CMH Suzuki Pinetown Archives

Things they don’t teach in driving school

May 17, 2019 By Rokkit Digital

Some things aren’t taught in driving school, but that doesn’t mean you have to remain in the dark forever – with this guide we will teach you how to keep moving when you experience car trouble and are unable to get to a mechanic or repair shop immediately.
The best part? You’ve already got all these items around the house.

PROBLEM: Stone chip on your window.
- Even the smallest windscreen chip can quickly get out of hand if left untreated. A small chip can develop into a full-blown crack almost overnight – which is both dangerous and costly to repair.

SOLUTION: Clear nail polish.
- While nail polish is far from a permanent fix, it will stop the chip from cracking further – buying you some time to get to a windscreen repair specialist.
PROBLEM: Car polish on your windscreen.
- It might not seem like an emergency, but still poses a hazard (not to mention what a pain it is to remove). It hinders your ability to see clearly, and could lead to an accident if you don’t remove it.
SOLUTION: Nail polish remover.
- A small amount of nail polish remover on a cloth will clear your windscreen right up.
PROBLEM: A leaky radiator.
- A leaking radiator can cause your car to overheat, putting your engine at serious risk of seizure.

SOLUTION: An egg, some turmeric and some curry powder.
- It sounds like a delicious breakfast, but could also help you out in a pinch. Turmeric powder is used in the production of radiator sealants and can thus be used as a temporary fix until you are able to get to a mechanic (turmeric could also be substituted with curry powder).
- Alternatively, use an egg white to form a plug, as the heat of your radiator will cook the egg and seal the gaps.
- Neither solution is a good long-term solution – so we recommend plugging the leak and ensuring you get your car to a mechanic immediately.
PROBLEM: A build up of lead sulphate on your battery.
- A lead sulphate build up on your battery can corrode your battery terminals, and cause your car’s electronics to malfunction. It appears as a white substance covering your battery.
SOLUTION: A can of coke and an old toothbrush.
- For safety reasons – put on a pair of safety gloves and disconnect your car’s battery. Once the battery is disconnected, dip the toothbrush in some coke (yum) and scrub the lead build up off the battery.
- Once the battery looks clean, you can take a damp cloth and wipe off the coke residue. Let it dry and reconnect the battery.
PROBLEM: Sun damage to your headlights.
- As much as we love getting in our daily dose of vitamin D, the sun’s rays can damage your car’s headlights over time, making them appear dull and murky.

SOLUTION: Toothpaste
- An oldie but a goodie. Polish your headlights by squeezing some toothpaste onto a cloth and lathering your headlights generously. The toothpaste will clear up the murky appearance, making your headlights shine as bright as they did the day you bought your car and improving your visibility when driving at night or bad weather conditions.

You might need to visit a mechanic for more serious car trouble, and when any unusual lights starts flashing on your dashboard – it might be time to visit CMH Suzuki Pinetown to test drive your next set of wheels.

New Gen Ertiga Launch at CMH Suzuki Pinetown

March 26, 2019 By Rokkit Digital

CMH Suzuki Pinetown had the honour of launching the all new, second generation Suzuki Ertiga to the South African market on Saturday, 23 March 2019.

We invited our loyal as well as prospective customers to come and experience this luxurious seven-seater with us on the day and to give them a chance to get #AllIn. They got to enjoy a range of refreshments and snacks, whilst being entertained and participating in a ‘tetris’ game to win some branded merchandise.

Always striving to ensure our customers remain the centre of our business, our sales team had a blast getting to show off the all new Ertiga and making a few hearts melt just like ours did when it first arrived at our dealership.

Events like these cannot happen without a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes – thus, we want to thank every employee, supplier and customer who had a part to play in making this launch a success.

The all new Suzuki Ertiga proves that a seven-seater does not have to be boring and that it is not just a “mom-cars” anymore. It proves that it is more than just a car, it’s a #WayOfLife.

Time to go all in!

New Gen Suzuki Ertiga

March 20, 2019 By Rokkit Digital

Whether you are driving the kids to school, taking the family on holiday, or transporting guests between hotels and airports, the new Suzuki Ertiga is your go to vehicle – a stylish seven-seater with a powerful and responsive engine.
There is more than enough space for the entire family, their luggage and even the dog when you take your next family vacation in the brand new Ertiga! features to enjoy on your journey include aerodynamic styling which lowers fuel consumption, central locking that ensures the safety of all your passengers and the stylish wheel covers which will make this seven-seater stand out from a mile away. You are sure to enjoy the trip just as much as your vacation.

