However, child occupant testing highlighted some ongoing vulnerabilities, noting that the head of the child dummy (simulating a 3-year-old child) made contact with the interior during the frontal impact.


 
FiestaST said:
Toyota’s popular Starlet leaps from 0 to 4 stars in latest Global NCAP crash tests

After a disappointing 0-star rating for adult occupant protection earlier this year, Toyota’s popular hatchback has bounced back following a crucial safety update.

The Toyota Starlet has achieved a commendable 4-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP #SaferCarsForAfrica crash tests.

Earlier this year, the Indian-built hatchback – one of South Africa’s best-selling models – was heavily penalised for offering only 2 front airbags. Following the original test, Toyota made 6 airbags (including side curtain airbags) standard fitment across the locally offered range.

Putting the updated model to the test

Global NCAP independently funded a follow-up assessment to test the revised safety spec. The results proved the benefit of the extra equipment, with the Starlet securing 4 stars for adult protection and retaining its 3-star rating for child occupant protection.

The structural assessment revealed a stable footwell area, although the body shell was deemed unstable under further frontal loadings. In the side and pole impact tests, head, abdomen and pelvis protection scored well, while chest protection ranged from adequate to marginal. However, child occupant testing highlighted some ongoing vulnerabilities, noting that the head of the child dummy (simulating a 3-year-old child) made contact with the interior during the frontal impact.


Click to expand...

So do these Starlet changes translate over to the Belano automatically?
 
Facelifted Suzuki Baleno revealed (with new engine)

The facelifted Suzuki Baleno hatchback has been revealed in India, sporting not only a few design tweaks but also a new 3-cylinder engine familiar from the Swift…

- Refreshed Baleno unwrapped in India
- Update includes new front-end design
- Indian-spec version switches to 3-pot

Meet the facelifted Suzuki Baleno. Unveiled in India where it’s produced by Maruti Suzuki, the refreshed version of the 2nd-generation hatchback features not only a handful of exterior design changes but also the latest “Z Series” 3-cylinder engine familiar from the Swift and Dzire.

Yes, while the current Baleno – which arrived in South Africa back in mid-2022 – employs the brand’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine in Mzansi (rather than the K12N mill used in the outgoing version in India), the updated model switches to the latest Z12E 3-pot that debuted in the Swift.

In the freshly revealed Indian-spec Baleno, this likewise atmospheric 1.2-litre petrol motor generates 61 kW and 112 Nm, with buyers offered the choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT) featuring the same number of cogs.

Of course, those peak outputs are down on the 77 kW and 138 Nm produced by the current SA-spec Baleno’s K15B powerplant. Still, it’s worth keeping in mind that we don’t yet know if the hatchback will switch to the Z12E in South Africa or stick with the more powerful K15B.

What else does the Baleno’s mid-cycle update include? Well, the most significant styling changes come up front, where the sub-4-metre hatchback gains a new design for its grille, front bumper and foglamps. Interestingly, the Suzuki badge moves to just above the grille.

From what we can tell, much of the rear styling carries over unchanged, as does the alloy-wheel design (though the hatchback does now adopt a sharkfin antenna). It’s a similar case in the cabin, where the dashboard appears largely untouched, though the Indian market does gain new features like wireless smartphone charging and ventilated front seats.


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Updated Suzuki Baleno unveiled with new engine

Sporting an array of updates, including a new engine option, Suzuki has whipped the wraps of the refreshed Baleno…

While featuring a redesigned front end, perhaps the biggest news is the adoption of a new engine option. Indeed, the updated Suzuki Baleno was revealed with the Japanese automaker’s (Z12E) 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor – the same unit employed by the third-generation Swift, which claimed top honours in the ‘Budget Car’ category at CAR magazine’s 2026 Top 12 Best Buys awards, and Dzire compact sedan.

The Z12E produces 61 kW and 112 N.m of torque – the former and latter available from 5 700 and 4 500 r/min, respectively. Power is delivered to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The company claims average fuel consumption figures of 4.2 and 4.0 L/100 km for the manual and AMT models, respectively.

As a reminder, the current local Baleno lineup is powered by Suzuki’s familiar (K15B) 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which also does duty in such products as the Jimny, Fronx, and Grand Vitara. In the Baleno, the K15B powertrain – available with the choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox – is endowed with 77 kW and 138 N.m. Equipped with the former and latter transmissions, the K15B returns a claimed 5.4 and 5.7 L/100 km, respectively.

www.carmag.co.za

Updated Suzuki Baleno unveiled with new engine

Sporting an array of updates, including a new engine option, Suzuki has whipped the wraps of the refreshed Baleno…
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 

2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift Review - Team-BHP​

This report will focus only on the changes in the Facelift version. To read the full official review, click here.

