The Indian auto market is seeing an insatiable demand for SUVs. However, amidst the SUV craze, certain cars are drawing attention due to their exceptional features and design, giving a fierce competition to many SUVs. Maruti Suzuki, a dominant player in India’s auto sector, has recently launched the updated Baleno model. This car is equipped with a series of high-end features that promise to redefine the standard for hatchbacks. Let’s delve deeper into the details.
Design and Exterior
The new Baleno has undergone significant changes in terms of design. It now boasts a larger front grille paired with a honeycombed-patterned penta grill embellished with a silver strip. The wraparound headlights incorporate a new three-element LED DRL signature. The rear of the car showcases C-shaped LED tail lights, a redesigned bumper, altered brake light positioning, a unique tailgate shape, revamped rear glass, and a sporty spoiler. The dimensions stand at a length of 3990mm, width of 1745mm, height of 1500mm, and a wheelbase of 2520mm, providing an impressive ground clearance. The air conditioner vents inside the car have also been restyled.
Performance and Engine
Under the hood, the Baleno comes with a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder K12N petrol engine, capable of producing 83bhp. There’s also a 1.2-liter dual-jet petrol engine available in its CNG variant, which generates 78ps of power and 99nm of peak torque. Customers can choose between manual and automatic transmission options. The petrol version promises a mileage of up to 22.94 kmpl, while the CNG variant offers a mileage of 30.61km/kg.
Interior and Features
The cabin of the new Baleno is adorned with a 9-inch Smart Play Pro Plus touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A first in this segment, the car will also feature a Heads-Up Display (HUD). Other notable features include wireless phone charging, Alexa voice command, a heads-up display, a new flat-bottom steering wheel, cruise control, steering-mounted controls, a digital meter on the front glass, and an ARKAMYS surround sound system for an immersive music experience.
Variants and Pricing
The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno is available in four different variants: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha. Its ex-showroom price ranges from 6.61 to 9.88 lakhs. Notably, even after safety updates, the company has not made any changes to the Baleno’s price. In India, the Baleno competes with cars like Hyundai i20, Toyota Glanza, Tata Altroz, and Citroen C3.
This car, with its blend of features and competitive pricing, is geared up to make a mark in the auto sector. Whether you’re an SUV enthusiast or a hatchback lover, the new Baleno’s offerings are hard to ignore.
