Maruti Suzuki Baleno: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been one of the best selling of all premium hatchbacks in India. With contemporary looks, impressive cabin space and an efficient engine, it was as practical as a supermini while feeling pretty up-market.
Now, in its second-generation iteration, the Baleno looks poised, up-market and designed for the city slicker.
If you are a first time car buyer or looking for a city commuter or someone who wants a car with peace of mind service after-sales, then the Baleno makes for a smart and stylish choice for under ₹10 lakh.
Now, let’s delve deeper into what makes the Baleno an all-rounder in its segment.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Design – Sleek and Premium
The new Baleno gets a fresh new grille, revamped LED headlamps with dynamic DRLs and a sculpted bonnet which brings some attitude to the hatchback. It’s a much more grown up looking car now, with smooth lines, chrome highlights and a low, wide stance that adds a significant road presence.
At the back, the LED tail-lights are tidier and the design is more upmarket with a much more ‘modern’ look. The boot features two piece access, as well as an all new 16 inch alloy wheels and chrome garnish. For all its hatchback ness, the Baleno looks wafty and upmarket.
Inside – Roomy and Well-Equipped
Get in, and the Baleno looks every bit its part with dual-tone interiors, soft-touch plastics all around, and better seat cushioning. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid out, its controls are easy to reach and use.
The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system (there’s SmartPlay too in other variants) is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and has a nice, sharp feel to it.
There’s great legroom and headroom in both the front and rear, making it a good family option. There are also rear AC vents and the front armrest, and there is a flat floor at the rear which adds to the comfort, especially during long journeys. Boot space is 318 litres, suitable for a weekend away or daily grocery runs.
Performance – Fine-Tuned for A More Enjoyable Ride Every Day
Powered by a1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine pumping out 90 PS and 113 Nm of torque, under the hood, the Baleno. It comes with a 5 speed manual and 5 speed AMT (AGS) gear box.
Instead, the engine is more tuned for smoothness, silent operation and fuel economy than outright performance.
In the city, the Baleno is very easy to place and feels light to steer around, and the AMT does make slow-moving city traffic a lot less tiring on the leg. The engine and pulls cleanly through the lower gears and the bike feels stable on the highways.
Although it’s not designed to be aggressive, it does very well with both commuting in the city and even the occasional highway drive.
Mileage – One of the Top in Class
Baleno is one of the most fuel efficient cars in the market. Claimed mileage figures are:
22.35 kmpl (Manual)
22.94 kmpl (AMT)
That makes it very appealing to budget-minded drivers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort or amenities.
Features and Safety
In terms of features and safety, the Baleno has received interms updates. Key highlights include:
9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment
Head-up Display (segment-first)
360-degree camera
Rear AC vents
Cruise control
Push-button start
6 airbags (available in upper models)
ESP with hill-hold assist
ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX mounts
These add-ons not only make the Baleno smarter but also safer.
Pros:
Stylish and premium exterior
Large, comfortable cockpit
High fuel efficiency
Loaded with tech features
Engine refinement and easy drivability in the city
Broad service network and high resale value
Cons:
Turbo petrol and diesel engines are absent
AMT also rougher, compared to CVT or torque converters
Not for performance-oriented buyers.
No adjustable headrest at rear in lower variants
Few low-quality plastic parts in i.c.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno combines practicality with contemporary design and utility. It’s ideal for the buyers who want a premium-feeling hatchback without robbing the bank.
Be it city driving, occasional highway trips or regular family duties, the Baleno has the comfort, style and long-term peace-of-mind you need — all aided by Maruti’s extensive service reach.It’s a premium hatchback that does the job where it matters most, in short.