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2016 Suzuki Baleno is the 'ultimate' hatchback [w/video]

Suzuki unveiled its iK-2 concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show to imagine an inexpensive, compact hatchback for the future. Now just a few months later the Japanese brand has brought that shape to production largely unaltered with the Baleno. The company claims that it's trying to create the ultimate small car, and European customers get to find out in spring 2016. The Baleno doesn't break new ground in five-door hatch styling, but it's an unpretentious and handsome take on the traditional two-box look. The front end flows in an arc up to the windshield, and from the A-pillar back, the design sports a chunky, utilitarian shape. The interior looks somewhat staid with a lot of black plastic and cloth, but silver trim mixes up the monotony. Underneath the new look, Suzuki is making some big improvements. The Baleno rides on a new platform with less weight and more rigidity. The powertrain range also includes the brand's latest 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 110 horsepower and 125 pound-feet, and it can be hooked up to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. There's also a 1.2-liter four-cylinder with 89 hp and 89 lb-ft available with the same five-speed or a CVT. In addition, the mill is offered with as a mild hybrid with an Integrated Starter Generator. Suzuki says this option boosts acceleration at low speeds but doesn't specify how much extra power there is. Check out the company's promo video below to see the Baleno in motion. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. INTRODUCING THE BALENO Sep 15, 2015 When Suzuki set out to create a hatchback like none before, it first established a key guideline—hold back on nothing. The result is the Suzuki Baleno, a harmonious combination of styling that flows, superb performance achieved through ground-breaking technologies, and smart packaging. To create a new, bar-raising hatchback that is fun to drive and engineered to meet today's consumers' needs, Suzuki wanted to take the compact car to the ultimate level. Baleno chief engineer Kunihiko Ito explains: "We set our sights on developing the ideal hatchback, one that makes no compromises, giving it an elegant, sophisticated and grown-up character.

Suzuki and Daihatsu join Toyota electric vehicle venture

TOKYO — Suzuki Motor Corp and Daihatsu are joining a commercial electric vehicle coalition led by Toyota Motor Corp, the carmakers announced on Wednesday, helping the Japanese alliance expand its focus from trucks to smaller cars. The two automakers will each acquire a 10% stake in the joint venture, on par with Isuzu Motors and Hino Motors, while Toyota will hold a 60% stake, they said. "With Suzuki and Daihatsu joining the project and working together, we'll be able to expand our circle of cooperation to not only cover commercial vehicles but also mini vehicles," said Toyota President Akio Toyoda. "With this expansion, I believe that we'll be able to take one step closer to a better mobility society," Toyoda said. The move comes as Japanese automakers face growing competition from tech giants and other rivals making electric and driverless cars. Toyota, Isuzu and Hino launched the Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation in April to bolster their competitive edge in connected, commercial vehicles. Daihatsu's president Soichiro Okudaira said joining the pact and introducing connected, mini-commercial vehicles would allow data sharing, a major benefit for companies to provide better services to customers and improve logistics efficiency. (Reporting by Eimi Yamamitsu; Writing by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Louise Heavens) Related Video: Green Suzuki Toyota Daihatsu Electric Akio Toyoda

American motorcycle brands most satisfying, Japanese most reliable, says Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports started tracking motorcycle reliability last year through its regular reader survey, just like the magazine's well-known auto guide. For the 2015 edition, CR now has data on over 12,300 bikes, compared to 4,680 in 2014, and the extra info means it can include more brands, like Suzuki, Triumph and Can-Am, to the list. However, the final results remain largely the same. As with last year, Japanese bikes are the best choice for buyers who prioritize reliability. Yamaha comes out on top yet again and is followed by Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda. Victory and Harley-Davidson hold the middle of the list, and the European cycles from Triumph, Ducati and BMW sit at the bottom. The major outlier in this regional distinction is the Can-Am Spyder from Canada's Bombardier Recreational Products that comes in dead last in the dependability survey. Still, even the most dependable model is occasionally going to break, and the average repair bill across all brands is $342, according to CR's readers. Kawasakis are the cheapest to keep on the road at a median of $269 for fixes, versus BMW as the most expensive at $455. Through all of the companies, electrical gremlins are the most common issue, causing 24 percent of problems, but faults with the cooling system, pistons or transmission are the smallest concerns at 4 percent each. While Japanese cycles might be the easiest to keep on the road, they aren't the most beloved by riders. In CR's gauge of satisfaction, the Americans reign supreme. Victory owners love their bikes the most with 80 percent reporting that they would buy another. Harley riders are known for having a close bond to the company's models, and the brand comes in second with 72 percent. Finally, Honda rounds out the top three at 70 percent. Head over to Consumer Reports to see more results. News Source: Consumer ReportsImage Credit: Toby Brusseau / AP Photo BMW Honda Suzuki Motorcycle Ducati bike victory