The new Suzuki Baleno has made a big impact since debuting earlier this year, winning an Auto Express road test and a commendation in our 2016 New Car Awards. So when I found out the Japanese supermini was joining our fleet, I made a beeling to JEM Suzuki in Hendon, North West London, where our new arrival was waiting.
• New Car Awards 2016: The winners
I received a warm welcome from sales consultant Simon Phillipson and his team, and after a quick cup of coffee, the car was brought around the front. Here Simon gave me a guided tour of our 1.0 Boosterjet model in range-topping SZ5 trim. This took rather longer than expected, because despite its modest £13,999 price, the Baleno comes with the sort of kit that would shame a premium-brand executive saloon.
Firstly, I was talked through the standard sat-nav and touchscreen infotainment system. It's similar to the one in the Vitara we used to run, but Simon showed me some things to make it more user friendly.
• Suzuki Vitara long-term test
This included allowing the navigation system to work when you are moving, so your passenger can be punching in the postcode without you having to pull over.
Syncing my phone with the Bluetooth system was simple, but he also guided me through the Apple CarPlay function - a real bonus on a budget car. Plug in your iPhone and the familiar Apple interface appears on the seven-inch colour screen. I look forward to trying out the added functionality.
Another part of the Baleno's extensive standard safety kit is a collision alert system, which I've already found can be irritatingly sensitive, especially when around town.
More high-tech safety additions include adaptive cruise control - a clever piece of kit that's virtually unheard of on a car of this size and price. Like the collision alert, you can alter the the distance at which the system responds, this time by using the handily placed steering-wheel rocker switch.
• Suzuki Baleno mild hybrid review
Elsewhere, Simon pointed out the climate control, keyless entry and 4.2-inch trip computer screen, plus the High Intensity Discharge headlamps, 16-inch alloys and the rear privacy glass outside.
Under the bonnet is Suzuki's new turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine, which follows the current trend for downsizing. Yet even on my short trip across London from the dealer to my home, I was impressed by the little unit's punchy delivery and refinement. The Baleno also took bumps and potholes in its stride, while the light and accurate steering made easy work of the crowded city streets.
The interior is surprisingly roomy, too, and while some of the plastics feel a little low rent, everything is robustly screwed together. Besides, at this price, it's splitting hairs to complain about cheap materials.
So the early signs are good for the spacious, well equipped and comfortable Baleno. I look forward to seeing how long its showroom shine endures.
- On fleet since: June 2016
- Price new: £13,999
- Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 109bhp
- CO2/tax: 105g/km/£20
- Options: Metallic paint (£430)
- Insurance: Group: 11 Quote: £321
- Mileage/mpg: 1,455, 52.3mpg
- Any problems: None so far