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Last Updated on: 08 Feb 2026

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Autocar score
8
โ‚น6.65 - โ‚น10.30 Lakh
On road price, Delhi
Delhi
Startingโ‚น9,653 /month
EMI calculator

The Maruti Baleno price in India starts at Rs 5.99 lakh and rises to Rs 9.10 lakh (ex-showroom), with 9 variants on offer. The current-generation Maruti Baleno was launched in February 2022, and is sold via the carmakerโ€™s premium Nexa showrooms. The Toyota Glanza is the badge-engineered sibling of the Maruti hatchback. 

 

Petrol Maruti Baleno models have a mileage of 22.35kpl (manual) and 22.94kpl (AMT), while the CNG version returns 30.61km/kg. The premium Maruti car is powered by a 90hp, 113Nm 1.2-litre, four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox. The Maruti Baleno can be optioned with a factory-fitted CNG kit as well.

 

Variant-wise Maruti Baleno features differ. The Baleno top model comes with goodies like a head-up display (HUD), a 360-degree camera, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, automatic climate control and 6 airbags.

 

Maruti Baleno Highlights

  • Maruti sells the Baleno through its premium Nexa chain of showrooms

  • Baleno comes with a 90hp, 1.2-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol engine with MT, AMT options

  • Factory-fitted CNG kit option with MT is also available

  • A diesel powertrain is not on offer with the Baleno

  • Baleno petrol mileage goes up to 22.94kpl; CNG version returns 30.61km/kg

  • Baleno features include 16-inch alloy wheels, projector headlights, 9.0-inch touchscreen and more

  • Toyota Glanza is the badge-engineered sibling of the Maruti Baleno

 

Maruti Baleno Rivals

The Baleno premium hatchback goes against the likes of the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20 and the Toyota Glanza. Notably, the Tata Altroz stands out as the only hatchback in this set to offer a diesel powertrain.

 

Maruti Baleno Safety Rating

The Maruti Baleno crash safety rating was announced in June 2025. At the Bharat NCAP crash safety tests, the Baleno scored 4 stars out of 5. The Baleno is the first hatchback to be tested by Bharat NCAP.

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno Latest Updates

  • Feb 2026: Maruti Baleno available with offers of up to Rs 45,000

  • Jul 2025: Maruti Baleno updated with 6 airbags as standard

  • Jun 2025: Maruti Baleno scores 4 stars in Bharat NCAP crash test

  • Oct 2024: Maruti Baleno Regal Edition launched

  • Jun 2024: Maruti Baleno, Fronx, Grand Vitara help Nexa sales cross 25 lakh mark

  • Feb 2022: New Maruti Suzuki Baleno launched at Rs 6.35 lakh

  • Jan 2022: New Maruti Baleno production begins ahead of February launch

  • Apr 2021: Maruti Suzuki Baleno crosses 9 lakh unit sales milestone

  • Jun 2018: Maruti Suzuki Baleno sales cross 4 lakh milestone

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno Features and specifications

Our Rating
8
Mileage
22.35 kmpl - 30.61 km/kg
Engine
1197 cc
Fuel Type
CNG, Petrol
Transmission
Manual, AMT Auto
Seats
5
Body Style
Hatchback
Doors
5
Max Power
90hp at 6000rpm
Max Torque
113Nm at 4400rpm
Warranty Distance
100000 km
Warranty Duration
3 Years
View all specifications

Maruti Suzuki Baleno price & variants

The Maruti Baleno price starts at Rs 5.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.10 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Maruti Baleno is offered in 9 variants, including 1.2 Petrol Sigma MT, 1.2 Petrol Delta MT, 1.2 Petrol Delta AMT, 1.2 Petrol Zeta MT, 1.2 CNG Delta, 1.2 Petrol Zeta AMT, 1.2 Petrol Alpha MT, 1.2 CNG Zeta, 1.2 Petrol Alpha AMT.