GOOD TIMES ALL AROUND

The all new Ertiga offers more space, comfort and features than ever before to help keep you and your family entertained on the road.

Infotainment System
The Ertiga is fitted with an audio system which features a touch-panel with easy swipe operation, USB, Bluetooth Connectivity and steering mounted audio controls.
Electric Windows
All around electric windows which gives every passenger smooth easy operation.
High Quality Seat Upholstery
The all new Ertiga comes with a standard modern and spacious black interior that compliments its stylish look.
2nd Row Air Conditioning
Keep your passengers comfortable with the ceiling-mounted, three-setting air-conditioning.

You will never run short on space in the all new Ertiga with a luggage capacity of 199 litres – even with passengers seated in the third row. Thanks to its longer wheelbase, high headroom and carefully positioned seating, the Ertiga offers more than enough space for everyone and everything.

ALL-IN SAFETY

Your safety is one of our main concerns and we have peace of mind knowing you’ll be kept safe on the road with the range of safety features present in the all new Ertiga.

SRS dual front airbags protect the driver and passenger in case of a frontal collision.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that will keep your tyres from locking up and helping the driver maintain control of the car in case of an emergency braking situation.
Your braking distance is drastically reduced by the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) which distributes braking force to the front and rear wheels of the car in an optimal manner.
Parking your seven-seater Ertiga has just become easier with rear parking sensors.

The all new Ertiga is available in a 5-speed manual transmission or 4 speed automatic transmission, and either a GA or GL spec. You can also choose between six colours, which consist of Premium Oxford Blue, Metallic Magma Grey, Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver, Pearl Midnight Black and Premium Auburn Red.

We’re all-in, are you?

The Extra-Large Small Car – Celerio

January 23, 2019 By Rokkit Digital

CMH Suzuki Pinetown - Suzuki Celerio Blue

The Celerio may be small in body, but it’s loaded with big ideas, and larger-than-you-expect spaces to make everyday life richer and more fun. Fill it up with fuel, friends and luggage, and enjoy the ride in this extra-large small car.

Whatever your destination, the Celerio offers class leading space where you will want to spend time. The 235-liter luggage compartment expands to an incredible 1034-liters with the rear seats folded down to ensure you don’t have to leave any luggage behind when you decide to hit the road.

Whether you’re going on a short trip or a long journey, your drive will be one to remember once you experience the thrill of adventure behind the wheel of the Celerio. Equipped to change the way you drive, this XL small car is extra roomy, comfortable and spacious and will take you the extra mile with class leading XL fuel efficiency of 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Your driving pleasure is ensured with the Celerio’s elevated driving position that gives you an expanded view of the road, whilst being surrounded by a high quality instrument panel and comfort in every corner of the cabin.

With the availability of an automatic gear shift or 5 speed manual transmission, you will be spoilt for choice when making your decision to buy the Celerio.

Navigate tight city corners effortlessly with a minimum turning radius of only 4.7 meters on 14-inch, ground-hugging alloy wheels.

Driven by the new K10B engine that offers dynamism in a lightweight design, you do not only get to enjoy the quick, vigorous drive – you will also enjoy better fuel consumption and drive into any urban challenge with confidence.

There are no dull moments when it comes to the Celerio, which is available is seven bold, attention-grabbing shades – including Torque Blue Pearl Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Tango Orange Pearl Metallic and Blazing Red Pearl Metallic.

Make it your own with XL accessories that adds style to your drive which will up your Celerio’s street cred and complement your XL life.

To round of this alluring hatch, the Celerio also benefits from a 5 year/200,000km factory warranty and a 2 year/30,000km service plan – which means your maintenance costs are minimised so you can go about living extra-large!

It’s not just a car, it’s a #WayOfLife

2018 Suzuki Swift lands in South Africa

October 30, 2018 By Rokkit Digital

The third generation Suzuki Swift landed in South Africa in June, ready to fill the very big shoes of its predecessor.

