For over a decade, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 have continuously locked horns in the premium hatchback space. Earlier this year, Hyundai updated the i20 with a rejigged line-up, while Maruti recently gave the Baleno a comprehensive facelift. If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line premium hatchback, we compare the top-spec Baleno Alpha(O) and i20 Asta(O) to determine which is better on paper.
For full specs, features and a price breakdown, check our Baleno vs i20 comparison.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Dimensions
Baleno is smaller than the i20 in several dimensions
Overall, the i20 is longer, wider and has a longer wheelbase than the Baleno. The latter, meanwhile, is taller and comes with a slightly larger boot capacity.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Powertrain options
i20 produces slightly more power
In the top-spec guise, the Baleno and i20 are powered solely by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The difference comes with the number of cylinders: three in the Baleno and four in the i20. Power output is an identical 83 hp, but in the CVT guise, the i20 develops 5hp more. Also, the i20 delivers slightly higher torque figures. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard on both, but the Baleno offers a 5-speed AMT, while the i20 offers a CVT.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Exterior features
The Baleno and i20 come decently equipped on the outside, with LED light setups, power folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. However, the Baleno gets fog lamps, whereas the i20 gets puddle lamps with a welcome function. Both models offer monotone colour choices, but the i20 also offers dual-tone and matte-finish paint options.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Interior features
Baleno gets segment-only features like ventilated seats and a head-up display
Inside, the i20 comes with a larger screen, a single-pane sunroof, more speakers, and ambient lighting over the Baleno. On the other hand, the Baleno offers a head-up display and ventilation for the front seats.
What community is saying on the Baleno?
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Driving tech
Baleno gets adaptive cruise control; i20 the only one with drive modes
When it comes to driving-related features, only the i20 gets drive modes. Cruise control is available on both hatchbacks, but the Baleno comes with adaptive cruise control, whereas the i20 features regular cruise control.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Safety features
Level 2 ADAS found exclusively on the Baleno
Though the Baleno and i20 are yet to be tested by BNCAP, it’s worth noting that the former’s pre-facelift version scored a 4-star rating in crash-safety tests. Meanwhile, both premium hatchbacks come well-equipped with basic safety features, airbags, TPMS, parking sensors, auto-dimming IRVM and hill-hold assist. However, the Baleno gets a Level 2 ADAS suite, along with a dedicated headrest and a three-point seatbelt for the centre rear passenger, unlike the i20. On the other hand, the i20 gets a factory-fitted dashcam over its rival.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Price and verdict
In petrol manual guise, the i20 is Rs 36,000 more affordable than the Baleno, but its automatic version costs Rs 44,000 more. When choosing between the two, the i20 is the clear recommendation. In its petrol-manual version, it’s not only more affordable but also packs features such as a sunroof, a premium Bose audio system, ambient lighting and a factory-fitted dashcam.
While the Baleno gets a head-up display, Level 2 ADAS and ventilated seats, these aren’t absolute deal breakers. And even though the top-spec automatic i20 is priced higher than the equivalent Baleno, that premium is fully justified by the more refined CVT gearbox.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
