Maruti Suzuki Baleno

About Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a premium hatchback, and the current version of it is the second-generation model. The new Baleno features revamped exterior design elements, upgraded interior and better build quality. It also gets a host of premium features that keep you comfortable, safe and sound while driving.

The new Baleno is a petrol-only model and comes with a 1.2-litre engine mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. However, you can have this engine in Petrol and CNG fuel variants. Apart from that, the premium hatchback also gets a host of features, such as a dual-tone treatment for the interior, cruise control, rear passenger AC vents and much more. The hatchback also comes with all the necessary safety equipment, such as six airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Control), hill-hold assist, etc.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Quick Review

This section highlights the important aspects of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, including exterior design, interior, features, engine performance and safety.

Exterior Design

The second-gen Maruti Suzuki sports a sharp and aggressive exterior design. The prominent highlights of the updated design are the bold front end with a large grille, sloping bonnet and sharp headlamp design. The new Liquid Flow Design language renders a sharp look to the overall design with a dynamic stance, strong shoulder lines and sharp character lines flowing from the front to the rear of the car.

The rear section of the Baleno remains similar to the outgoing model except for the tail light cluster that now extends to the boot lid. The large bumper also remains identical to the first-gen model. The overall design of the tail light cluster remains the same; however, the internal elements have gone through an overhaul.

The new Baleno is based on the same Heartech platform. Hence, the car's dimensions remain unchanged, except for the increased weight. The Baleno top model also gets the 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which accentuate the overall looks of the vehicle. Overall, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a sharp-looking, modern and classic hatchback.

Interior and Features

The new Baleno's interior has gone through a proper overhaul and gets upmarket design elements. It features a flowing design with silver accents on the dashboard and steering wheel. The dual-tone dashboard with piano-black inserts and blue inserts on the dashboard and door pads further amplifies the already premium-looking interior. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and the fabric-covered front armrest also add to the premium-ness.

The front seats remain almost similar to the first-gen model. The height-adjustable driver seat adds to the driver's comfort, soft cushion seats offer decent comfort to front occupants, and rear passengers get enough headroom and knee room. However, the rear seat misses out on a centre armrest and cupholders.

Talking about the features, the Baleno is a well-rounded package. It comes with several premium features, such as a head-up display, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, rear AC vents, 60:40 rear split seats, LED projector headlamps, etc. Overall, the Baleno is a well-equipped hatchback.

Engine Performance

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno draws power from a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with VVT and dual injectors. The engine pumps out 88.4 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. With the CNG fuel, the same engine churns out 76.3 bhp and 98.5 Nm of torque. The petrol-only engine can be had with a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox, and the CNG variant can be had only with the 5-speed manual gearbox.

The engine delivers a refined experience when you are out on the road. Its power is adequate, and you will not feel the engine is underpowered. The crisp power delivery makes the driving experience enjoyable, and the smooth gearbox complements the driving performance. The Baleno automatic is ideal for city dwellers as it offers an effortless driving experience.

The engine delivers fuel efficiency of 22.35 kmpl (manual)/22.94 (AMT) in its petrol avatar. The CNG fuel variant delivers a mileage of 30.61 km/kg. Please note that the mileage figures are as per the ARAI rating.

Safety

The new Baleno is well-equipped when it comes to safety. The Baleno base model comes with safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts and rear parking sensors. Its top-spec model comes kitted with six airbags and a 360-degree camera. Hill-hold assist and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) are standard safety features.

Pros and Cons of Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Pros

• Spacious interior with comfortable seats

• Loaded with premium features

• Refined engine with crisp power delivery

• Excellent build quality

• Good ride quality

• Wide network of service centres and easy availability of spares

Cons

• No option for CVT or DCT gearbox

• The high boot loading lip

• NVH levels are average