The first three months of retailing within the South African market has proven that this compact hatch delivers on every expectation set by the first two generations of Swifts.

For the 2018 model, Suzuki’s designers have reinterpreted the Swift’s visual signature and added a few new styling elements such as rear door handles in the C-pillar. This makes the new model both completely new and completely Swift.

The all new Swift has a more muscular stance thanks to a new shoulder line that now runs form the front door handles to the front and rear lights and widening across the wheel arches. At the rear, the line edges over the new ear lamps, while at the front it skirts the headlamps and touches the upper edges of the new polygonal grille.

The rear door handles have been moved to the blacked out section of the C-pillar, which helps create a balanced look and a sportier side profile.

A new grille along with a large Suzuki badge and a wide and narrow secondary grille creates a particularly striking front design. These elements visually lift the height of the nose, while retaining aerodynamic efficiency.

An integrated bulge in the luggage door at the rear rounds off the shoulder line, with an additional high-level LED stop lamp that is integrated into the discreet roof-spoiler. The rear brake lights also incorporate LED technology.

The GL model can be distinguished from the GA model by its wheel cover design, front fog lights and colour-coded side
mirrors with integrated indicators.

Are you ready to experience #AllTheRightFeels

The all new Suzuki Swift is here!

July 3, 2018 By Rokkit Digital

The South African market immediately took a liking to the Suzuki Swift when it first hit our shores, roadways all around the country were quickly populated with this compact, modern and powerful hatch – and although it’s been a long time coming, the all new Swift is finally here!

The silhouette, which mimics the look of a racing helmet, and its width-over-length preference, became the foundation of the Swift’s distinctive visual signature which has been carried over to the all-new model.

The third generation Swift was revealed at Suzuki dealerships across South Africa on Saturday 16 June, at events that included a range of spot prizes and giveaways whilst highlighting the technical specifications as well as features and benefits of the all new Swift – which is available in three model derivatives including the automatic transmission.

June was a month full of new beginnings at CMH Suzuki Pinetown as we not only unveiled the new Swift, we also welcomed New Car Sales Executive, Ruwaida Khan, into the family.

The dynamic mother of two, with a passion for all things food, beauty and car related, started her career in the motor industry in 1999, before taking a couple of well-deserved years off to focus on travelling – she is also a professional make-up artist and nail technician. (Talk about a well-rounded individual).

Away from work she can be found in the beauty industry, spending time with her daughters or binge watching her favourite series. Ruwaida’s decision to pursue a career in the motor industry was greatly influenced by her dad who has a background in the industry, and although she started out in car rentals – she was soon guided into car sales where she continues to flourish.

When the opportunity came along to join Jeff and his team at CMH Suzuki Pinetown, she jumped at the opportunity with excitement. Ruwaida continues to work towards her dream of opening an exclusive beauty bar with inclusive sandwich bar in order for her to live out her passion.

Welcome to the CMH Suzuki Pinetown family Ruwaida. We wish you all the success in this new endeavour and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with you on our team.

Cars.co.za Awards – Suzuki for the WIN!

May 8, 2018 By Rokkit Digital

The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by Wesbank has quickly grown to become one of the benchmarks when it comes to quality within the South African automotive industry. Now in its third year, the awards ceremony saw 39 finalists battle it out for the top spot. Spoiler alert – Suzuki defended its Brand of the Year title successfully and thus holds back-to-back victories in this category.

As an upcoming Japanese brand know for quality and excellence in everything we do, it was clear that one victory would not be enough to distinguish ourselves from the pack. Two other vehicles from the Suzuki stable gladly stepped up to the plate and delivered in spades

The Suzuki Ignis was awarded with the title of Budget Car of the Year. The winner of this category represents as much good car as possible for the asking price. Value is very important, as are low running costs and all such “common sense” considerations.

Lastly the Suzuki Vitara got to enjoy its own moment by winning Compact Family Car of the Year. With household budgets stretched to breaking point, the reasonably affordable modern-day family car has to wear many hats – from compact traffic dodger, to spacious school-run specialist and even weekend getaway machine. Practicality and spaciousness are important considerations, but so are safety, technology, fuel efficiency and a modicum of lifestyle flexibility.

Can Suzuki make it three-in-a-row in 2018? Only time will tell.

