VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
77 kW
Torque
200 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
4.8 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.4 s
—
Engine
999 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Audi A1 and the Suzuki Baleno is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi A1 delivers 85 kW while the Suzuki Baleno produces 77 kW. On fuel, the A1 returns 4.8 l/100km while the Baleno uses 5.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R530 900 for the A1 and R341 900 for the Baleno. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A1Sportback 30 TFSI Advanced S-Tronic 2025 - From R530 900
Suzuki Baleno1.5 GLX A/T 2025 - From R341 900
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
77 kW
Torque
200 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
9.4 s
—
Top Speed
203 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
999 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
5.9 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.2 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
119 g/km
133 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4029 mm
3990 mm
Width
1740-1940 mm
1745 mm
Height
1409 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2563 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
—
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1125 Kg
985 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
335 l
314-1057 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4yr
Service Plan Distance
—
60000km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A1
Fuel Economy
A1
Value
Baleno
Practicality
Baleno
Pros & Cons
Audi A1
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Suzuki Baleno
Lower starting price (R341 900)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A1 or Baleno?
The A1 uses 4.8 l/100km and the Baleno uses 5.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A1 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A1 or Baleno?
The A1 produces 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque while the Baleno delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The A1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A1 and Baleno?
The A1 starts from R530 900 and the Baleno from R341 900. The Baleno is cheaper by R189 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A1 or Baleno?
The A1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Baleno can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A1 or the Baleno?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider