Maruti have launched their Nex(a) generation Baleno today at a very affordable Rs 4.99 lakh…for the base trim level of the petrol variant of course. Read on for the details
Story: Team Car India
Photography: Maruti Suzuki
India’s largest car maker – Maruti Suzuki, have made their foray into the premium hatchback segment with the global launch of the new Baleno. Available with both petrol and diesel engine options, the Baleno range starts at and introductory Rs 4.99 lakh for the base petrol to Rs 8.11 lakh for the range-topping diesel variant, all prices being ex-showroom in Delhi.
For petrolheads, power comes from the company’s proven 1.2-litre VVT unit with 84 PS and a peak torque of 115 Nm on tap. For those seeking the economies of a diesel powertrain there is the tried and tested FIAT sourced 1.3-litre DDiS unit with a maximum output of 75 PS and 190 Nm. Transmission in either case is via a five-speed manual gearbox. Maruti are claiming a fuel economy of 21.4 km/l and 27.39 km/l (ARAI) for the petrol and diesel cars respectively. For consumers who would like to experience the convenience of an auto transmission the petrol Baleno is also available with a CVT. The CVT equipped variant carries a sticker of Rs 6.76 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.
The Baleno is based on a brand new Suzuki platform that the company claims is 100 kg lighter but 10 per cent more rigid than comparable existing platforms in the Indian automotive industry. Given how Maruti have been continuously improving their products with on the equipment front, it isn’t surprising that the Baleno becomes the first car in India to offer Apple’s CarPlay, which offers the best in car experience for Apple iPhone users and lets the driver control all the multimedia functions via voice commands. ABS and dual airbags are standard fitment across the range.
The Baleno is available in seven colour options and four trim levels across each of the two variants (petrol and diesel). The CVT option however is on offer only on the Delta trim level of the petrol variant.
Although the car is going to be manufactured exclusively in India, it will be exported to over 100 countries across the world. At the launch, Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki, said, “Baleno is a real global model, to satisfy our customers not only in India but also across global markets. I am excited that this model will be exported to Japan from India, opening a new chapter in the long history of Maruti Suzuki. The Government of India has been always supporting to bring up India as a production hub of small cars. Now it’s our turn to meet the “Make in India” expectations of the Government. Baleno is our first answer.”
Colour Options
Autumn Orange | Ray Blue | Pearl Arctic White |Granite Grey | Fire Red | Premium Urban Blue | Metallic Premium Silver
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Introductory Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
1.2 VVT
Sigma – Rs 4.99 lakh | Delta – Rs 5.71 lakh | Zeta – Rs 6.31 lakh | Alpha – Rs 7.01 lakh | Delta (CVT) – Rs 6.76 lakh
1.3 DDiS
Sigma – Rs 6.16 lakh | Delta – Rs 6.81 lakh | Zeta – Rs 7.41 lakh | Alpha – Rs 8.11 lakh
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