The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has also established a firm niche in the category of premium hatchback using the blend of elements such as fashion with comfort and readability at the realistic cost. Having an initial ex-showroom cost of Rs. 6.70 lakh and an impressive 4-star safety rating on Bharat NCAP, the Baleno will be an attractive product among family-based consumers, young professionals, and price savvy customers. Its impressive CNG version with a mileage of 30.61 km/kg is quite reasonable in saving money on fuel expenses in the ride of the feature-thrilled car. So, what is going on making the Baleno such a preferred product in the market?
Low Prices and Versions
The Baleno has a price range of beginning at Rs. 6.70 lakh going to the highest (Rs. 9.92 lakh at ex- showroom) with the Sigma and the Alpha AMT respectively. On-road there is difference in price depending on the city, in Delhi it starts at Rs. 7.50 lakh to Rs. 11.00 lakh price whereas in Mumbai they start at Rs. 7.89 lakh to Rs. 11.57 lakh. The hatch has nine versions such as Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha among others and petrol and CNG fuels. Its CNG versions that come in Delta and Zeta trims are priced at Rs. 9.39 lakh in Delhi and Rs. 9.53 lakh in Mumbai. A new existence of Baleno CNG Alpha is likely to be launched shortly with additional luxurious amenities incorporated on the CNG environmentally friendly range.
Distinguished Fuel Economy
Amongst the greatest highlights of the Baleno is its fuel efficiency most especially the CNG variant. It is one of the most fuel-efficient cars of this segment with an ARAI-claimed mileage of 30.61 km/kg. The actual road experience gives user mileage of 26-30 km/kg which is highly suitable to people with high daily commute or long range drives. Its petrol versions are not a slouch either with 22.35 kmpl and 22.94 kmpl respectively in manual versions and automatic (AMT) transmission. The Baleno comes with a capacity of 37 litres of fuel tank (55, in case of CNG), which will keep it less frequent to stop-by to refuel, therefore saving time and money. Smooth modes of driving, frequent tuning and ensuring perfect tyre pressure are some of the factors which can further improve its mileage.
Performance and Driving Orientation
The Baleno is powered by 1.2-litre K Series Dual Jet Dual VVT engine with the features of 88 bhp and 113 Nm of torque in petrol mode and 76 bhp, 98.5 Nm in cng. This engine is optimized to ride on Indian roads and it is lively. The hatchback is provided with a 5-speed manual or AMT gear linkage, whereas the CNG version is available only in manual. Its owners admit it is easy to drive in narrow urban traffic and maintain on highways, even in conditions of poor roads or speed bumps. Most of the bumps are handled by the suspension but they should not drive on rough paths at high speeds because of sharp potholes. Top speed at 180 kmph and ground clearance of 170 mm, the Baleno is easy to drive through the conditions of Indian roads.
The Build Quality and Safety
This is a great advantage to the safety-conscious buyers who have a 4-star Bharat NCAP safety rating on all the variants of the Baleno. It is packed with features such as dual airbags (six in the higher variants) ABS with EBD, 360 degree camera, electronic stability program (ESP) and hill-hold assist (AMT variants). Although some customers have observed that it is better built than its elder models of Maruti, some critics also argue that it would be more sturdy than competitors such as the Tata Altroz, which has a 5-star Global NCAP rating. Nevertheless, Baleno is a safe and acceptable car with satisfactory build which qualifies it to be a family car.
Modern and Spacious interiors and features
Its cabin has 5 seats and it is spacious, which gives plenty of head and leg space to passengers. Boot space with a 318 litres (55 litres during CNG versions) is feasible on a day-to-day basis, and has a 60:40 split rear seat to enable extra versatility. The interior is also high-end and comes with a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with support to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice assistant, and Arkamys sound system in the premium versions. Additional features notable are head up display, cruise control, key less entry, rear AC vents and wireless connection. Zeta and Alpha trim levels only differ in adding alloy wheels and other high technology features, which is why they are popular with people who want to have a lot of functionality.
Fashionable Design and Color Variants
The modern design of Baleno, which is sleek and has wide grille and chrome accents, titillate eyeballs with flowing lines. It comes in 7 high shiny colors such as Nexa Blue, Splendid Silver, Opulent Red, Grandeur Grey, Arctic White, Luxe Beige and Pearl Midnight Black. Its size (3990 mm length, 1745 mm width, 1500 mm height) manages to either fit in and out of city traffic and its sheer styling wastes no time competing with other hatchbacks, such as the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz.
Why Would you Pick the Baleno?
Baleno has the value-for-money argument where fuel efficiency, new features and a sleek look make it an appealing car at a pocket friendly price. The CNG version is a revelation in terms of economic buyers whereas the petrol cars will provide a lavish driving experience. The hatch back would also suit middle classes and first time car buyers because of the spacious interiors, good safety ratings and low cost of maintaining the car. Nonetheless, the soundness level of build in the top-notch or a sunroof (unavailable in the Baleno) may persuade other options such as the Hyundai i20.
Final Thoughts
Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a balanced premium hatchback that has a sufficient number of boxes to be checked by the Indian consumers. It has 4 stars on its safety rating, its mileage of 30.61 km/kg going on CNG is something to boast of, it costs Rs. 6.70 lakh as starting base as well, it is an intelligent decision to make when wanting to have comfort mileage and style at a lower price. At the city or the highway, the Baleno offers a refined and confidence-inspiring journey with all the features that you would need and can almost be unmatched in its segment.
