The Baleno is Maruti Suzuki's premium hatchback. Its exterior has a fresh design, and inside, it boasts an upgraded cabin with better quality materials. It comes loaded with features. These make driving comfy, secure, and enjoyable. Here, we spotlight the important specifications and features of this hatchback.
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine: It produces 89.7 PS at 6000 rpm and offers a blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
CNG Variant Availability: For eco-conscious drivers, a CNG option provides an efficient alternative to petrol.
Transmission Options: You can choose between a 5-speed manual for a traditional driving feel and a 5-speed AMT for convenience in traffic conditions.
Projector Headlamps: They are standard across all variants, with halogen in lower trims and LED in higher ones for better visibility.
NEXWave Front Grille: Features chrome inserts, enhancing the car's premium aesthetic.
LED DRLs and Fog Lamps: Available in higher variants for improved daytime visibility and aesthetic appeal.
Signature LED Tail Lamps: Stretch horizontally, adding to the vehicle's modern look.
Precision-cut Alloy Wheels: They are offered in the top-end variant, and full-wheel covers are provided in lower trims for style.
Tilt and Telescopic Steering: Standard tilt steering with telescopic adjustment in higher trims for a comfortable driving position.
SmartPlay Infotainment System: Available in three configurations with up to a 22.86 cm touchscreen, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity.
Speaker System: Four speakers in lower variants, with the addition of tweeters in Zeta and Alpha trims for enhanced sound quality.
Convenience Features: They include auto headlamps, rear fast-charging USB ports, 60:40 split rear seats for flexible cargo space, a rear parcel tray, and electrically folding ORVMs.
Airbags and ABS with EBD: Dual airbags and ABS with EBD standard across the range, with additional side and curtain airbags in higher variants.
360-degree Camera: Provides a panoramic view of the car's surroundings for safer manoeuvring.
Additional Safety Features: Seatbelt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a high-speed alert system enhance occupant safety.
NEXA Safety Shield: Includes advanced features like electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and rear parking sensors for comprehensive safety.
Suzuki Connect: Offers advanced telematics through the SmartPlay infotainment system in higher variants, enabling geo-fencing, emergency alerts, and trip history sharing.
Voice Assistant and OTA Updates: The system has a built-in voice assistant for hands-free control and convenience, and over-the-air software updates keep it current.
The premium hatchback market is intense, with carmakers fighting hard for buyers. Maruti Suzuki's Baleno faces tough rivals, top-notch in features and specs. Here, we'll match the Baleno against key competitors: Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Citroen C3, and Toyota Glanza. These cars offer a variety of options, so the competition is fierce. Will the Baleno emerge victorious? Or will its rivals claim the crown? Let's dive in and explore.
Engines: Both models are equipped with 1.2-litre petrol engines, but the Baleno's engine produces a more powerful output of 89.7 PS, compared to the i20's 81.8 to 86.76 PS. The Baleno's engine is also more fuel-efficient, with a claimed mileage of 22.35 km/l, while the i20 offers up to 20.35 km/l.
Transmissions: The Baleno offers a 5-speed manual or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), while the i20 is available with a 5-speed manual or an iVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) automatic. The AMT in the Baleno provides a more affordable and convenient automatic option compared to the iVT in the i20.
Infotainment Systems: The Baleno features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the i20 boasts a larger 10.25-inch unit.
Connectivity features: Both systems offer connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, but the i20's system has additional connected car capabilities.
Interior and Features: The Baleno's interior features a premium dual-tone cabin with piano-black inserts and blue accents, while the i20 has an air purifier and auto LED headlights.
Additional Features: Both models offer rear AC vents, a multifunction steering wheel, and wireless charging. However, the i20 adds a digital instrument cluster, advanced connected car technology, and ambient lighting.
Safety: Both the Baleno (top-end trims) and i20 come equipped with six airbags, parking sensors, and a rear camera.
Additional safety equipment: The Baleno offers hill-hold assist and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard safety features, while the i20 has electronic stability control (ESC) and hill assist control. The i20 also includes an advanced collision avoidance system, which is not available on the Baleno.
Pricing and Warranty: The Baleno is generally priced lower than the i20, making it a more affordable option in the premium hatchback segment. Both models come with a standard warranty of 2 years and 3 years, respectively.
Dimensions: Both the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz stretch equally lengthwise, with a measurement of 3,990 mm, showcasing a similar footprint on the road.
Engine Options: Baleno powers through with a singular yet reliable 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine. Altroz offers a broader engine palette, including a 1.2L petrol, a zestier 1.2L turbo-petrol, and a 1.5L diesel for those seeking efficiency or a punchier drive.
Transmission: Baleno provides the flexibility of choosing between a 5-speed manual or an AMT for those preferring automatic shifts. At the same time, Altroz features a standard 5-speed manual across all engines, with a sophisticated 6-speed DCT available in the non-turbo petrol variants.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Baleno stands out with a larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering expansive connectivity and entertainment options. Altroz comes equipped with a competent 7-inch touchscreen, ensuring essential connectivity and multimedia functionalities.
Fuel Efficiency: Reflecting on their engine configurations, both models aim to balance performance with fuel economy, catering to the eco-conscious driver.
Creature Comforts: Both vehicles are well-appointed with creature comforts, including automatic climate control, cruise control, and rear AC vents for passenger convenience.
Safety Features: Safety is paramount for both, with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard provisions. The Altroz shines with a commendable 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. The Baleno, particularly in its top variant, comes equipped with six airbags and a 360-degree camera, offering comprehensive safety and parking assistance.
Driving Dynamics: The Baleno is known for its smooth ride and nimble handling, particularly in urban settings. The Altroz, with its wider engine choice, appeals to a range of driving preferences, from economical cruising to spirited driving.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Citroen C3
Dimension: The Maruti Baleno's length exceeds the Citroen C3's by a small margin. It measures 3,990 mm, while the C3 stands at 3,981 mm. A mere 9 mm separates these two vehicles in terms of their overall dimensions.
Engine Specification: The Baleno car uses a 1.2-litre engine that doesn't have a turbocharger. It makes 89.7 PS. The C3, on the other hand, lets you choose between two 1.2-liter engines - one without a turbo making 82 PS or a turbocharged version producing 110 PS.
Transmission: Baleno has two gearbox options - a 5-speed manual or AMT. C3 offers a 5-speed manual for the regular engine, while its turbo variant gets a 6-speed manual.
Infotainment System: A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system makes up the Baleno's display. Meanwhile, the C3 boasts a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Screen sizes differ, but both offer modern infotainment features.
Interior Feature: A neat dual-tone interior with piano-black inserts and blue accents adorns the Baleno. The C3 impresses too - its driver seat's height can adjust, and it has a semi-digital instrument cluster.
Creature Comfort Features: The Baleno comes loaded with convenient facilities like an auto climate control system, rear air vents for cooling, and a cruise control feature. In contrast, the C3 boasts externally adjustable mirrors, controls to manage audio right from the steering wheel, plus a 4-speaker audio setup.
Safety: Both hatchbacks focus on safety, offering dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and rear parking sensors. Additionally, the Baleno provides hill-hold assist and electronic stability program (ESP) as standard safety equipment. For turbo variants, the C3 gains extra features like ESP, hill-hold assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
What are the features of the Baleno car?
Is Baleno safe on the highway?
Can 5 people sit in Baleno?
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