Maruti Suzuki Baleno

In brief, the Baleno is Maruti Suzuki’s largest hatchback. The model retails from Maruti’s premium Nexa outlets and is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Maruti has also added a petrol-electric mild hybrid to the Baleno line-up. Manual gearboxes are standard fitment, though a petrol-CVT automatic gearbox combo is an option too. In addition to an exterior and equipment upgrade earlier in 2019, the Maruti Baleno petrol engines have also been upgraded to BS-VI-spec.

In brief, the Baleno is Maruti Suzuki’s largest hatchback. The model retails from Maruti’s premium Nexa outlets and i...

In brief, the Baleno is Maruti Suzuki’s largest hatchback. The model retails from Maruti’s premium Nexa outlets and is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Maruti has also added a petrol-electric mild hybrid to the Baleno line-up. Manual gearboxes are standard fitment, though a petrol-CVT automatic gearbox combo is an option too. In addition to an exterior and equipment upgrade earlier in 2019, the Maruti Baleno petrol engines have also been upgraded to BS-VI-spec.

The smartly turned-out Baleno scores well for practicality with its cabin, which offers more space than many pricier sedans. The boot is generously-sized, too. 2019's update has added colour to the cabin but material quality is mediocre by class standards.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s standard 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine is peppy, refined and efficient; and the five-speed manual gearbox is also nice to use. City dwellers will find a good combination of efficiency and convenience in the CVT auto variant. The 90hp Baleno Smart Hybrid is significantly pricier than the standard petrol version but promises enhanced performance and economy. As for the Baleno diesel, its 75hp, 1.3-litre diesel engine is superb on fuel economy but is also loud and simply feels outdated.
The Baleno’s ride and handling are fine and the controls are light but the steering’s lack of adequate self-centring takes getting used to.

The smartly turned-out Baleno scores well for practicality with its cabin, which offers more space than many pricier ...

The smartly turned-out Baleno scores well for practicality with its cabin, which offers more space than many pricier sedans. The boot is generously-sized, too. 2019's update has added colour to the cabin but material quality is mediocre by class standards.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s standard 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine is peppy, refined and efficient; and the five-speed manual gearbox is also nice to use. City dwellers will find a good combination of efficiency and convenience in the CVT auto variant. The 90hp Baleno Smart Hybrid is significantly pricier than the standard petrol version but promises enhanced performance and economy. As for the Baleno diesel, its 75hp, 1.3-litre diesel engine is superb on fuel economy but is also loud and simply feels outdated.
The Baleno’s ride and handling are fine and the controls are light but the steering’s lack of adequate self-centring takes getting used to.

We are yet to try the Baleno Smart Hybrid and will reserve judgment on it for the time being. Of the other versions, we’d pass on the diesels that are noisy and crude. The Baleno 1.2 K12 petrol is a good buy and feels its best when allied with the smooth CVT automatic gearbox. All said, it’s the fully-loaded Alpha AT that is our pick of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno range. It is expensive, as far as Maruti hatchbacks go, but comes across as good value when judged against the competition.

We are yet to try the Baleno Smart Hybrid and will reserve judgment on it for the time being. Of the other versions, ...

We are yet to try the Baleno Smart Hybrid and will reserve judgment on it for the time being. Of the other versions, we’d pass on the diesels that are noisy and crude. The Baleno 1.2 K12 petrol is a good buy and feels its best when allied with the smooth CVT automatic gearbox. All said, it’s the fully-loaded Alpha AT that is our pick of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno range. It is expensive, as far as Maruti hatchbacks go, but comes across as good value when judged against the competition.