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VariantsOn road price
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 Petrol Sigma MT
1197 cc | Petrol | Manual
โ‚น6.65 Lakh
Airbags
Rear defogger
Parking sensors
Power boot
Automatic climate control
Autocar's pick
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 Petrol Delta MT
1197 cc | Petrol | Manual
โ‚น7.74 Lakh
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
GPS navigation system
Rear defogger
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 Petrol Delta AMT
1197 cc | Petrol | AMT Auto
โ‚น8.29 Lakh
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
GPS navigation system
Rear defogger
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 Petrol Zeta MT
1197 cc | Petrol | Manual
โ‚น8.74 Lakh
Keyless start
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Rear camera
Easy on the pocket
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 CNG Delta
1197 cc | CNG | Manual
โ‚น8.99 Lakh
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
GPS navigation system
Rear defogger
Best for the city
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 Petrol Zeta AMT
1197 cc | Petrol | AMT Auto
โ‚น9.30 Lakh
Keyless start
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Rear camera
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 Petrol Alpha MT
1197 cc | Petrol | Manual
โ‚น9.74 Lakh
360 view camera
Cruise control
Heads up display (HUD)
Keyless start
Airbags
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 CNG Zeta
1197 cc | CNG | Manual
โ‚น10.02 Lakh
Keyless start
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Rear camera
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 Petrol Alpha AMT
1197 cc | Petrol | AMT Auto
โ‚น10.30 Lakh
360 view camera
Cruise control
Heads up display (HUD)
Keyless start
Airbags

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Official Brochure

Download the complete brochure with specs, features, and variants.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno expert review

Autocar score
8

We like

  • Ride quality

  • Spacious cabin

We don't like

  • Only one engine option

  • AMT not as smooth as CVT

The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno looks familiar at first glance, but it is an all-new generation car rather than a simple facelift. Every exterior panel is new, even though the overall silhouette remains recognisably Baleno. The approach is evolutionary rather than dramatic, aimed at retaining mass appeal.

The front gets a flatter bonnet, a wider grille with chrome accents and slimmer LED headlamps featuring a three-block DRL signature. At the rear, redesigned LED tail lamps extend into the tailgate and give the car a wider stance. Dual-tone 16-inch alloys and subtle chrome highlights add polish without excess.

Underneath, Maruti has used a higher proportion of high-strength steel, resulting in better rigidity and a noticeably more solid feel, especially in door shut and overall build impression.

The cabin is where the biggest improvement lies. The dashboard is completely redesigned and feels far more premium, with dual-tone materials and improved fit and finish. The flat-bottom-style steering wheel borrowed from the Swift suits the sporty cabin well.

A new 9-inch touchscreen dominates the centre and runs the SmartPlay Pro+ system. It is sharp, responsive and easy to use. The analogue dials are clear and legible, and overall ergonomics are well thought out.

Seat cushioning and contouring have improved, offering better support on longer drives. Rear seat space remains generous, comfortably accommodating taller passengers. The boot measures 318 litres, slightly smaller than before but still competitive for the segment.

Power comes from the 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine producing around 90hp and 113Nm. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The previous CVT has been dropped in favour of better efficiency and lower emissions.

The engine is smooth and predictable, with adequate performance for everyday driving. It feels best when revved, as the mid-range is not especially strong. Refinement levels are good, with engine noise well contained at cruising speeds.

The AMT is one of the better calibrated units of its type, though it still shows hesitation during quick acceleration and between lower gears.

Fuel efficiency remains a strong Baleno trait. Official figures stand at around 22.35kmpl for the manual and 22.94kmpl for the AMT. These numbers represent an improvement over the outgoing model and should translate into strong real-world economy.

Ride quality has seen a noticeable improvement. Revised suspension tuning helps the Baleno deal with broken roads more confidently, while low-speed comfort has improved significantly. The car feels more planted and composed than before.

Steering is light in the city and stable on the highway. While there is some looseness around the straight-ahead position, overall handling is predictable and secure rather than sporty.

