Suzuki Esteem
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is about the export market Suzuki Esteem. For the Japanese version, see Suzuki Cultus
| Suzuki Esteem | |
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| Also called: | Suzuki Baleno Maruti Baleno |
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| Manufacturer: | Suzuki |
| Production: | 1995–current |
| Successor: | Suzuki Aerio/Liana Suzuki Forenza/Reno (U.S. Only) |
| Class: | Compact |
| Body style: | 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine: | 1.8L 122 hp I4 |
| Wheelbase: | 97.60 in. |
| Length: | 166.30 in. |
| Width: | 66.10 in. |
| Height: | 53.90 in. |
| Fuel capacity: | 12.7 gal. |
| Related: | Suzuki Cultus Crescent |
| Similar: | Honda Civic Mazda 323/Protege Mitsubishi Mirage |
The Suzuki Esteem, known in some markets (including Europe and many Asian countries) as the Suzuki Baleno, is an automobile produced by the Suzuki Motor Corporation. It is the export version of the Suzuki Cultus Crescent.
The Esteem was introduced in the global market in 1995 as Suzuki's first attempt in the C-segment, at the time dominated by European cars such as the VW Golf and Opel Astra, and Japanese models such as the Nissan Sunny and Toyota Corolla. It was built in the same platform as the Suzuki Swift, with stretched wheelbase and improved cabin room, but shared most of its components with the smaller model, although it was marketed as an all-new and separate model.
The Esteem/Baleno was initially available as a 3-door hatchback and 4-door sedan, with 1.3 L (hatch only) and 1.6 L engines, with power ranging between 85 PS (63 kW) and 99 PS (73 kW/97 hp). In 1996, the lineup was extended with the Esteem Wagon (Baleno Break in most European markets), Suzuki's first station wagon, also with the same 1.6 L, which also received optional 4WD in the two larger body variants.
Suzuki restyled the Esteem/Baleno in 1999. The car was given a new frontend, with a rounder grille and new headlights, and the engine lineup was expanded. Mazda supplied the 1.8 L BP engine, that was fitted to the sedan and wagon. In North America, the Esteem 1.8 station wagon completely replaced the Esteem 1.6, but in most markets the 1.8 sedan became the sports model. In some European markets, the 1.8 L was installed in the hatchback and sold as the limited edition Baleno GTi. Europe also gained a Diesel version, with a 75 PS (55 kW) XUD engine supplied by Peugeot.
The Esteem/Baleno was replaced in most markets by the new Aerio/Liana. It was pulled from the market in Europe and North American in 2002, after one year of overlapping. The car remained available in many developing countries, including India (where it is still built and sold as the Maruti Baleno), and Southeast Asia, where it is still sold as of 2006.
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