CMH Suzuki Umhlanga Sponsors UUST Golf Day

August 22, 2017 By Rokkit Digital

CMH Suzuki Umhlanga were proud sponsors of the UUST Golf Day hosted @ The Mount Edgecombe Golf Course on the 17th August 2017. Friendly competitiveness & a whole lot of entertainment was the order of the day.
CMH Suzuki Umhlanga is dedicated to providing the very optimum in service delivery and information. Creating brand awareness and exposure is vital in promoting the Suzuki #WayOfLife!

Our fleet of affordable yet unbelievably luxurious vehicles caused quite a stir @ The Mount Edgecombe UUST Golf Day. The Suzuki flags were hoisted high and the pure awesomeness of our vehicles could be felt in the air even in the rain! Our incredible team were in attendance providing enthusiastic and curious golfers with all the information regarding our display vehicles.

The vivacious Suzuki Vitara ALLGRIP in an elegant Ivory & Black combination hands-down stole the show….once again. A true piece of automotive mastery, the Vitara is a culmination of beauty and brains. Suzuki’s new modern design platform is very evident in the Vitara making it truly stand-out on the black top. Premium leather & suede seats, quality build materials and an array of sophisticated electronics bumps the Vitara up to class of it’s own.

Another big hit was the truly #LikeNoOther Suzuki Ignis. A true gem from the Japanese giant’s stable to arrive in South Africa. The fresh and funky feeling of the Ignis exterior is very appealing and the interior is nothing short of being totally opulent. The flagship GLX model was on display in a delectable Tinsel Blue & Midnight Black Pearl 2-tone combination.The Ignis caused quite a hype when the enthusiastic started learning about how technologically advanced this new arrival really is.

The public and golfers alike were enthralled by the diversity, professionalism and courtesy of CMH Suzuki Umhlanga staff. Although the weather could have been much more better, the day went off without and hitches and can be considered to be a mighty success.

If you can not call, we will call you, if you can not come, we @ CMH Suzuki Umhlanga will come to you. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality service and always aim for nothing less than total customer satisfaction. For all your vehicle related requirements, call only the best, call CMH Suzuki Umhlanga on 0816656883 or follow on the link and explore the world of Suzuki. We have a complete service centre with highly skilled technicians and service advisors to tend to your vehicle. Our parts department is also fully stocked and if we do not have, we will get, just for you. https://www.cmhsuzuki.co.za/cmh-suzuki-umhlanga/

CMH Suzuki Umhlanga Launches The All-New Ignis!

July 31, 2017 By Rokkit Digital

Years of enthralling the arrival, months of nail-biting anticipation and a culmination of weeks of careful preparations have finally narrowed down to this point. CMH Suzuki Umhlanga hosted the ALL-NEW Suzuki Ignis launch on the 1st & 2nd July 2017 at our state-of-the-art dealership.

The weather was perfect, enthusiasm and excitement levels sky-rocketing and energetic staff members all banning together to get this incredible event off to a fantastic start.
As anticipated, the public and fellow loyal Suzuki customers showed up in hoards to take advantage of the totally insane specials we had to offer on that weekend and to experience the incredible ALL-NEW Suzuki Ignis. Apart from the outrageous deals going on, there were delicious wors rolls freshly prepared for all to enjoy while they browsed through our inventory of quality vehicles.

While the parents crunched some numbers with our finance manager and did test-drives in the #LikeNoOther Ignis, the kiddies enjoyed a beautiful Saturday and Sunday on the jumping castle, so much so that it inspired some older folk to give the jumping castle a try. Nifty Suzuki hampers consisting of fashionable Suzuki memorabilia were also given to the first people that arrived and did test-drives in the new Ignis.
An incredible ambience was complimented by some cool background music that got some of the kiddies dancing and shaking all about.

A weekend that was planned and executed perfectly could be measured by the mere feeling in the air around the dealership. With balloons everywhere, a sky-dancer waving through the Mt Edgecombe air, music echoing, the smell of wors on the braai and just good vibes further exemplified the CMH Suzuki Umhlanga ethos,…”We are family, so welcome to the #SuzukiFamily”.

