Suzuki Baleno hatchback (2016-2019) - Interior & comfort

Anybody choosing a Suzuki Baleno is likely to be more concerned over comfort and ease-of use than by cornering prowess and straight line speed. The Baleno needs to be a spacious, passenger-friendly car and the controls should be easy to operate. Generally, the Baleno delivers on both these points, but it would be nice if the interior could feel a bit more well appointed.

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Suzuki Baleno dashboard

The Suzuki Baleno has a dashboard that’s ergonomically sound, with all the controls easy to use and find. The design and quality of the plastics let it down, though. There’s an overwhelming sense of grey and the materials all feel fairly cheap and easily scratched. It doesn’t give the impression of a car built to impress, but it does at least seem well assembled.

It has a good driving position but although the driver’s seat adjusts for height, you can’t move the steering wheel forward and back, so some people may find it tricky to get their ideal driving position.

Equipment

There’s no doubt this car is well equipped – all models come with satellite navigation, air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, tinted windows and alloy wheels as standard. The sat nav isn't the easiest system to use, but it's good that it comes as standard.

SZ5 models add LED rear lights, a coloured trip computer display and climate control. More valuably, though, it also adds radar brake assist and active cruise control, helping to improve safety in town and on the motorways. This is the Baleno that we recommend – safety is of foremost importance and it’s a shame that not all models have radar brake assist installed as standard.

SHVS hybrid models are equipped to the same standard as the SZ5, making it look quite good value once the extra engine technology is taken into account.