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116 By the Dart • Motoring suzki says most buyers will opt for the 1.0 litre


turbo model and this is the version I tested recently. It delivers nippy performance – top speed is 124 mph, the 0-60 mph time is 11.4 seconds, and it returns 62.7 mpg combined. The stats are fairly typical of the


sector, which includes rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i20 but the Baleno scores well with generous equipment levels and greater interior space. All models get air-conditioning,


THE BALENO IS A


WELCOME ADDITION TO THE FAMILY HATCHBACK SECTOR


sat-nav and Bluetooth, and my test model, in sZ5 trim at £13,999 featured 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome detailing to grille, doorhandles and tailgate, door mirrors with built-in signalling and rear privancy glass. It also had tyre-pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry with push-button-start, a gear- shift indicator, DaB radio and usB and aux connectors. On the road, the three-cylinder 1.0 litre


turbocharged engine has 110 hp, so it offers decent


response and gives the car a nimble feel without having to work it hard. Baleno is a well-balanced car, displaying plenty of grip and composure and, while the suspension set-up is a little softer than some, it gives excellent comfort without compromising the handling. The Baleno’s elegant exterior has


a more sleek look than most rivals and the cabin is well-designed, with a simple, straightforward dashboard layout. The infotainment unit is set high up to be seen and operated easily.


Occupant space is outstanding by class standards both front and rear, and the boot is big, 320 litres with the rear seats in use, and folding them down more than doubles capacity. The Baleno is a welcome addition to the family


hatchback sector. Though not the cheapest, it does offer more standard equipment than most rivals and more useable space, and has the bonus of suzuki’s fine record for reliability.


KIA Sportage Eco


are fairly typical in its sector - top speed 109 mph and 0-60 mph time 11.1 seconds - its driving dynamics are beautifully balanced and give the car great all-rounder appeal. A new platform helps give the Sportage more nimble and assured handling and revised engines have improved fuel efficiency and lowered emissions. The test model returns 61.4 mpg combined. The new-look Sportage is very classy and gives the


The Sportage is the model which has done most to boost Kia’s brand image, highlighting the company’s ability to create eye- catching cars with wide appeal and backed by an outstanding 7-year warranty. OThe suV class has strong


THE NEW SPORTAGE HAS TO BE ON THE


contenders including the Ford Kuga, Mazda Cx-5 and Nissan Qashqai but the new Sportage just cannot be ignored – it offers good driving dynamics, good levels of equipment and more interior space than most rivals. There are petrol and diesel engines with varying outputs, the option of two or four wheel drive and manual or auto gearboxes. One of the most popular choices is the 1.7 litre diesel unit, with 114 hp and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This was the model I tested recently, in 2WD form and 2eco trim and priced at £22,050. While its stats


SHORT-LIST OF ANYONE IN THE MARKET FOR A SMART STYLISH SUV


car strong road presence. The cabin is well-designed and has a quality finish. standard kit includes 17- inch alloys, front fog lights with cornering function, Bluetooth with music streaming, usB and aux ports, seven-inch touchscreen navigation, rear-view camera, roof rails, privacy glass, powered lumbar support on the driver’s seat, auto lights and wipers, dual zone automatic air conditioning and a chilled glovebox. The sportage can take five adults and there is good head and leg-room. The 491 litre boot, larger than that of


a Kuga and a Qashqai, is a good shape and has a flat load lip and underfloor storage. The new Sportage has to be on the short-list of


anyone in the market for a smart stylish suV. It will impress with its looks, its equipment and its driving feel – and it does have its famous industry-leading 7-year warranty to underpin its credentials.


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