Well, I've been driving a Suzuki Baleno, on and off, for the last 3 years now and I've never once been disappointed.

For the price you get a lot more equipment than other vehicles in its class and a much bigger engine as standard.

I've read a number of reviews that have slated Suzukis, but I've never been less than impressed with this vehicle in the time I've had it.

The 1.6 engine is gutsy, helped by the small size of the car. It has the same kick as a Saxo VTR but costs less on insurance. Motorway driving is effortless and wind noise is fairly low.

The cabin is spacious and visibility is good, although some of the dashboard controls feel a bit flimsy (though none have broke in 3 years). The suspension gives a smooth ride, although at low speeds bumps are transmitted noisily into the cabin.

There are positive and negative aspects to buying a new car. Suzuki has import restrictions as to the numbers which is why there aren't so many - which is why Suzuki don't advertise like all the other makes. This does, however, mean that dealers can be a bit more creative when selling you the car, giving deals that other makes can't match. You do have to haggle for them though.

On the negative side, the depreciation is quite steep - so you'd really have to negotiate a good deal at the start to prevent losing too much money...