The Baleno is now one of the most feature-rich cars in its segment. Highlights include a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, connected car tech and a high-quality infotainment system.

Safety has also improved, with six airbags on higher variants, ABS with EBD, stability control on AMT trims and ISOFIX mounts across the range.

With its improved interior quality, better ride comfort, strong efficiency and long feature list, the new Baleno continues to be a compelling premium hatchback. It may not be the most exciting to drive, but as a comfortable, efficient and well-equipped family car, it remains one of the strongest all-rounders in its class.

Reviewed by: Gavin D'Souza

Maruti Suzuki Baleno reviews

Maruti Suzuki Baleno comparison

Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
โ‚น5.99 - โ‚น9.10 Lakhs
8
Transmission
Manual, AMT Auto
Engine
1197 cc
Fuel type
CNG, Petrol
Mileage
22.35 kmpl - 30.61 km/kg
Hyundai i20
Hyundai i20
โ‚น5.99 - โ‚น11.53 Lakhs
8
Transmission
Dual-Clutch Auto, Manual, CVT Auto
Engine
998 cc - 1197 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Mileage
16 kmpl - 20 kmpl
Tata Altroz
Tata Altroz
โ‚น6.30 - โ‚น10.51 Lakhs
7
Transmission
Dual-Clutch Auto, Manual, AMT Auto
Engine
1199 cc - 1497 cc
Fuel type
Petrol, CNG, Diesel
Mileage
27.8 km/kg
Toyota Glanza
Toyota Glanza
โ‚น6.46 - โ‚น9.44 Lakhs
8
Transmission
Manual, AMT Auto
Engine
1197 cc
Fuel type
CNG, Petrol
Mileage
22.35 kmpl - 30.61 km/kg

Maruti Suzuki Baleno mileage

The Maruti Baleno mileage is 22.35 kmpl - 30.61 km/kg. Real-world range may vary depending on driving style and other factors.

Fuel typeDisplacementTransmissionMileage
CNG1197 ccManual30.61 km/kg
Petrol1197 ccAMT Auto22.94 kmpl
Petrol1197 ccManual22.35 kmpl

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Images

Explore all angles of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno with detailed images of its exterior, interior, and features.

Front View Image - 15216
Front Left Three Quarter Image - 15164
Front Left Three Quarter Image - 15169
Front Right Three Quarter Image - 15133
Front Right Three Quarter Image - 15056
Front Left Three Quarter Image - 15058
Color Blue Image - 15108
Front Row Seats Image - 15113
Front View Image - 15115
Front Right Three Quarter Image - 15117
Rear View Image - 15119
Front Right Three Quarter Image - 15121
Alloy Wheels Image - 15123
Front Right Three Quarter Image - 15125
Rear View Image - 15127
Rear View Image - 15129
Alloy Wheels Image - 15131
Front View Image - 15135
Alloy Wheels True Image - 15137
Body Colored Bumpers Image - 15140
Front View Image - 15142
Front View Image - 15144
Color Blue Image - 15146
Body Colored Bumpers Image - 15148
Alloy Wheels True Image - 15152
Front Right Three Quarter Image - 15157
Rear View Image - 15154
Front View Image - 15159
Front Right Three Quarter Image - 15162
Dashboard Image - 15060
Dashboard Image - 15062
Dashboard Image - 15064
Dashboard Image - 15066
Dashboard Image - 15068
Dashboard Image - 15071
Dashboard Image - 15104
Dashboard Image - 15102
Dashboard Image - 15228
Front Row Seats Image - 15087
Infotainment System Image - 15227
Rear View Image - 15110
Rear View Image - 15150
Instrument Cluster Image - 15168
Steering Wheel Image - 15073
Steering Wheel Image - 15075
Steering Wheel Image - 15077
Airbags Image - 15167
Second Row Seats Image - 15089
Ac Vents Front Image - 15085
Ac Vents Front Image - 15091
Ac Vents Front Image - 15166
Ac Vents Rear Image - 15098
Charging Ports Image - 15083
Charging Ports Image - 15094
Door Controls Image - 15079
Door Controls Image - 15096
Door Controls Image - 15100
Elevating Gear Knob Image - 15165
Gear Box Image - 15081
Open Bonnet Engine Shot Image - 15106
Color Splendid Silver Image - 17462
Color Luxe Beige Image - 17465
Color Opulent Red Image - 17468
Color Arctic White Image - 17470
Color Grandeur Grey Image - 17474
Color Nexa Blue Image - 17477
Color Bluish Black Image - 17483

