Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG launched at Rs 8.28 lakh

Maruti Suzuki has launched the CNG-powered Baleno in India with prices starting from Rs 8.28 lakh and going up to Rs 9.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Maruti Baleno is the first premium hatchback in its class to be offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit. Compared to its petrol counterpart, the Baleno CNG commands a premium of Rs 95,000 for each corresponding trim. This as well as the XL6 CNG launched alongside are the first Nexa models to get the CNG treatment.

• Baleno CNG is available in Delta and Zeta trims
• First CNG-powered car from Maruti’s Nexa chain
• Uses the same 1.2-litre engine with a drop in power output

Here's a detailed look at the prices of the Baleno and how it compares with its petrol-powered counterpart. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: engine and fuel efficiency

The Baleno CNG uses the same 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, K12N engine as the standard hatchback, but in CNG-spec, it produces 77.5hp and 98.5Nm as opposed to the 90hp and 113Nm of torque it produces in petrol guise. The Baleno CNG gets a 55-litre CNG tank in the boot, which means boot capacity is also significantly compromised compared to its petrol counterpart.

As is the case with most CNG models, the Baleno CNG is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission, and not the AMT. Maruti claims the Baleno CNG can deliver a fuel economy of 30.61km/kg.

The Baleno CNG will also spawn aToyotaderivative – theGlanzaCNG. The latter, which is expected to be offered in three trims, will its price announcement soon.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: trims and features

Maruti is offering the factory-fitted CNG kit on the Baleno only on the mid-spec Delta and Zeta trims. In contrast, Toyota is expected to offer the Glanza CNG in three trims, including the top-spec V trim. Therefore, a Glanza CNG's top-end will likely be more feature equipped than the Baleno CNG.

Still, the Baleno CNG in its Zeta trim comes fairly well equipped with features like LED projector headlamps, 16-inch alloys, 7.0-inch infotainment system with SmartPlay Pro+ system, voice assistant, connected car tech with OTA updates, start/stop button, six airbags and a rear-view camera.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: rivals

The Baleno CNG will see direct competition from the upcoming Toyota Glanza CNG. The Baleno also competes with the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz, but the latter three aren't offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit.

Also in the pipeline is a CNG version of the Brezza compact SUV, which is also expected to be the first CNG model that will be offered with an automatic gearbox.  

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