Suzuki made a sales success of the surprising Baleno (gallery)

The Baleno was only available to AM for a short sprint, and after two previous write-ups this final one sees us saying goodbye three months after we took delivery.

I took the opportunity to contact the Suzuki UK press office to gain some statistical insight on the Baleno’s performance to date and how the brand saw the car’s ability to compete in the busy small car segment.

The car was launched in June 2016 and the sales volume to the end of May was 2,990 units in total, with 1,320 registered so far this year, won from the Škoda Fabia, Hyundai i20, Vauxhall Corsa and Citroën C3, identified by Suzuki as the Baleno’s key competitors.

The model taking most of those sales is the SZ-T.

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It was given a head start by being one of two models available at launch (alongside the SZ5). They have since been joined by the SZ3.

The fact that all models are fitted with air conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and six airbags as standard, that CO2 emissions start at 98g/km, and that the Baleno offers five seats and a larger boot than many competitors from £11,999, equips showroom sales staff with powerful arguments to win over customers.

Suzuki supports these efforts with finance offers at 5.9%, with a £750 saving on all models.

“Baleno is included in our three years’ road fund licence offer, competitive finance offers will continue, plus there is the Boosterjet turbo 1.0-litre engine and a ‘mild’ hybrid option for even better fuel economy,” said a Suzuki spokesman, summarising the factors that will maintain the Baleno’s appeal.