Maruti Suzuki Baleno, India's largest carmaker's first-ever premium hatchback, will be launched on October 26. Though the hatchback has the backing of the Maruti Suzuki name, it will be entering an extremely competitive segment - a segment that fields cars from Hyundai and Honda among others. The current segment leader, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno's main rival, the Hyundai i20 has sold an average of 10,000 units per month since its launch.
Also Read: Maruti Suzki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Features Comparison
Though Maruti has much hopes from the Baleno, it remains to be seen if the premium hatchback will be able to elicit sales from a seemingly reluctant market. In the meanwhile, here is what you should know about the car.
a. First and foremost, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno will be sold exclusively through the company's premium dealership range in India - Nexa
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Bookings Open; Launch on October 26
b. It was introduced as the iK-2 concept first, and retains a handful of its design cues
c. Maruti Suzuki Baleno's engine options will include a 1.2-litre VVT petrol and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel
d. The petrol engine, on the other hand, is the same 1.2-litre K-Series unit that also does duty on the Swift albeit retuned for better performance
e. Maruti Suzuki Baleno's transmission options will comprise a 5-speed manual and a CVT
f. Moving on to the cabin, the Baleno will get a more premium cabin as compared to the Swift
g. The carmaker will offer 4 trims on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha
h. Maruti Suzuki Baleno gets anti-theft security system, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, and front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters as standard safety features across the entire line-up
Also Read: Maruti Baleno Review
i. Features exclusive to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno's top-end trim, Alpha, include DRLs with LED, alloy wheels, navigation system, voice command, Apple CarPlay, reverse parking camera, etc.
j. Except the base trim level, Sigma, the entire line-up gets reverse parking sensors
k. Other than Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno will also face competition from cars like Volkswagen Polo, and Honda Jazz
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Expected Price: Rs. 6 lakh - Rs. 9 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Dimensions:
- Length: 3,995mm
- Width: 1, 745mm
- Height: 1,500mm
- Wheelbase: 2,520mm
- Ground Clearance: 170mm
- Boot Capacity: 339-litres
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20 vs Volkswagen Polo vs Honda Jazz: Premium Hatchback Price War
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Specs:
- 1.2-litre VVT Petrol
Displacement: 1197cc
Power: 83bhp
Torque: 115Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual/ CVT
- 1.3-litre DDiS Diesel
Displacement: 1248cc
Power: 74bhp
Torque: 190Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
