Maruti Suzuki Baleno Overview

Suzuki, a Japanese automaker, has been making the hatchback-styled Baleno subcompact car in India since September 2015. The Baleno debuted on October 26, 2015, in India. The hatchback, which sits above the Swift, was designed to maximise interior space while maintaining the benefits of the Indian GST structure for vehicles with lengths under 4 metres and 1200 cc or 1500 cc engines. The premium NEXA stores operated by Maruti Suzuki solely sell the Baleno in India. Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha are the four trim levels that are offered for the vehicle.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Variants

The nine variations of the Baleno available are Delta CNG, Zeta CNG, Sigma, Delta, Delta AMT, Zeta, Zeta AMT, Alpha and Alpha AMT. The Maruti Baleno Alpha AMT is the most costly variant, with a price tag of Rs. 9.71 lahks. The Sigma is the least expensive Maruti Baleno variant, with a price tag of Rs. 6.49 lakh.

1. Baleno Sigma

1197 cc | Petrol | Manual | 22.35 kmpl

Maruti Baleno Sigma is a petrol – 5 seater car. Baleno Sigma has a multi-function steering wheel, power adjustable exterior rear view mirror, touch screen, automatic climate control, engine start stop button, anti-lock braking system, alloy wheels, fog lights – front, power windows rear, and power windows front. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual gearbox. The 1197 cc engine produces 113Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and 88.50 horsepower at 6000 rpm.

Additional features:

• Auto climate control
• ABS with EBD
• Dual airbags
• Keyless entry

2. Baleno Delta

1197 cc | Petrol | Manual | 22.35 kmpl

Maruti Baleno Delta is a petrol – 5 seater manual car. Arctic White, Luxe Beige, Nexa Blue, Splendid Silver, Opulent Red and Grandeur Grey are the six colours that make up this variety. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual gearbox. The 1197 cc engine produces 113Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and 88.50 horsepower at 6000 rpm.

Additional features:

• 7-inch touchscreen
• Projector headlights
• 4 Speakers
• Steering-mounted audio controls

3. Baleno Delta AMT

1197 cc | Petrol | Automatic | 22.94 kmpl

Maruti Baleno Delta AMT is a petrol, 5-seater automatic car. Arctic White, Luxe Beige, Nexa Blue, Splendid Silver, Opulent Red and Grandeur Grey are the six colours that make up this variety. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual gearbox. The 1197 cc engine produces 113Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and 88.50 horsepower at 6000 rpm.

Additional features:

• 7-inch touchscreen
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Electrically foldable ORVMs
• ESP with hill hold assist

4. Baleno Delta CNG

1197 cc | CNG | Manual | 30.61 km/kg

30.61 km/kg is the confirmed mileage it produces. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual transmission. The 1197 cc engine produces 98.5Nm of torque at 4300 rpm and 76.43 horsepower at 6000 rpm. It is available in various colours.

5. Baleno Zeta

1197 cc | Petrol | Manual | 22.35 kmpl

It provides a verified 22.35 km/l mileage. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual transmission. The 1197 cc engine produces 113Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and 88.50 horsepower at 6000 rpm. A 5-seater gasoline vehicle is the Maruti Baleno Zeta.

Additional features:

• Connected car tech (telematics)
• Rearview camera
• Push-button start and stop
• Side and curtain airbags

6. Baleno Zeta AMT

1197 cc | Petrol | Automatic | 22.94 kmpl

It provides a verified 22.94 km/l mileage. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with an automatic transmission. The 1197 cc engine produces 113Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and 88.50 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Maruti Baleno Zeta AMT is an automatic 5-seater gasoline vehicle.

Additional features:

• Connected car tech (telematics)
• Side and curtain airbags
• Rear view camera
• Push-button start and stop
• ESP with hill hold assist

7. Baleno Zeta CNG

1197 cc | CNG | Manual | 30.61 km/kg

It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual transmission. The 1197 cc engine produces 98.5Nm of torque at 4300 rpm and 76.43 horsepower at 6000 rpm. 30.61 km/kg is the confirmed mileage it produces.