At CMH Suzuki Umhlanga we don’t just sell cars, we provide you with a lifestyle. Our paramount requirement is to ensure customer satisfaction and by hosting such events as vehicle launches, it creates an emotion of belonging compared to just being a car dealership. From our managers, salesman to Dealer Principal, you can expect respect, courtesy, a huge smile, professionalism and impeccable service. These features come standard @ CMH Suzuki Umhlanga.

We at CMH Suzuki Umhlanga provide you with a comprehensive service for all your vehicle requirements and with an extended courtesy, just because we are family. For all your vehicle-related needs, call us on 0816473558 or simply follow the link below and experience the Suzuki #WayOfLife

Suzuki The Brand To Watch In SA, Say Judges | CMH Suzuki

February 20, 2017 By Rokkit Digital

Japan’s favourite maker of compact cars this week received two significant awards at the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buys Awards, which will now take their place on the company mantelpiece next to equally significant awards received at the WesBank / Cars.co.za Consumer Awards in January.

At CAR Magazine’s gala banquet, which also celebrated its 60th birthday and its position as South Africa’s best-selling automotive magazine, Suzuki received CAR Magazine’s nod as the Company to Watch in 2017. This sought-after honour was awarded after significant consideration by CAR Magazine’s panel of judges and it considers both the company’s recent performance and prospects.

CAR Magazine’s Company prize echoes that of the Wesbank / Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, which was held on 19 January this year, where Suzuki walked away with the evening’s top prize as the Brand of the Year. For this award, only customer feedback is considered and Suzuki beat five other brands to the top spot.

Suzuki Wins In Two Categories

As well as receiving the prestigious Brand Of The Year at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, Suzuki South Africa took home two category wins with the Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+ winning Compact Family Car of the Year and the Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL winning Budget Car of the Year.

In order to have been eligible for the Compact Family Car award, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R250 000 and R350 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, a minimum of four airbags, air-conditioning, split/folding rear seats and a service plan. The most important judging factors were: balance of fuel economy and performance, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, occupant comfort and safety features.

“The Vitara is an excellent all-rounder, with a level of practicality that you’d expect from a bigger SUV, as well as a smooth engine which delivers excellent fuel economy.” — Ciro de Siena, automotive journalist at Cars.co.za.

The Vitara managed to beat strong competition from the likes of the Nissan Qashqai 1.2 Visia and Renault Captur 1.5 dCi Dynamique who took 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

For Compact Car Of The Year entrants had to have a list price of R160 000 or less at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS and dual front airbags. The most important judging factors were: fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength.

“Although the Celerio is not the most spacious car in its segment, its standard specification list is long, the engine feels surprisingly perky and Suzuki’s reputation counts for a lot.” — Mike Fourie, Cars.co.za.

Runners-up included the Renault Sandero Expression and Toyota Aygo 1.0 X-Play.

“We are very proud of these overall awards, as it reflects the opinion of industry specialists and the public at large. These awards, as well as the product specific accolades, are very welcome public recognition of recent years’ hard work to improve our model range, pricing and customer service,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

Apart from the corporate recognition, the Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA was singled out as the Best Budget Car by CAR’s panel of judges. It beat two other finalists in the category, which is one of only two categories where specific models are pitted against each other.

Both CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buys Awards and Wesbank / Cars.co.za Consumer Awards combine professional scoring from journalists and a panel of celebrity judges with a comprehensive consumer survey, which included thousands of questionnaires collected from September 2015 to October 2016.

For the prestigious Brand of the Year was determined solely by the manufacturers’ ratings in the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey, allied with market share change and resale value statistics per vehicle brand (supplied by Lightstone Auto). This recognition of Suzuki Auto South Africa, parallels the feat achieved by its British counterpart, which was recognised as the “most improved organisation’ in The Institute of Customer Service’s annual UK Customer Satisfaction Index in 2016.

“The recognition we received at these two prestigious awards will set the tone for a busy year for Suzuki in which we further improve our customer service and dealer network and expand our range of products,” says Venter.

See Our Showroom Of New Suzuki Vehicles

Coming Soon: The All-New Suzuki Ignis

December 22, 2016 By Rokkit Digital

Suzuki’s new compact crossover is due for local introduction first quarter 2017. With Tonka Toy styling, impressive spec levels, the Ignis is sure to win over those seeking something uniquely stylish, yet capable and easy on the pocket.