Maruti Suzuki Baleno videos

Watch expert video reviews, drive tests, and tech deep-dives on the Maruti Baleno to make an informed choice.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Colours

The Maruti Baleno is offered in 7 colour options. Have a look at the premium Maruti hatchback in different exterior shades in our Baleno colours gallery below.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno FAQs

No, Maruti Suzuki Baleno does not have a sunroof.

Yes, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is available in CNG.

The Maruti Baleno price in India starts from Rs 5.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Baleno premium hatchback goes against the likes of the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20 and the Toyota Glanza.

Maruti exclusively sells the Baleno via its premium Nexa showrooms.

Variant-wise Maruti Baleno features differ. The Baleno top model comes with goodies like a head-up display (HUD), a 360-degree camera, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, automatic climate control and 6 airbags.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG claimed fuel efficiency is 30.61 km/kg.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is available with a 1197cc, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that is available with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). 

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with 6 airbags from its base-spec 1.2 Petrol Sigma MT variant. 

The Maruti Baleno has received a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating.

Need an expert opinion on your car related queries?

Trending Questions on Maruti Suzuki Baleno - Answered by Autocar Experts

U
Asked by: Uday Zinzuvadiaon Feb 24, 2026

Iโ€™m planning to buy the Hyundai i20 N Line N8 Manual. My monthly travel will be under 500 km. Will this car be economical in terms of maintenance costs and mileage? Also, should I wait for the upcoming i20 facelift or go ahead with the current model? Finally, should I choose the i20 N Line, or are there better alternatives I should consider? Please suggest.

The Hyundai i20 N Line is the sportiest hatchback for the money. It is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that's zippy, and its 6-speed manual transmission is slick in operation. Moreover, the N Line drives well and certainly feels more special than anything else in the market.
As far as maintenance costs go, the i20 N Line is likely to be slightly more expensive than the standard i20 petrol, but the difference should not be significant. In terms of fuel efficiency, the i20 N Line is likely to return around 10-12 kpl in the city and 15-17 kpl on the highway.
Sure, the N Line is a bit pricey, but it is more of an emotional buy. If you love to drive, go for it. However, if you are trying to rationalise this purchase, there are more affordable and more fuel-efficient, equally (if not more) practical hatchbacks that are cheaper to maintain, such as the Maruti Baleno/Toyota Glanza, Tata Altroz, or even the standard i20 petrol.
P
Asked by: prudhvi chilukurion Feb 23, 2026

Hi Autocar team! My driving is almost 80% in the city (about 30-40 km/day) with a 1,000 km highway run once every 3 months. Iโ€™m confused between the Maruti Baleno AMT and the Tata Punch EV. Please suggest which one I should pick between these two.

If you have the option to install an EV charger at your home or office or have easy access to EV charging, we'd suggest you go for the Tata Punch EV. It makes for a very good city car, with highlights being smoothness and refinement made possible by the EV powertrain. 

The Punch's relatively small size also makes it easier to drive and park, in case that's a consideration. The Punch EV 40kWh also has the power for your highway journeys. Also, you would need to work your route around the availability of chargers. 

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a larger car and makes more sense if rear seat space is a priority. It's a good city car with impressive ride comfort. However, the AMT gearbox will not deliver Punch EV-rivalling smoothness.  