8. Baleno Alpha

1197 cc | Petrol | Manual | 22.35 kmpl “TOP SELLING“

The 5-seater Petrol Maruti Baleno Alpha is a manual vehicle. It provides a verified 22.35 km/l mileage. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual transmission. The 1197 cc engine produces 113Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and 88.50 horsepower at 6000 rpm.

Additional features:

• Head-up display
• Cruise control
• 360-degree camera
• 9-inch touchscreen
• ESP with hill hold assist

9. Baleno Alpha AMT

1197 cc | Petrol | Automatic | 22.94 kmpl 

The 5-seater Petrol Maruti Baleno Alpha AMT is an automatic vehicle. It provides a verified 22.94 km/l mileage. It has an 1197 cc engine that can be purchased with a manual transmission. The 1197 cc engine produces 113Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and 88.50 horsepower at 6000 rpm.

Additional features:

• 9-inch touchscreen
• Cruise control
• Heads-up display
• 360-degree camera

All the variants of Baleno come in the following six colours – Luxe Beige, Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Nexa Blue, Opulent Red and Grandeur Grey.

It’s impressive how many upgrades the new Baleno receives in this area. To minimise any flex, Maruti increased the structural stiffness of the new HEARTECT platform. The suspension is likewise brand-new and receives a new rear torsional bar to enhance riding. Additionally, improvements are made to the steering to improve returnability. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Exterior Design

There is nothing like the New Age Baleno. The liquid flow aesthetic is continued, and every curve oozes boldness. Strong shoulders and angular character lines give it a powerful stance that flows harmoniously from front to rear. You won’t be able to glance away, so it doesn’t matter if you notice it approaching or moving by.

●  NextWave Grille

The New Age Baleno’s trademark NEXWave Grille is the initial thing you notice when you approach it. And it becomes very difficult to look elsewhere. Baleno now has a wider appearance thanks to the skillfully created grille with accented chrome strips, making it even more menacing than before.

●  16-Inch Precision Cut Alloy Wheels

They are extremely strong and adroit. They raise the New Age Baleno’s level of flair to new heights even if it is parked. These brand-new 16-inch precision-cut alloy wheels are meant to stand out and are specially constructed by experts.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Interior Design

There is more to the New Baleno than just great looks. Imagine comfort in a new way. Immerse yourself in the modern cabin, which has sleek chrome accents and natural flow lines. Enjoy the beauty of the piano’s black inserts and dual-tone interiors. Unwind on the plush, deeply curved seats for a luxurious experience unlike any other.

Features

● Head-Up Display

With the new feature Head-Up display, operating the New Age Baleno feels more instinctual and intuitive. The display will slowly ascend in front of you. It is an absolute sensory delight. Now you may enjoy city driving without straying from the road. With multiple options available in your line of sight, RPM, check the speed, fuel economy, AC functions and warning notifications in different colours. The Head-Up display’s brightness, view modes and angles are also programmable.

● 360 View Camera

The key to intelligence is being aware of your surroundings. With the feature of the ‘360 View Camera’ on the New Age Baleno, you can also view everything around you. With three different vision modes for the front and back, parking and driving in confined places have never been easier. So, when judgement is required, the Approaching Object Detection (AOD) up to eight metres intuitively informs you. Additionally, it provides 3D perspectives of the entire vehicle environment. Furthermore, the steering-based dynamic grid lines cleverly clear the path for you to enter the space.

● 22.86 cm HD Smartplay Pro+

The brand-new 22.86 centimetres full HD touchscreen display is now inclusive.

It has an easy-to-use UI, and enhanced voice assists in providing constant communication. Additionally, the model has a ‘Surround Sense’ premium, superior acoustic tuning experience, which is driven by ARKAMYS. Additionally, you can benefit from seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

● AGS

Baleno’s 5-speed Auto-Shift Gear ensures a fluid and comfortable driving experience. Your commutes become more enjoyable because you may switch between an automatic and a manual transmission with ease.