Suzuki Motor Corporation unveiled the new Suzuki Ignis for Europe at the 2016 Paris Motor Show as its new global compact crossover and it clearly demonstrates convenience and comfort in a stylish new exterior. It exudes Suzuki DNA from every pore, while at the same time introducing an entirely new design with unique character.

In addition to its stylish exterior design in a compact size of just 3,700mm long, the Suzuki Ignis features excellent visibility, a spacious cabin and ample luggage space. The development goal was to create compact crossover styling that is undoubtedly Suzuki.

Following on from the Baleno, the Ignis is the second model to feature under the ‘SUZUKI NEXT 100’ plan announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015. This involved Suzuki developing a new platform strategy for its future models which targets the reduction of weight and as a result, the Ignis has a kerb weight of just 810kg.

Exterior design

Design wise, there’s no mistaking the Ignis as anything other than a Suzuki. With short overhangs, unique rear quarter and distinctive front that integrates LED headlamps, the Ignis cuts a unique profile. Those with a keen eye for detail will note the Swift-like distinctive blacked out ‘A’ and ‘B’ pillar design.

Complementing the simple yet unique exterior design is an equally funky interior, which is not short on standard specification. A central dashboard arrangement houses an upper-level touchscreen infotainment system, while below that retro looking rocker-type switchgear are used for air-conditioning and auxiliary functions. The two-tone dashboard options as well as the splashes of colour, which depending on the choice of exterior colour, lifts the interior ambience and lends it a futuristic look. Interior accent colours will be available in orange or metallic titanium.

Interior Flexibility

Suzuki’s decision to adopt a new platform strategy has paid off handsomely with regards to interior space. Courtesy of shrunken engine compartment, designers have maximised interior space available for passengers and luggage, and while the Ignis only measures a diminutive 3.7 in length, occupants might well presume they’re in something a lot larger with the ample head and legroom on offer for available for all five seats.

Considering its ambitions as a compact crossover, the Ignis is sure to appeal to small families who will rejoice at the 267-litres of boot space available (204-litres for ALLGRIP models featuring a rear differential). A sliding and folding rear seat is also fitted, giving the option of increased rear legroom or increased boot space, depending on the situation at hand.

Impressive Standard Spec

Standard equipment for all Ignis models in the range is comprehensive and includes six airbags, air conditioning, DAB radio with Bluetooth, 15-inch wheels, body coloured door mirrors, front electric windows and five-seat capacity.

Middle specification models receive additional satellite navigation, rearview camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, wheel arch extensions and four seat capacity with individually sliding rear seats. While the top of the range specification further adds auto air conditioning, Dual Camera Brake Support, keyless entry and start, rear electric windows, and LED Headlights with daytime running lights and front fog lamps.

Colour options for the Ignis will include one solid colour, five optional metallic colours and five two-tone colours which feature a Super Pearl Black Metallic roof.

1.2-litre DualJet Engine

Powering the Ignis is a 1.2-litre DualJet (K12C) four-cylinder petrol engine which generates 67 kW and 120 Nm of torque at 4 400 rpm. In two-wheel drive models, power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

4WD (ALLGRIP Auto)

Unconfirmed for South Africa, yet available in other markets is an Ignis ALLGRIP four-wheel drive model featuring a simple and fully automatic permanent four-wheel drive layout which transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling.

Additional complementary systems to the ALLGRIP system includes Hill Descent Control and Grip Control. Grip Control activates on slippery surfaces at speeds of less than 30kph. Once switched on by the driver, it focuses torque on the driven wheels that have grip and will quickly apply braking to the wheel that is spinning.

The Spacious Suzuki Baleno Enters The Market

November 21, 2016 By Rokkit Digital

The new Suzuki Baleno – ideal for individuals and families seeking the extra comfort and convenience of a larger hatchback

Over the years Suzuki has acquired a loyal following and varied customer base, due in most part to the fact that the Suzuki vehicle line-up which spans entry level compact hatchbacks such as the Celerio and Swift, to the family friendly Grand Vitara SUV. Even the left-field Suzuki Jimny has a cult-like following with its super-compact footprint and exceptional off-road ability, it will put many a SUV/4×4 to shame when the off-road gets tough.

