The premium hatchback you’ve all been waiting for, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno launches today. Now for a short re-cap on what the Baleno has to offer.
The Baleno will get a total of 9 variants across 4 trim levels, 2 engine options, and 2 transmission options. The petrol variant will come in 5 trims, including a CVT Delta variant, whereas the diesel will come in 4 variants – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. With high localisation levels of 99%, we expect the Baleno to be priced from Rs 5.5 lakh onwards – close to base variants of its rivals Elite i20 and Jazz.
The engine options are similar to its younger sibling Swift with – the 1.2-litre VVT petrol and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel, both the engines are mated to the 5-speed manual gearbox. What’s Special? The Baleno is the first Maruti car to get the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) fully automatic gearbox. Maruti Suzuki claimed fuel-efficiency for the petrol is 21.4 kmpl and a class-leading 27.39 kmpl for the diesel.
Unlike the typical Maruti, the Baleno doesn’t suffer the same fate in the department for safety. The Baleno’s entire line-up is amply loaded in terms of safety features – including the base Sigma variant, which gets an anti-theft security system, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, and front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters among other features.
However, the Delta variant onwards, the Baleno offers automatic climate control, a Bluetooth-enabled music system, electrically adjustable and folding wing mirrors, rear parking sensors and a rear wiper/washer. The only additional safety feature the top-end Alpha variant gets is a reverse parking camera.
The company has started dispatching the Baleno to its NEXA dealerships, which will exclusively sell this premium hatchback. Bookings too have already commenced at NEXA outlets for Rs 25,000/-.
To read more on Maruti Baleno, Click here
Also see: Maruti Baleno snapped in Pune, without camouflage!
