Maruti Baleno vs Honda Jazz vs Hyundai i20 comparison

We often get asked why, in our comparison tests, the newest car is often the winner. We even get accused of favouritism sometimes, or suggestions that we pick our winners based on the hottest new trend. That couldn’t be further from the truth, of course, because as you know, all our tests are based on facts, figures and rigorous testing. So, why does the newest car sometimes come out on top? Well, it’s logical, really – a carmaker about to launch a new product has learnt from the failings (or successes) of its competition that’s already in the market, and customer feedback from rival cars always determines what goes into a new car. Besides, every new car at the start of a fresh lifecycle comes with the latest tech and design trends. So, of course, the newer the car, the more likely it is that it will have an edge over the rest. But then, if you read our comparison test last month, you’ll have seen that the newest premium hatchback – Maruti’s Baleno – lost to our old favourite, the Hyundai i20. Today, however, a few things are different, chief of which is the motor under the hood – it’s the petrol versions this time. The i20’s strong diesel engine gave it a big advantage the last time around, but when it comes to petrol motors, we think they’ll be much closer matched. And, of course, we’ve brought in a third – the Honda Jazz – which also has a strong petrol engine, as well as loads of space and practicality to boot. Game on, then.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS

The Baleno is the best looking Maruti hatchback in a long time and that’s a refreshing change from a company whose designs have erred on the side of safe and conservative. Interestingly, it’s not a striking shape that makes this car look good, but rather subtle details, like its rising shoulder line, rear quarter glass and a stance that makes it look very planted. You’ll also like the face, with its V-shaped grille, slim headlamps and especially the projector elements and LED running lights on this top-spec car. The design of the 16-inch alloys is a bit conservative, but the wheels fill up the bulging arches nicely and give the Baleno that great stance.

Now it might be one of the best looking Marutis around, but you have to admit, the other two cars here are better at grabbing your attention. Take the Honda Jazz. It still uses an almost-one-box shape for maximum interior room like its predecessor, but Honda’s fine-tuned it for less of a van-like appearance this time around. This, in part, is due to the loads of detailing – some might say too much – in the bodywork. Creases on the sides, a big air dam and fog-lamp housings in the front bumper, faux ‘vents’ in the rear bumper, a huge chrome bar on the tailgate and tail-lamps that extend onto the boot; it’s a little bit fussy. Still, you can’t argue that it looks striking, and is only let down by the small-looking 15-inch wheels and weedy 175/65 R15 tyres.

The i20’s design is maturing well even though it’s an all-too-familiar sight on our roads, and its classic two-box proportions do look the neatest. Again, there might be some details not to everyone’s tastes, like the gaping grille, but the clean lines, blacked out C-pillar, and smart, chromed 16-inch wheels come together cohesively. It does look a little ‘jacked up’ on its tall springs, compared to the others though. The i20 does without the garish rear chrome bar that the others have, but you will still like the details – especially the intricate tail-lamps and wide, angular headlamps.