Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Which variant to buy?

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has undergone a major model update for 2022; it gets modernised styling, new interiors, more features, a new engine and transmission, as well as some structural changes, which not only make it a lot safer, but also a more appealing proposition when viewed in broader light. If you’re in the market for this more polished iteration of the Baleno, we help you identify the value for money variant.

• Six airbags in Zeta and Alpha variant
• Auto variant is Rs 50,000 more than the manual
• Zeta balances premium features and value

Which transmission of the new Baleno to pick?

The Baleno’s engine line-up consists of just one 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine. Buyers with a high monthly usage will miss a diesel engine option (available in the previous model), although the new petrol engine’s claimed fuel efficiency of over 22kpl helps keep a check on running costs to an extent.

In terms of transmission options, there’s a 5-speed manual and a new 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which replaces the outgoing version’s more sophisticated continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the manual is available in four variants – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha, the AMT is available only in the latter three variants at a premium of Rs 50,000 over the manual.

Even though the manual version’s gearshifts are smooth and the clutch operation is effort-free, newbie drivers and users who traverse through dense urban traffic on a daily basis must consider the AMT option, mainly for the sake of convenience.

Which variant of the new Baleno to buy?

The Zeta variant is Rs 1.74 lakh and Rs 90,000 pricier than the base Sigma and mid Delta variants, respectively, but you’ll be happy making the stretch as the Zeta variant brings out the true character of this premium hatchback – in terms of comfort and convenience features as well as safety. In addition to features like auto climate control, power folding mirrors, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and steering-mounted control from the lower variants, Zeta also gets upmarket kit like auto LED headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear wiper/washer, tilt-telescopic steering adjustment, 7-inch touchscreen with an upgraded SmartPlay Pro software, connectivity tech, engine start-stop button, as well as safety kit like a reversing camera, and side and curtain airbags. The AMT version also gets ESP with hill-hold.

For Rs 90,000 over the Zeta is the Alpha variant, which gets segment-first additional kit like a 360-degree camera and heads-up display, along with an auto-dimming inside mirror, cruise control, tinted windows, alloys finished in dual-tone and a 9-inch touchscreen, being the prominent ones. These additional features will make the ownership experience a bit more special, however, none of these are convincing enough to compel fence-sitters to spend more over the Zeta for the top-spec.

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