Maruti Baleno Review

One of the leading automobile manufacturer Maruti has launched its new Baleno at an attractive cost of Rs.4.99 lac on 26th October, 2015 which is quite packed with all exciting features. This new car attracts more people and got more than 4500 booking in just the launch of two days than the company has expected. It would give a very tough competition to its similar other vehicles such as Hyundai Elite i20, Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz.

Maruti Baleno Variants

The new Baleno comes in four different trims which includes Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. It is available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol variants of the vehicle are listed below.

1) Maruti Baleno 1.2 Sigma – Rs.5.0 lac
2) Maruti Baleno 1.2 Delta – Rs.5.7 lac
3) Maruti Baleno 1.2 Zeta – Rs.6.3 lac
4) Maruti Baleno 1.2 CVT Delta – Rs.6.8 lac
5) Maruti Baleno 1.2 Alpha – Rs.7.0 lac

Similarly, the diesel variants of the car includes

1) Maruti Baleno 1.3 Sigma – Rs.6.2 lac
2) Maruti Baleno 1.3 Delta – Rs.6.8 lac
3) Maruti Baleno 1.3 Zeta – Rs.7.4 lac
4) Maruti Baleno 1.3 Alpha – Rs.8.1 lac

Maruti Baleno Colors

The colors available for all the variants of the Maruti Baleno involves

1) Premium Urban Blue
2) Autumn Orange
3) Pearl Arctict White
4) Fire Red
5) Ray Blue
6) Premium Silver
7) Granite Grey

Design and Style

Maruti Baleno Exterior

The new Baleno hatchback comes with an unique liquid flow design on the basis of energetic mass of water in motion giving stylish and highly defined curves to its body. The build quality and finish of the car is quite superior compared to its similar other models. The front part of the vehicle is designed with a v shaped radiator grille underlined with a chrome strip but it is not offered for the base variants. It features a swept back projector lamps and LED DRLs in the headlight cluster. Both front and rear facets are decorated with body colored bumper with sporty cues enhancing the style of the car. The beautiful curves and window frames at the side portion is also really appreciable. It sports a body colored Outside Rear View Mirror enriches the side elegance of the vehicle. The Zeta and Alpha variants are offered with a chrome garnished door handles and the remaining variants are available in standard body colored. At the same time, the top two variants are furnished with an alloy wheels where as the other are provided with steel rims with wheel caps. Moving to the rear profile, it has a chrome strip placed in between the windscreen and tailgate rendering it a unique stature. Along with that, Baleno is integrated with a rear spoiler, a high mounted third brake light. In addition to all, the car comes with a chrome plated company’s badge affixed at both front and rear side.

Exterior Dimensions

The dimensions in terms of length, width and height are described below.

1) Length – 3995mm
2) Width – 1745mm
3) Height – 1500mm

Apart from that, the Baleno provides the wheelbase of around 2520mm and ground clearance of 170mm.

Maruti Baleno Interiors

This premium hatchback offers a richness appearance not only to the exteriors but also for the interiors with its black colored interior cabin. The door handles are offered with metallic accents along with the gear knob. Except the base Sigma trim, all the other variants are offered with a three spoke multi-functional steering wheel which gives an easy operation of audio and on call function. It has a decent dashboard with an excellent infotainment system kept elegantly on the central console for easy access. Baleno is well packed with an integrated music system with all the modern connectivity options, steering mounted audio controls and easy options for the Android Smartphone users. Talking about its seating arrangement, Baleno gives a very comfortable riding experience with some of the features including driver’s seat height adjustment, split folding facility rear bench seat for better boot volume of 339 litres etc. Some of its highlighting features includes central locking system, tilt steering front power windows, height adjustable front seat, remote keyless entry, electrically adjusted ORVMs, air conditioning unit, follow me home headlamps and many more. These features may vary from one variant to another. The base variant of the car comes with limited features and the top end trims has lot of exciting features.

Baleno Engine Specs

Maruti has launched its Baleno in two engine options with a choice of petrol and diesel. The petrol variant is powered by a 1.2 litre, 4 cylinders, DOHC Valve, VVT motor with MPFI fuel injection technology. It churns out the maximum power output of 83.14bhp and 6000rpm along with maximum torque output of 115Nm at 4000rpm mated to a five speed manual and CVT automatic transmission options. The diesel variant is powered by a 1.3 litre oil burner, CRDi technology engine delivering peak power of 74bhp at 4000rpm and peak torque of 190Nm at 2000rpm coupled with a five speed manual gearbox.

Acceleration and Pick Up

When it comes to Acceleration and Pick up, Maruti Baleno offers a delightful riding experience on both city and highways. The petrol variants are offered in two transmissions including CVT automatic offering the maximum speed of 150 kmph and it can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 14 seconds. On the other side, the manual version gives the same speed but it is quite faster than CVT automatic transmission which could reach 100 kmph in just 12 seconds. Comparing to both petrol and diesel, the petrol option is good because the diesel versions accelerates from 0-100kmph in 16 seconds with the speed range between 155-160 kmph.

Baleno Fuel Efficiency

Due to its light body weight and smaller engine, Maruti Baleno becomes one of the most fuel efficienct car in its class. The petrol variants of the vehicle gives an attractive mileage of 21.4 kmpl and the diesel variants offers a peak mileage of 27.39 kmpl.

Braking and Handling Features

This Baleno hatchback is well incorporated with a ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels. Along with that, all the variants of the car comes with an advanced braking technology of ABS and EBD enhancing the braking mechanism. The vehicle is easy to handle with a McPherson strut at the front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension along with a reliable electric rack and pinion power steering ensures excellent response. Both Zeta and Alpha comes with a standard 16 inch alloy wheel option covered with 195/55 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres. On the other hand, the remaining trims are offered with standard 15 inch steel rims covered with 185/65 R15 sized tyres.

Safety and Security Features

Some of the safety and security features of Maruti Baleno involves

1) Anti Theft Security System
2) ABS with EBD
3) Dual Horn
4) Headlamp Leveling Device
5) Dual Airbags
6) Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioner
7) Seatbelt Force Limiter
8) Driver Seatbelt Reminder
9) Pinch Guard Power Window
10) Rear Defogger
11) Rear Wiper with Washer
12) Reverse Parking Sensors and Camera
13) Front Fog Lamps
14) Auto Headlamps

These safety features may vary from top end variant to low end variant. All these features ensures better safety and security.

Verdict

Maruti Baleno is a good choice for its excellent safety features with standard ABS and EBD braking mechanism, fuel efficiency for both engine options, spacious cabin, entertainment system as well as affordable cost. But the vehicle has no rear AC vents and no Suzuki Booster Jet engine which is a great drawback. Overall, Baleno would be a good treat to the auto enthusiasts.