Made-in-India Baleno showcased at Geneva

While the Baleno etches a new milestone by kick-starting exports to its parent Suzuki in Japan for the first time from end-January, it also re-opens the European markets for Maruti after a lull of around four years, when the carmaker had discontinued exports of its A-Star hatchback.

 

Maruti Suzuki had then been given the mandate by Suzuki Motor Corporation to export to the non-European markets of Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa from India, while its parent serviced the EU geographies from its manufacturing facility located at Hungary and at Japan. But since the global Baleno mode launched last October in India is being made only locally, a natural corollary would be to export it to Europe from India. Hence, early this month the Baleno was shipped to several EU countries of Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Slovenia and Spain to start with. From these ports, it will be forwarded to different countries in the EU and be stocked at the warehouses ready for the spring launch that normally falls between May to July.

 

Interestingly, the first consignment of the 1,760 right-hand-drive, CVT-equipped, 1,242cc petrol-enginedBalenos has reached Japan on February 15. The Europe-bound left-hand-drive Balenos are powered by the 1,242cc DualJet, dual-injection petrol engine and equipped with both five-speed manual and automatic CVT options. In India, the Baleno is powered by the DDiS 190 diesel engine (1.3L) and the VVT petrol (1.2L).

 

At the Geneva Motor Show, the production version of the made in India Baleno displays the new technologies of Suzuki in the premium hatchback segment including a rigid, lightweight new-generation platform, the 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo Boosterjet engine that was recently exhibited at the Auto Expo 2016. The engine will power the Baleno RS model that will be launched during the festive season in India. The engine will also be the motor of choice for future Baleno consignments that are exported to Europe.

 

In addition, the Baleno for Europe will have the option of the 1.2-litre SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) powertrain, featuring engine assist from an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) connected to a lithium-ion battery. All of these are expected to engage the customer with fuel-efficient driving experience, imparting the Baleno more than just good looks and convenience. The 1.2 Dualjet can be paired with either the same five-speed manual transmission as the 1.0 Boosterjet or with a CVT. The global model’s layout has been optimised and various lightweighting technologies have contributed to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars for Europe. 

 

In line with the European requirements, the Baleno has undergone extensive testing in the EU. Suzuki Motor Corporation’s participation at the Geneva Motor Show this year will enable Maruti Suzuki to win a slew of new export orders for Europe, where it was faced with dwindling sales due to the economic slowdown at last count. With the Baleno, the export market could start looking good once again for India’s largest carmaker.