● Next Generation Suzuki Connect

The feature of ‘Next Generation Suzuki Connect’ is that Advanced Telematics Solution makes the Baleno smarter than ever and gives you access to a variety of advanced capabilities. You can control your car’s headlights, alarm, doors, engine immobiliser, danger lights and real-time battery status from a distance. It also includes a wide range of security and safety features, as well as comprehensive trip and driving behaviour reports. This is not all, and the New Age Baleno provides a connected automobile experience in the real sense thanks to its connectivity with Alexa Skill and your smartwatch. This feature is available on iOS 12.0 and Android 7.0 and above.

Safety

The daring premium hatchback’s equipment list includes ESP with Hill Hold Assist and Six airbags. Additionally, it gains superior steering returnability, improved super fast straight-line stability and improved braking for more control on those daring drives. Additionally, the New Age Baleno is equipped with ISOFIX mounts, a Speed Alert System, a seat belt reminder for the driver and co-driver, reverse parking assist sensors and so on.

● ESP

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that comes standard on the New Age Baleno aids in better vehicle control while cornering, quick lane changes to avoid obstructions and maximum stability while operating on uneven or damaged roads.

● ABS with EBD

When EBD provides quick and effective braking, the anti-lock braking system protects the wheels from locking up when the brakes are engaged under heavy loads.

● 6 Airbags

Baleno receives 6 Airbags (side, front as well as a curtain) for the first vehicle ever, offering cutting-edge safety in case of a collision.

● ISOFIX Child Seat anchorages

The New Age Baleno has ISOFIX Child Seat anchorages for an ideal drive with your children.

● Seat Belt Alert

With an indicator and buzzer, the New Age Baleno has seat belt reminders for the driver and passengers.

● Sensors for Rear Parking Assist

The New Age Baleno now makes parking in tight spaces easier thanks to its rear parking assist sensors.

Engine Specifications & Performance

Advanced K Series Dualjet, Dual VVT Engine

Use the cutting-edge 1.2 L K Series Dualjet, Dual VVT Engine with Idle Start Stop (ISS) system to master the rough city streets, and enjoy a daring and sensory driving experience. The instant you touch the brake in AMT or even the clutch in MT, ISS shuts off the engine and restarts it. The vehicle also has a brand-new, enhanced suspension system with better bump efficiency and rear-ride comfort, as well as upgraded 14-inch brakes for more stable stopping performance. Additionally, the New Age Baleno has a hydraulic clutch system that improves clutch life and shift performance.

• Displacement (cc) – 1197
• Max Torque – 113Nm@4400rpm
• Max Power – 88.50bhp@6000rpm
• Valves Per Cylinder – 4
• Number of cylinders – 4
• Gear Box – 5 Speed
• Transmission Type – Automatic

Good Things & Bad Things About The Car

Pros of Baleno

● Bold Appearance

In addition to its appearance, the build and fitment quality has been improved. Compared to the pre-facelift version, the plastic mouldings have a smooth surface and appear more upscale. The door and centre armrests are covered in soft textiles, but the dash lacks a soft-touch material finish. The redesigned flat-bottom steering wheel with leather trim also has a premium feel. 

The automaker has also upgraded every panel on the Baleno, adding 50 pounds to its weight. A new set of machine-cut, dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels is also present, as is a more pronounced shoulder line. The headlamps have also been updated and now have new Nexa trademark LED daytime running lamps with LED projector beams. 

● Tech-loaded cabin

The main draw is the new 9-inch HD Smartplay Pro+ touchscreen status display with Arkamys sound tuning for its 6-speaker sound system. It’s a wonderful asset to the car thanks to its quick touch response, user-friendly design and smartphone connectivity support through Android Auto (wired) and Apple Carplay. It also includes an Amazon Alexa voice assistant (the first in the segment), “Hey, Suzuki” voice commands (not applicable for amenities like AC and window up/down), linked car technology with remote access for services like door lock, geo-fencing, car tracking and speed alert, among others. 

Last but not least, this new multimedia solution enables over-the-air updates (OTA), that can employ data from your smartphone to add new features and resolve software-related problems.

● Outstanding Ride Quality

Thanks to the realigned damping and other enhanced components, the suspensions of Baleno have become more advanced than before. In comparison to the previous model, this has increased high-speed stability, and the braking is improved with wider disc brakes. However, it could have been excellent if the steering feel had been further enhanced.

