A new generation of the Suzuki Baleno was introduced in India earlier this year, but the updated model won’t be available in Australia, where Suzuki has decided to discontinue the small hatchback. As a proper goodbye to the nameplate Down Under, the Suzuki Baleno Shadow limited edition is coming with a darker style and a rather steep price. In terms of equipment, the Baleno Shadow is positioned in the middle of the models’ Australian lineup. Interestingly though, it is priced at AUD 26,890 (US$ 18,718), which makes it AUD 6,900 (US$ 4,804) more expensive than the entry-level GL and AUD 3,400 (US$ 2,367) pricier than the flagship GLX.
The stand-out feature of the special
edition is the black-painted bumper and side sill extensions, the black decals,
the Shadow badge, and the black-finished 16-inch alloy wheels. All these
features can only be combined with either Arctic White or Premium Silver
Metallic exterior shades. Surprisingly, the Baleno Shadow doesn’t get the LED
headlights of the GLX, but the dated halogen units from the base-spec GL. It
also misses the auto climate control of the GLX as it comes with manual A/C. At
least it comes standard with the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, reversing
camera, and a six-speaker audio system.
Under the bonnet lies a naturally
aspirated 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 91 hp and 130 Nm of torque. Note that this is the only option for the
Baleno in Australia. In the case of the Shadow, the mill is mated to a
four-speed automatic gearbox sending power to the front axle. Only 300 units of
the Baleno Shadow will be available in Australia, so interested parties should
probably hurry up and order one. While the sporty bodykit and the limited
availability could be attractive to some, it is hard to justify buying a Baleno
Shadow instead of the better equipped and cheaper GLX.