It’s this varied range, including sedans and crossovers, which has allowed Suzuki fans to stay within the Suzuki family when lifestyles, budgets or families have grown, instead of switching to another brand which might have better catered to their needs. However, there has been one segment which, until now, Suzuki has not competed in – the (plus sized) B-segment.

Say Hello To The Suzuki Baleno

Bigger than the Swift, the Baleno aims to please those seeking a little more space, but not yet willing to explore the possibility of a sedan such as the Suzuki Ciaz. With a familiar design that well represents the Suzuki family identity, the Baleno is a refreshing addition to the family with short overhangs, sculpted flanks and a spacious, intelligently packaged and functional interior.

Produced in India, the Baleno has already carved itself a strong position in the international market, selling more than 100 000 units in just 12 months in India alone, with 60 000 back orders and a 33-week waiting period. Impressive!

“The new Baleno adds a larger and more spacious hatchback to our new car portfolio,” says Charl Grobler, manager of sales and product planning at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “It’s ideal for individuals and families seeking the extra comfort and convenience of a larger hatchback, but don’t want to give up the agility and efficiency of the Swift.”

Engine and Transmissions

In South Africa, all three Suzuki Baleno models are powered by the same 1,4-litre engine. The tried and trusted K14B four-cylinder unit is already a popular choice in the Swift, Ertiga and Ciaz model ranges, and produces 68kW of maximum power and of 130Nm of torque. Buyers have a choice of two gearboxes: a five-speed manual, and a four-speed automatic transmission, with drive being sent to the front wheels in both cases.

Average fuel consumption for the combined cycle comes to 5,1 litres/100 km for the manual model, and 5,4 litres/100 km for the automatic version. The rated CO2 exhaust gas emissions are 120 g/km for manual models, and 128 g/km for the automatic version.

It’s worth noting that despite being larger than the Swift, the Baleno is 11 percent lighter, with a kerb mass of just 915kg, allowing for power-to-weight ratio of 76,5 kW/tonne. Using special, high-tensile steel, the basic body shell weighs just 196 kg – the lightest in the B-segment hatchback class.

Safe And Secure

All Baleno models come with ABS anti-lock brakes, augmented electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA). Dual front airbags are standard too, while GLX models also get side and curtain airbags.

Inertia-reel seatbelts are fitted to all five seating positions. The front seat belts feature pre-tensioners and load limiters. Adjustable head restraints are provided for all five occupants.

Other safety and security-related features include Isofix child seat tethers integrated into the rear bench seat, childproof rear door locks, side impact protection beams and an alarm/immobiliser system. Remote central locking is also standard.

Range And Specification

The Baleno is available in two trim version, the entry-level GL spec and the more upmarket GLX.

In GL trim, the Baleno is by no means stripped out or spartan. Standard exterior features include colour-coded exterior mirrors and door handles, blacked out A and B-pillars, multi-reflector halogen headlights, and tinted windows. 15-inch steel wheels with covers are standard fare.

Inside, electric windows front and rear, manual air-conditioning, remote central locking, and electrically adjustable side mirrors, MP3 compatible CD Radio with six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and 3.5mm auxiliary connections, and 12V power socket are all included as standard equipment.

A tilt-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, which features integrated controls for the audio system, and the Bluetooth-based hands-free telephony system is also included.

In GLX trim, everything mentioned above is present, with a few notable upgrades.

Included on GLX models are HID projector headlights and LED daytime running lights, fog lamps and integrated turn signals in the side mirrors. Lashings of chrome are found on the door handles, body sides and boot, with the boot lid featuring a top-mounted spoiler. Unlike the steel wheels on the GL trim, GLX derivatives receive stylish 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the GLX, the instrument cluster remains the same, but the steering binnacle digital display is upgraded to a 4,2-inch TFT colour display and gains the ability to display average speed and ambient temperature. Steering wheel receives leather trim and is adjustable for reach and rake.

The multifunction steering wheel gets additional controls for the cruise control, which is included in the GLX specification. Also upgraded is the air-conditioning, which is now fully automatic. And rear park distance control is fitted as standard, too, as well as keyless engine start and stop.

GLX models gain side and curtain airbags, bringing the total tally to six, while the ABS braking system features rear disc brakes, instead of the GL model’s rear drums.

Both models receive a standard three-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000 km service plan.