● Enhanced safety

By including 6 airbags, hill-hold assistance and a stability control programme in the Baleno’s top-spec models, Maruti has also increased the car’s level of safety. In addition, the entire series will come standard with types of equipment like dual airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and braking assist. Additionally, the brand’s construction now has a higher proportion of high-strength as well as ultra-high-strength steel.

Cons of Baleno

● No Diesel Engine

A specific group of consumers will be extremely disappointed by the Baleno for the absence of a diesel engine in comparison to its main competitors like Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20. 

Additionally, all other vehicles in its class feature a fully automatic transmission, which Maruti has since discontinued because of poor demand (Altroz will get a DCT in the near future).

● Absence Of Several Necessary Features

Despite being highly loaded, the 2019 Baleno misses some high-end options, such as a sunroof, middle seat headrest, wireless capability for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charger and several others.

● Seat And a Boot Area

The Baleno’s seat padding is excessively soft, which could cause some minor discomfort on extended trips. Even for tall passengers, there is considerable headroom and knee room. Another letdown is that there are now 21 fewer litres in the boot than in the previous generation. Additionally, the boot lip is unusually high, making it difficult to load and unload bulky bags.

Competitors

Here are some of the top rivals of Baleno. 

1. Hyundai i20

The all-new i20 draws inspiration from Hyundai’s design DNA, which is characterised by ‘sensuous sportiness,’ a dynamic exterior and an opulent interior. Its magnificent presence produces a captivating spell, and its connected and user-friendly functions increase your convenience and comfort. Definitely a cut above the rest.

• Smart sunroof that may be operated with one touch and is electrically controlled.
• The 26.03cm HD smart play infotainment system with Blue Link has an onboard navigation system, smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth.
• The brand-new i20 combines the top technologies available to create amazing drives. With the help of a top-of-the-line Bose sound system, you can hear each note of your favourite tunes.
• The personal mobility companion known as Blue Link works proactively to ensure your safety, convenience and security. It has a responsive, flexible telematics platform that serves as a conduit for communication between you and your vehicle.

2. Volkswagen Polo

One diesel engine and two gasoline engines are available for the Volkswagen Polo. The petrol engines are 999 cc and 1197 cc, while the diesel engine is 1498 cc. Both manual and automatic transmissions are offered. The Polo’s mileage varies according to the model and fuel type, and its ground clearance is 165mm. The Volkswagen is a 3-cylinder, 5-seater vehicle with dimensions of 3971 mm in length, 1682 mm in width and 2469 mm in wheelbase.

3. Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz offers a single petrol engine of 1199 cc. Both manual and automatic transmissions are offered. The mileage of the Jazz ranges from 16.6 to 17.1 kilometres per litre, depending on the model and kind of fuel. The Jazz is a 5-seater, 4-cylinder car with dimensions of 3989 mm in length, 1694 mm in width and 2530 mm in wheelbase.

4. Toyota Glanza

One gasoline engine and one CNG engine are available for the Toyota Glanza. The CNG engine is 1197 cc in size, compared to the Petrol engine’s 1197 cc. Both manual and automatic transmissions are offered. The Glanza has a range of miles per gallon and fuel type from 22.35 kmpl to 30.61 km/kg. The Toyota Glanza is a 4-cylinder, 5-seater vehicle with dimensions of 3990 mm in length, 1745 mm in width and 2520 mm in wheelbase.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a very well-liked option in the high-end hatchback sector, and Maruti has made up for any shortcomings with the new vehicle. It now has a tonne of features and safety devices with the numerous changes that have been made to the engine, suspension, and chassis, and it also has a better appearance. Along with the improvements, its best features are still present. Yes, we would have preferred a calmer cabin and the BoosterJet engine alternative to be available once more, but these aren’t really deal-breakers for what appears to be an excellent product from Maruti.

Maruti Suzuki did an excellent job with the new Baleno. They have taken their customers’ feedback into consideration and implemented a number of significant changes that have improved the vehicle. The new Baleno has improved handling, increased comfort, and gained a number of significant features.

Image Source: “nexaexperience.com”