Introduction​

The Baleno is a familiar name in the top-10 list of most-sold cars in India, averaging about 16,000 units per month. Those are some insane numbers and hence a very important car in Maruti's portfolio.

The new-generation model was introduced in 2022, and in 2025 Maruti updated the Baleno to include 6 airbags as standard, along with additional safety features.

This year, Maruti has finally brought in a much-needed mid-life facelift for the Baleno.

The facelift brings an updated front end, some interior feature additions, Level 2 ADAS, and a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine under the hood. It will be offered with a 5-speed MT or an AMT, and there's also a factory-fitted CNG variant.

We got to get a closer look at the Baleno in Bangalore, so let's get into all the details.

You can download the Baleno Facelift Brochure here - 2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift Brochure.pdf

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Full detailed review with MANY more exterior & interior photos at the link below:

 

Maruti launches new automatic CNG variants of Swift, Dzire and Baleno - Team-BHP​

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Maruti Suzuki has launched automatic CNG variants of its Swift, Dzire and Baleno models. The variants aim to meet rising urban demand for automatic cars amid increasing traffic congestion.

All three cars are powered by Maruti's Z-Series Z12E 3-cylinder 1.2L engine, which has been available on the current-gen Swift and Dzire since 2024 and was added to the Baleno in the 2026 facelift.

In the new CNG variants, the engine is mated to Maruti's 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (AGS) AMT transmission, and carries forward Maruti's factory-fitted S-CNG system equipped with a dual ECU and automatic fuel changeover between CNG & petrol.

On all three models, the engine makes 82 BHP @ 5700 rpm and 112 Nm @ 4500 rpm in petrol mode, while CNG mode puts out 69 BHP @ 5700 rpm and 102 Nm @ 2900 rpm.

The cars have a petrol tank capacity of 37 litres, while the CNG tank has a water-fill equivalent capacity of 55 litres. The claimed fuel efficiency in CNG mode is 35.34 km/kg (Swift), 36.47 km/kg (Dzire) and 34.47 km/kg (Baleno).

Maruti Suzuki Swift, Dzire and Baleno S-CNG AGS ex-showroom Prices:​

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift S-CNG AGS: Rs. 7,92,400
  • Maruti Suzuki Dzire S-CNG AGS: Rs. 8,53,100
  • Maruti Suzuki Baleno S-CNG AGS: Rs. 8,32,400
Click to expand...
 
FiestaST said:
Updated Suzuki Baleno unveiled with new engine

Sporting an array of updates, including a new engine option, Suzuki has whipped the wraps of the refreshed Baleno…

While featuring a redesigned front end, perhaps the biggest news is the adoption of a new engine option. Indeed, the updated Suzuki Baleno was revealed with the Japanese automaker’s (Z12E) 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor – the same unit employed by the third-generation Swift, which claimed top honours in the ‘Budget Car’ category at CAR magazine’s 2026 Top 12 Best Buys awards, and Dzire compact sedan.

The Z12E produces 61 kW and 112 N.m of torque – the former and latter available from 5 700 and 4 500 r/min, respectively. Power is delivered to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The company claims average fuel consumption figures of 4.2 and 4.0 L/100 km for the manual and AMT models, respectively.

As a reminder, the current local Baleno lineup is powered by Suzuki’s familiar (K15B) 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which also does duty in such products as the Jimny, Fronx, and Grand Vitara. In the Baleno, the K15B powertrain – available with the choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox – is endowed with 77 kW and 138 N.m. Equipped with the former and latter transmissions, the K15B returns a claimed 5.4 and 5.7 L/100 km, respectively.

www.carmag.co.za

Updated Suzuki Baleno unveiled with new engine

Sporting an array of updates, including a new engine option, Suzuki has whipped the wraps of the refreshed Baleno…
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
Click to expand...
An engine downgrade, cost saving obviously.

The Fronx will be next in line then.

That 1.5 L engine is the only thing that makes the Fronx/Baleno appealing to me compared to other options.
 
Piece of crap car even crapper now with a poofter engine. Mazda 2 has a proper engine and a fun 6 speed gearbox for manual and auto. The Mazda auto is not even CVT, it is a proper auto. And the Mazda manual is so much fun to drive that I want to actually rather have the manual. But the sheeple will rather buy the piece of crap Balameo.
 
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