S
Asked by: Satish Von Feb 22, 2026

Hi Sir, I need car advice for a family of 4-5 members. I want an AMT/AGS car costing less than โ‚น10 lakh, with about 80% city usage. Most importantly, our family members are stout, so I need a car that comfortably accommodates them. Thank you.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno would suit you. The car is among the more spacious in its class, and the automatic version would fit within your budget. However, we would definitely recommend you take your family down to the showroom and make sure you are all reasonably comfortable inside. You could also consider the Nissan Gravite or its sister car, the Renault Triber.

The automatics would also fit your budget. But most importantly, with three rows of seating, you could better spread out your family of 5 so each has sufficient shoulder room.      

S
Asked by: Sushmaon Feb 19, 2026

I am in Bangalore and planning to buy my first automatic car as a new driver, with a budget of โ‚น10-12 lakh. I am confused between the Baleno AMT, i20 iVT and Sonet. Earlier, I was thinking of buying the Punch, but due to service issues, I am not considering it. The Exter AMT also seems like a good option.

Given your requirements, you should consider the Hyundai i20 IVT. Unlike the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai Exter which get AMTs, the i20 offers a more seamless drive experience thanks to the CVT automatic, which is smooth and user-friendly. The Sonet, meanwhile, comes with a DCT automatic, which is more jerky in stop-and-go traffic than the CVT.
The Hyundai i20 IVT is powered by a refined 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine that has a claimed efficiency of 20kpl. This hatchback offers a spacious and comfortable cabin and comes with all the features expected in this class. Being a Hyundai car, the i20 will also be reliable and easy to maintain. Hyundai i20 IVT prices range from Rs 8.13 lakh to Rs 10.34 lakh (ex-showroom).
T
Asked by: Tanmayon Feb 17, 2026

I have a Kwid and want to upgrade to a premium hatchback. My budget is โ‚น10 lakh. I want a safe, feature-rich car - Iโ€™m not worried much about mileage or performance, but I want comfort and standard safety features. Please suggest the best option.

Since safety is a high priority for you, check out the Tata Altroz, which has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating. It's just as well that mileage and performance aren't high priorities for you, as neither are strong points for the Altroz. 

Both these improve considerably if you choose the 1.5-litre diesel variant - but then there's a big price jump for this as well. However, even if you choose the petrol, for your budget of Rs 10 lakh, you will get a mid-spec variant of the Altroz only. 

If you want a bit more bang for your buck, consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, which has scored a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating, but still gets all the expected safety features. In your budget, you can get a fully-loaded petrol model, and overall, the Baleno scores higher than the Altroz on space, comfort, mileage, performance and maintenance.

S
Asked by: Sasikumaron Feb 15, 2026

Hi, I already own a Honda City and I am planning to buy another new hatchback for my wife that will be chauffeur-driven. Our usage will be mostly in the city and occasionally on the highway. I am looking for an automatic car with good rear seat comfort and legroom, strong safety, and good drivability as I will also use the car on weekends. My budget is โ‚น10 L.

Since your buying decision hinges on the rear seat, we will eliminate options that miss out on adjustable rear seat headrests, which are critical for safety. Sadly, versions of the otherwise likeable Hyundai i20 IVT and Tata Altroz AMT within your budget make do with fixed headrests only, and hence have not been considered. 

Your best options among hatchbacks include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AGS Alpha and the slightly pricier Toyota Glanza AGS V. The sister models (both are made by Maruti) score well for seat comfort, ride comfort and rear legroom. 

Rear headroom, though, could be an issue for taller occupants. Performance in town is pleasant and decent enough for highway use, so long as you adopt an easygoing driving style. The AGS (AMT gearbox) isn't suited to sporty driving, just in case that's important to you. 

Between the two, the differences inside are down to the Glanza's use of lighter colours that help make the cabin seem airier. 
  

K
Asked by: Kannan Son Feb 12, 2026

Hi team, I am a first-time car buyer, and this will be the first car in my family. I am planning to buy a budget car under โ‚น6.50 lakhs. I am currently looking at base models such as Punch, Kiger, Magnite, Swift, Tiago, Exter and i10. I want a practical car for my family with low maintenance, and that is driver-friendly. Please suggest which car I should go for. Thanks.

