Maruti has showcased the all-new Baleno premium hatchback at the Autocar Performance Show 2015. The Maruti Baleno made its international debut at the Frankfurt motor show before being launched in the Indian market a few days ago.
The new premium hatchback is a size up from the Swift and is also lighter. In terms of styling, the car gets a new V-shaped grille, compact headlamps similar to the Swift, 15 or 16-inch alloy wheels and a flowing design with its sloping roofline.
Inside, the car is spacious and offers a long list of equipment. The top-spec model comes equipped with Maruti’s SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and climate control, while ABS and airbags are standard across all variants.
Under the bonnet sits either a 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine or a 1.3-litre DDiS180 diesel motor (the same units as on the Swift) mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. The option of a CVT unit is available on the petrol. Internationally, there is also a 110bhp 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol to be offered though its arrival to our shores is still a while away.
India is the first market to see the launch of the premium hatchback and is set to become the global manufacturing hub for the car.
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