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 $26,890 AUD ($18,718 USD), which makes it $6,900 AUD ($4,804 USD) more expensive than the entry-level GL and $3,400 AUD ($2,367 USD) pricier than the flagship GLX.
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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 (68 kW / 92 PS) and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) 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.
As reported by CarExpert, the Baleno has been quite a sales hit Down Under since its debut in 2016. It is currently Australia’s second best-selling supermini behind the MG3, ahead of popular rivals like the Mazda2, the Toyota Yaris, and the VW Polo. The discontinuation of the Baleno in the Australian market means that Suzuki is left with a single hatchback offering, the Swift, which is also up for an upgrade.
