Suzuki Baleno Problems

The 2020 Baleno was not tested as part of the ANCAP program, but without standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB) which some of its competitors now have as standard, it possibly wouldn’t have been a safety front-runner anyway. That’s not to say it’s an unsafe car, simply that AEB is a proven life-saver and it’s a shame the Baleno didn’t have it.

Meantime, while it wasn’t crash-tested locally, the Baleno was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2018. A relatively poor result in the pole-crash test saw the Baleno emerge with just three safety stars out of five.

The Baleno sold in Australia was fitted with six air-bags in total. That was made up of two front bags, two front-side bags and two full-length curtain air-bags that protected those in the rear seat as well. But it missed out on other safety tech including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assistance.

The Baleno wasn’t crash-tested locally, but it was tested by Euro NCAP and didn’t perform too well. Combined with that lack of active safety gear was a relatively poor chest-protection rating in the pole-impact test, leaving the Suzuki with a safety score of just three stars.

There is nothing to suggest that the 2019 Baleno has anything to be concerned about, but it is very early in its life, so it’s impossible to be certain about what could happen down the track.

The August update is a minor refresh for the Baleno, it’s mostly cosmetic and there’s no suggestion of autonomous emergency braking.

Kia has a seven-year warranty. Holden, Ford, Hyundai and Mazda have five-year warranties. Toyota is currently three years, but is going to five. Look at the small models from those carmakers and you’ll find models to fit your budget.

Both are good cars and should give you reliable motoring for many years to come. The servicing costs are similar. The Hyundai is only three years old and has only done minimal kilometres, so should by in near-new condition if it has been looked after and well serviced. Against that the Baleno is new and has a five-year warranty.

There is no reason to think that you would need to change either car within the period you mention.

It is likely to be the fuel vaporising after you turn the engine off, it’s called hot soak. Look for anything that might be causing the fuel to heat up and vaporise anywhere between the fuel tank and the engine.

Check the fuel pump; also make sure the fuel return line is working.

The best times to buy are usually the end of the financial year, or at model run-out times, that's when the specials are on. The CVT and dual-clutch autos are both still unknowns in terms of long-term reliability, but either should be ok over the five years you plan to keep the car. Any of the cars you list, and the list is a long one, would be ok. It really comes down to what you like.

If it’s an automatic have it serviced by an automatic transmission mechanic; if it’s a manual have the clutch checked.

The Baleno should be fine for your needs, and I wouldn’t be concerned about the fact that it’s made in India. Suzuki has been making cars in India for a number of years and there has been nothing to suggest that they are of a lower quality or less reliable as a result.