Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Choosing a new car in India is a significant decision. With so many options available, prospective car buyers often juggle crucial factors like their budget, the car's safety features, monthly maintenance costs, the latest technology, and the brand's after-sales service. If these considerations are on your mind, then the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno deserves your undivided attention. As a leading premium hatchback, the Baleno has been a consistent favourite, and the latest iteration brings even more to the table. Let's take a deep dive into what makes the new Baleno a compelling choice for Indian families and individuals.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno is powered by a refined and fuel-efficient 1.2-litre K12N DualJet, Dual VVT petrol engine. This engine is known for its smooth performance and impressive fuel economy, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising.

• Engine Type: 1.2L K12N DualJet, Dual VVT Petrol
• Maximum Power: Approximately 88.5 bhp (66 kW) at 6,000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: Approximately 113 Nm at 4,400 rpm

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Baleno carries forward Maruti's 'Liquid Flow' design philosophy, but with noticeable enhancements that give it a bolder and more sophisticated presence.

• Front: Wider and more aggressive grille, new LED projector headlamps with signature LED DRLs.

Side: Sculpted lines, chrome accents (on higher variants), and redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels that add to its sporty appeal.Rear: Revamped C-shaped LED taillamps that give it a distinct and modern look.

Interior Design

Step inside the new Baleno, and you are greeted by a premium and thoughtfully designed cabin.

• Dashboard: Dual-tone dashboard with a layered design, offering a sense of width and luxury.

Seating: Comfortable seats with good bolstering, offering ample space for five occupants.Materials: Quality materials and brushed chrome accents enhance the premium feel of the cabin.

Key Features

The new Baleno is packed with a host of segment-leading and desirable features, enhancing both convenience and comfort.

• Infotainment System: Large 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system.

Connectivity: Suzuki Connect telematics, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Sunroof: Please note, the Baleno does not come with a sunroof.Camera: 360-degree view camera system for easy parking and manoeuvring.Charging: Wireless smartphone charging pad.Climate Control: Automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature.Other Features: Head-Up Display (HUD), Arkamys premium sound system, cruise control, rear AC vents.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Suzuki Baleno?

The Baleno offers a practical ground clearance of approximately 170 mm, which is adequate for tackling most Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Suzuki Baleno?

The new Baleno comes with a generous boot space of approximately 318 litres, providing ample room for your luggage, making it suitable for weekend getaways or grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti Suzuki Baleno?

The dimensions of the new Baleno are optimized for city driving while offering a spacious interior.

• Length: Approximately 3990 mm

Width: Approximately 1745 mmHeight: Approximately 1500 mm

Powertrain Options

The Baleno is available with two transmission options for its 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) Automatic Transmission

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has significantly improved the safety quotient of the new Baleno.

• Up to 6 airbags (in top variants) for enhanced occupant protection.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
• Hill Hold Assist (with AMT variants) to prevent rollback on inclines.
• Rear parking sensors and camera.
• ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
• Speed alert system.

NCAP Rating Table

The safety of a car is a top concern for buyers. Here's what we know about the Baleno's NCAP rating:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	Awaited	Awaited
Global NCAP (for new generation 2022 onwards)	Awaited	Awaited

Note: The new generation Maruti Suzuki Baleno (2022 onwards) has not yet been tested by either Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. We will update this section as soon as official ratings are released.

Rivals of Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno operates in a fiercely competitive premium hatchback segment. Its primary rivals include:

• Hyundai i20
• Tata Altroz
• Toyota Glanza (its rebadged twin)
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx (internal competition for buyers looking for a slightly different form factor)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros of Maruti Suzuki Baleno

• Fuel Efficiency: Excellent mileage figures, a hallmark of Maruti Suzuki cars.

Refined Engine: Smooth and quiet K12N DualJet engine.Feature-Packed: Loaded with modern features like HUD, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and a large infotainment screen.Comfortable Ride: Well-tuned suspension that handles varied road surfaces effectively.Spacious Cabin: Good cabin space, especially at the front, offering a comfortable experience for occupants.Maruti's Network: Extensive service network and affordable maintenance.Resale Value: Strong resale value in the used car market.

Cons of Maruti Suzuki Baleno

• No Turbo Petrol Option: Lacks a more powerful turbo-petrol engine option for enthusiasts.

No Sunroof: Absence of a sunroof, which has become a popular feature in this segment.Boot Space: While good, some rivals offer slightly more boot space.AMT Performance: While improved, the AMT can still feel a bit jerky at lower speeds compared to a conventional automatic (CVT or Torque Converter).Build Quality: While improved, some critics still feel it could be more robust compared to some rivals.

Conclusion

The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno truly stands out as a well-rounded package in the premium hatchback segment. It combines Maruti's trusted reliability and exceptional fuel efficiency with a refreshed design, a premium cabin, and a plethora of modern features. While it might miss out on a sunroof or a turbo-petrol engine, its strengths in terms of value, low running costs, and extensive service support make it a highly practical and appealing choice for the average Indian car buyer. If you're looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and efficient car that promises peace of mind, the new Baleno should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that delivers on its promises and is certainly worth a test drive!