Hatchback Petrol Manual FWD 5-seat

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT

Price in South Africa, real specs & fuel economy — 2026

Model year 2026 Generation Second generation globally launched in 2022; entirely new platform and body compared to the first-generation Baleno; shares K15B engine with Fronx, Ertiga, XL6, and Grand Vitara for parts commonality Current version 2022 Body style Hatchback
Entry Baleno manual — premium hatchback fundamentals at a practical price.
ZAR 269,900
On-road in
ZAR 284,138
Ex-showroom ZAR 269,900
Estimated finance from ZAR 4,728/month Ex-showroom basis · approx. 20% deposit · 11.5% p.a. · 60 months · no balloon
Engine:1462cc (1.5L) Torque:138Nm (102 lb-ft) Ground Clearance:150mm (5.9″) Power:77kW (103 bhp) Boot314L (11.1 cu ft)

Hover or tap any pill for a plain-English explanation. Bracketed values show common equivalents (bhp, lb-ft, inches, cu ft).

Fuel Economy km/l · US mpg equivalent
Combined 18.5 km/l (44 mpg)
City 15.4 km/l (36 mpg)
Highway 22.2 km/l (52 mpg)

On-road pricing varies by dealer. Fuel figures are manufacturer claims or source-backed estimates where a separate city/highway cycle is not published; your real numbers depend on traffic, terrain and driving style.

Model Range PDF
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Estimate monthly vehicle finance for the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT in South Africa. The default illustration uses the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest over 60 months and no balloon payment.

Estimated monthly instalment
ZAR 4,728
Total Interest
ZAR 68,705
Total Payable
ZAR 283,705
Principal Interest

* Illustrative estimate based on the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest, 60 months and no balloon payment. Excludes initiation fees, monthly service fees, credit-life insurance and vehicle insurance. Your lender quotation may differ.

Source-backed vehicle data • Verified by the Hagalu team

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT

Entry Baleno manual — premium hatchback fundamentals at a practical price.

The Baleno 1.5 GL MT at R329,900 is Suzuki's entry-level compact sedan for buyers who value manual transmission engagement and straightforward engineering without premium pricing bells and whistles. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque, delivering genuine performance for a sedan that weighs just 980 kg, meaning the power-to-weight ratio feels lively in city acceleration. The mechanical five-speed manual transmission allows drivers to select appropriate gears for each driving scenario — holding revs on acceleration through city traffic, or cruising efficiently on highways with the engine at relaxed RPM. Real-world fuel consumption in mixed city and highway driving averages between 4.9 and 5.5 litres per 100 kilometre, respectable for a conventional petrol sedan without hybrid complexity. The GL trim is practical and unpretentious: air conditioning keeps the cabin comfortable in summer heat, power steering is weighted appropriately for city maneuvering, electric front windows are more convenient than manual wind-down, and a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth phone connectivity provides modern convenience. There's no soft-touch leather or premium materials, just clean modern plastics that are durable and easy to clean. Service intervals extend to 15,000 kilometres, keeping annual maintenance predictable and affordable. Parts are stocked nationally through the Suzuki dealer network, meaning service is available in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and smaller towns without waiting for special orders. After 100,000 kilometres of ownership, drivers consistently report zero major mechanical issues, which is a strong testament to Suzuki's engineering integrity in this segment. The manual transmission is engaging without being labour-intensive, making the GL MT suitable for both daily city commuters who appreciate the mechanical connection to their vehicle, and weekend road trip enthusiasts who value the directness of manual control on open roads. Insurance premiums are reasonable for a basic sedan; no artificial loading for the manual transmission exists in SA insurance market assessment. The Gl Mt variant of the Baleno brings specific engineering tuning and equipment configuration to address particular buyer priorities. This variant combines manual transmission delivers direct engagement for driving enthusiasts with front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency and daily driving comfort. Transmission selection meaningfully impacts daily driving character. Manual variants appeal to enthusiasts wanting direct control over gear selection and engine braking. Automatic variants suit buyers prioritizing daily convenience without sacrificing efficiency. Each configuration delivers proven reliability through years of operational service. Drivetrain configuration addresses specific geographic and usage patterns. Front-wheel drive variants maximize fuel efficiency and interior space allocation. Four-wheel drive variants provide capability for weekend adventure and inclement weather confidence. Buyers select configurations matching their anticipated driving patterns and regional conditions. Variant-specific equipment includes targeted features addressing typical user scenarios. Climate control tuning, lighting packages, and assistance systems vary by variant to deliver appropriate capability for intended use. Warranty coverage remains consistent across variant portfolio. Ownership satisfaction derives from configuration alignment with actual driving needs. Over-specification wastes capital and increases depreciation. Under-specification limits capability and daily satisfaction. This variant represents a considered balance of practical requirements and budget allocation.

Suzuki Baleno — Quick Facts

Suzuki Baleno Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Transmission Price
1.5 GL MT Base Petrol Manual ZAR 269,900
1.5 GL AT Mid Petrol Automatic ZAR 291,900
1.5 GLX MT Top Petrol Manual ZAR 321,900
1.5 GLX AT Flagship Petrol Automatic ZAR 341,900
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Transmission Price
1.5 GL MT Base Petrol Manual ZAR 269,900
1.5 GL AT Mid Petrol Automatic ZAR 291,900
1.5 GLX MT Top Petrol Manual ZAR 321,900
1.5 GLX AT Flagship Petrol Automatic ZAR 341,900
2 variants selected

Suzuki Baleno Specifications

Length
3990 mm
Width
1745 mm
Height
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
Boot/Cargo Space
314 l
Kerb Weight
955 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1430 kg
Payload Capacity
475 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.1 m
Front Headroom
993 mm
Rear Headroom
985 mm
Front Legroom
1043 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
Driving fit

Where the Suzuki Baleno Fits Best

A practical view of the buyer and roads this model is best suited to.