The Tata Punch is a good option to consider. It is easy to drive thanks to its compact dimensions and the elevated driving position. It also has a good ride quality, and while the 1.2-litre petrol engine isn't a strong performer, it does just fine for everyday motoring. The Punch also has a good safety rating.
Since you say you are looking at base models, we assume features like touchscreen music systems and sunroof aren't high on your priority. In that case, you can also consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It sits lower than the Punch, but is a driver-friendly car. Plus, being a Maruti car, it will be easy on maintenance.
P
Asked by: Piyush Goranion Feb 9, 2026

I own two cars: a Brezza petrol TC and a Baleno Zeta CNG. My daily run is 60-70 km in the city, mostly on good roads. I am thinking of replacing the Baleno with another CNG car that has a better driving stance and higher ground clearance, as I sometimes get tired driving the Baleno for long hours. The Brezza is mostly used for outstation family vacations. Please recommend a good CNG car under โ‚น13 lakhs that is feature-rich and reliable. Some must-have features for me are white LED projector headlamps, alloy wheels, and a good stock speaker system.

Given your requirements, you should consider the Tata Punch CNG AMT. The Punch offers a ground clearance of 193mm, LED headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and an excellent 8-speaker audio system. Other notable features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, 6 airbags and a 360-degree camera.
The Punch CNG AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre engine paired with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox. Being a CNG, you'll still benefit from the lower running costs, but unlike your Maruti Baleno CNG, this is an automatic, so it will be more convenient and comfortable for you to drive for long durations. Tata Punch CNG AMT prices range from Rs 9.95 lakh to Rs 12.30 lakh (on-road, Delhi).  
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Asked by: Vineel Deshpandeon Feb 9, 2026

I am planning to buy a new car, replacing my Nano, and have shortlisted the Baleno, i20, Altroz, and Punch. The Punch and Altroz facelifts have already been launched, and I have taken test drives of both. I am more inclined towards the Baleno after the test drive, but I want to know when its facelift is expected in 2026.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is due for a facelift, given that the current model has been on sale since 2022. However, it is not expected to arrive anytime soon. So if you like the Baleno, go for it.
The Baleno is spacious, comfortable and being a Maruti car, it will be reliable and stress-free to maintain. This hatchback is powered by a 90hp, 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine that can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic.
The Baleno is fuel-efficient too, with the petrol MT claimed to deliver 22.35 kpl and the petrol AMT claimed to deliver 22.94 kpl. It's even available with a CNG option that has a claimed mileage of 30.61km/kg. Maruti Baleno prices range from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 9.10 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
D
Asked by: Dhaval Kotharion Feb 8, 2026

I want to buy my first car with a budget of up to โ‚น10 lakh for a family of four. My daily commute is around 70 km, and the car will be driven by both me and my wife. Which would be the best option considering fuel costs, comfort, low maintenance cost, and long-term reliability?

Buying your first car is always an important decision, and it pays to err on the side of practicality, ease of driving and a brand with a strong reputation for reliability and after-sales support.

For a small family, the Honda Amaze CVT is a very solid option. Its 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is efficient. The CVT automatic is seamless and relaxed to use in traffic, and Hondas are known for their dependability. For a long daily commute like yours, that smoothness really helps reduce fatigue. The Amaze VX CVT, priced at just under Rs 11 lakh on-road, is worth stretching to if you can.

If going beyond Rs 10 lakh isnโ€™t possible, you could consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It, too, is reliable, inexpensive to maintain, and well-suited to family use. However, it comes with an AMT (AGS) rather than a CVT. An AMT is convenient, but it isnโ€™t as smooth or as intuitive as a CVT, and in heavy traffic, you will notice the gearshifts more. Over a 70km commute, it may require a bit more attention from the driver.

The Baleno Zeta AGS, at around Rs 9.6 lakh on-road, fits neatly within your budget while still delivering the low running costs Maruti is known for.

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