Suzuki Baleno GSR :/
Discussion
Anyone know if these are any good? So little info on these on the internet, only around 500 were made I think.
1.8 16V, seen 0-60 times vary from 10 seconds to 7.9 seconds.
Would not of thought it would be 10 seconds, 118bhp in a car weighing 995kg.
Anyone know if they similar to the Ignis Sport? or is it just a big engine in a rubbish car?
1.8 16V, seen 0-60 times vary from 10 seconds to 7.9 seconds.
Would not of thought it would be 10 seconds, 118bhp in a car weighing 995kg.
Anyone know if they similar to the Ignis Sport? or is it just a big engine in a rubbish car?
I can only speak for my Baleno experience. It was only a '96 1.6 GS so about 90hp and slightly lighter. A very cheap car, cheaply built...
...but an absolute hoot to drive. Not amazing handling but very good feedback and grip compared very well as a daily against the MX5. I'd say 10 secs to 60 was the GS time not the GSR. It was also a very reliable little car. Can't really say much about the GSR engine and gear box as they were pretty different SOHC 1.6 vs DOHC 1.8. The 1.6 didn't have much power but was torquey although sounded a bit like a sewing machine. Thanks to the Swift the badge carries a little more cachet these days was very bargain basement.
There used to be an enthusiasts website ClubBaleno but I'm not sure if it's still on the go.
...but an absolute hoot to drive. Not amazing handling but very good feedback and grip compared very well as a daily against the MX5. I'd say 10 secs to 60 was the GS time not the GSR. It was also a very reliable little car. Can't really say much about the GSR engine and gear box as they were pretty different SOHC 1.6 vs DOHC 1.8. The 1.6 didn't have much power but was torquey although sounded a bit like a sewing machine. Thanks to the Swift the badge carries a little more cachet these days was very bargain basement.
There used to be an enthusiasts website ClubBaleno but I'm not sure if it's still on the go.
My wife is currently running the pre-facelift version...albeit the 1.6 (16v single OHC!) saloon with the factory fitted body kit.
It's a nice enough basic car I suppose. It's certainly extremely rare - I've only ever seen one other on the road (probably for good reason).
The 1.8 gearboxes are stronger than the weak 1.6 - so you should be OK there.
The sub frames (front and back) need to be checked carefully for rust (common MOT failure).
They benefit from stiffer lowering springs - stock suspension is boat like!
Apart from the 1.6's weak gearbox, they're pretty reliable. Mechanicals and servicing are easily tackled by the home DIY mechanic - there's nothing scary or intimidating under the bonnet.
It's a nice enough basic car I suppose. It's certainly extremely rare - I've only ever seen one other on the road (probably for good reason).
The 1.8 gearboxes are stronger than the weak 1.6 - so you should be OK there.
The sub frames (front and back) need to be checked carefully for rust (common MOT failure).
They benefit from stiffer lowering springs - stock suspension is boat like!
Apart from the 1.6's weak gearbox, they're pretty reliable. Mechanicals and servicing are easily tackled by the home DIY mechanic - there's nothing scary or intimidating under the bonnet.
Thanks for the info, was thinking of getting one as an Ignis Sport replacement as it seems a bit quicker, but from what you said they don't seem as reliable, and the interior is too grey for me (Reminds me of my old Rio) and it does look a bit anonymous where as the Iggy has loads of character 
Is good value though, quite a few ones in good nick on ebay at the moment.
Anyone know if the engine is a Suzuki engine?
And yes that photo is the GSR, heres some more photos of it
Is good value though, quite a few ones in good nick on ebay at the moment.
Anyone know if the engine is a Suzuki engine?
And yes that photo is the GSR, heres some more photos of it
I just googled & found this thread. Good to see another GSR owner having fun in the FWD MX5 lol. I have had mine a year & spent some time on it, with a respray etc, would miss it if I sold it. Very under-rated wee cars. So much poke! When you google Baleno GSR, it's pics of our 2 cars appear! .. Anyways, literally signed up to say I'm glad to see I'm not the only person who owns one, because I still have never seen another GSR besides my own.
.. Anyways, literally signed up to say I'm glad to see I'm not the only person who owns one, because I still have never seen another GSR besides my own. 
Bezza1969 said:
Why is it ugly? Seems a typical late 90s unfussily designed jap car. Reminds me a little of the late 90s Civic 3 door VTI
ha a little, I'm sat in the passenger side of a 1991 VTI as I type this.Try comparing a GSR to a EP82 Starlet GT, they're uncannily similar, will up pics to confirm when I get chance
Edited by RobGSR on Saturday 16th March 14:11
kamilb1998 said:
Our next door neighbours had a complete shed of a Baleno GSR for a few years. From the noises it made every time they left for work in the morning, I gather it wasn't very reliable, or the mechanical side was just as poorly looked after as the bodywork.
howdy neighbour, you like my heatshield rattle then?RobGSR said:
kamilb1998 said:
Our next door neighbours had a complete shed of a Baleno GSR for a few years. From the noises it made every time they left for work in the morning, I gather it wasn't very reliable, or the mechanical side was just as poorly looked after as the bodywork.
howdy neighbour, you like my heatshield rattle then?
Funnily enough, they had, what sounded like, a heatshield rattle as well for a few months. Would wake everyone in the close every morning at 6:30am.
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