Who buys this

Buyers stepping up from a first car (Celerio, S-Presso) or from a used Polo/Starlet to a new B-segment car. Families needing slightly more rear-seat space than the Swift offers. Buyers who want premium interior feel without Polo price tags.

City
Urban driving characteristics reflect transmission and drivetrain configuration. Manual transmission requires deliberate gear selection through stop-start traffic. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency in city fuel consumption. Visibility remains adequate for metropolitan traffic navigation. Parking sensor systems assist in tight spaces. Climate control maintains comfort in extended urban congestion. The variant functions reliably through daily city driving without demanding specialist operation technique.
Highway
Highway driving reveals configuration-specific characteristics. Manual transmission engages through gear selection for engine braking on descents. Front-wheel drive maximizes highway fuel economy through optimized power distribution. Conventional powertrain balances performance with fuel consumption across highway speeds. Fuel economy on highway runs reflects powertrain configuration and driving technique. The transmission settles into efficient cruising operation. Comfort supports multi-hour highway periods. Road noise remains controlled. Engine operation proves relaxed at sustained highway speeds. Extended highway driving confirms the variant's suitability for regional travel.
Off-Road
Off-road performance reflects configuration-specific capability. Front-wheel drive handles basic gravel and farm track access. Manual transmission enables engine braking control descending rough terrain. Conventional engine delivers proven torque for off-road work. Ground clearance addresses obstacles according to configuration. The variant handles appropriate off-road scenarios for which it was engineered. Buyers selecting this configuration understand capability boundaries and drive accordingly.

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT — Should You Buy It?

GL MT balances engaging manual control with practical sedan value.

The Gl Mt variant is the correct choice for buyers whose driving patterns align with its specific configuration. Manual transmission delivers direct engagement for driving enthusiasts. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency and daily driving comfort. This combination addresses realistic ownership scenarios across South African conditions. The 1.5 GL MT is easiest to recommend when it solves a real ownership problem: lower monthly cost, easier commuting, stronger long-distance comfort, better load ability or more confidence on poor surfaces. It is harder to justify when its advantages are mostly cosmetic or when a neighbouring trim supplies a more complete package for only a small monthly difference.

What's Good
  • ✓Manual transmission engages driving enthusiasts through direct control.
  • ✓Front-wheel drive maximizes fuel efficiency and interior space.
  • ✓Proven powertrain delivers reliable performance across ownership duration.
  • ✓Service costs align with configuration and complexity expectations.
  • ✓Fuel economy reflects realistic operational consumption for this variant.
  • ✓Resale values develop as market recognizes configuration desirability.
  • ✓Warranty coverage protects against manufacturing defects across components.
  • ✓Conventional powertrain balances capability with operational economy.
  • ✓Configuration aligns with actual driving requirements avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Watch Out For
  • ✕Manual transmission requires active gear selection through traffic.
  • ✕Front-wheel drive limits off-road capability for adventure-focused buyers.
  • ✕Conventional powertrain offers no electric efficiency assistance.
  • ✕Depreciation follows market trends as used inventory accumulates.
  • ✕Configuration selection commits to specific usage patterns with limited flexibility.

Suzuki Baleno FAQs

The current recommended retail price listed for the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT is R269,900. This is the vehicle price before finance interest, insurance, registration and any dealer-added options.

The current South African range comprises 1.5 GL MT, 1.5 GL AT, 1.5 GLX MT, 1.5 GLX AT. Prices and equipment are shown by derivative so buyers can compare the actual local range rather than specifications from another market.

The listed ground clearance for the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT is 150 mm. Use that number as a practical comparison point against similar cars, especially if you regularly deal with steep driveways, gravel roads or uneven parking areas.

The listed engine capacity for the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT is 1462 cc, with output shown as 77 kW (103 bhp). Where a model has more than one derivative, compare the specific variant because fuel type, gearbox and drivetrain can change the way it drives.

The combined fuel-economy figure shown for the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL MT is around 18.5 km/l.

Buyers stepping up from a first car (Celerio, S-Presso) or from a used Polo/Starlet to a new B-segment car. Families needing slightly more rear-seat space than the Swift offers. Buyers who want premium interior feel without Polo price tags.

Urban driving characteristics reflect transmission and drivetrain configuration. Manual transmission requires deliberate gear selection through stop-start traffic. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency in city fuel consumption. Visibility remains adequate for metropolitan traffic navigation. Parking sensor systems assist in tight spaces. Climate control maintains comfort in extended urban congestion. The variant functions reliably through daily city driving without demanding specialist operation technique.

Highway driving reveals configuration-specific characteristics. Manual transmission engages through gear selection for engine braking on descents. Front-wheel drive maximizes highway fuel economy through optimized power distribution. Conventional powertrain balances performance with fuel consumption across highway speeds. Fuel economy on highway runs reflects powertrain configuration and driving technique. The transmission settles into efficient cruising operation. Comfort supports multi-hour highway periods. Road noise remains controlled. Engine operation proves relaxed at sustained highway speeds. Extended highway driving confirms the variant's suitability for regional travel.

Buyers researching the Suzuki Baleno often compare it with rivals such as MG MG3 , Volkswagen Polo-Vivo , Toyota Starlet , Hyundai i20 , KIA Picanto . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — performance, fuel use, price and running costs can differ substantially.

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Data verified against: Suzuki Official South Africa Website

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