Tata Motors launched its highly anticipated subcompact SUV, Nexon in India at a killer pricing of Rs 5.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The prices are introductory and will be revised later. Interestingly, the official price list not only undercuts rivals by a massive margin but also brings it on par with other premium hatchbacks and subcompact sedans that carry similar pricing (almost). In this spec-based comparison, we pit it against the top-selling B segment hatchback, Maruti Baleno and try to find out which car makes more sense at this price point based on mileage, specifications, features and comfort. Check out Tata Nexon Vs Maruti Baleno price, specs, features and other details – Also See – Tata Nexon Vs Rivals
Tata Nexon VS Maruti Baleno Price
| Name of the Car | Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Tata Nexon | Rs 5.85 lakh to Rs 9.44 lakh |
| Maruti Baleno | Rs 5.26 lakh to Rs 8.42 lakh |
Tata Nexon
-The petrol manual variants in the carline are priced between Rs 5.85 lakh to Rs 8.59 lakh.
-Diesel variants in the line-up start from Rs 6.85 and go up to Rs 9.44 lakh.
-Currently available only in manual variant, Tata Motors will introduce an AMT unit on the Nexon line-up at a later stage, probably by early next year.
Maruti Baleno
-The premium hatchback comes in petrol and diesel variants in manual and automatic options.
-The petrol manual variants are priced from Rs 5.26 lakh to Rs 7.28 lakh opposed to the automatic versions that fall between Rs 7.02 lakh to Rs 8.34 lakh.
-Diesel-powered Baleno on the other hand is available from Rs 6.43 lakh to Rs 8.42 lakh. (all prices mentioned, ex-showroom, Delhi)
Tata Nexon VS Maruti Baleno Specifications
| Specifications | Tata Nexon | Maruti Baleno |
| Petrol Engines | 1.2-litre turbo | 1.2-litre K-Series |
| Power (Bhp) | 108bhp | 83.1 |
| Torque (Nm) | 170Nm | 115 |
| Diesel | 1.5-litre Diesel | 1.3-litre MJD |
| Power (Bhp) | 108bhp | 74 |
| Torque (Nm) | 260Nm | 190 |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 5-speed MT & CVT |
Tata Nexon
-Nexon is available with two choices of engines including the 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre oil burner with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
-Tata Motors will reportedly add an AMT unit to the carline early next year.
-With 108bhp of top power, Nexon is the most powerful model in the segment.
-It additionally features the first-in-segment multi-drive-modes with Eco, City and Sport options.
Maruti Baleno
Baleno carline is offered with Maruti’s tried and tested 1.2-litre K-Series petrol and Fiat sourced 1.3-litre oil burner.
-Transmission options on the line-up comprise a 5-speed manual unit and a CVT.
-In terms of power, both petrol and diesel engines produce substantially less power compared to Nexon’s Revotron and Revotorq units. You May Also Like – Tata Nexon Vs Maruti Vitara Brezza | Tata Nexon Vs Honda WRV | Tata Nexon Vs Ford EcoSport
Tata Nexon VS Maruti Baleno Mileage
| Model Name | Petrol Mileage (Km/l) | Diesel Mileage (km/l) |
| Tata Nexon | 18 | 23 |
| Maruti Baleno | 21.4 | 27.3 |
Tata Nexon
The petrol version of Nexon returns around 18km/l whereas the diesel Nexon is slightly more frugal around 23km/l. (Please note these are not the ARAI rated figures)
Maruti Baleno
The premium hatchback is more frugal with around 3-4 km/l additional mileage in both the versions.
Tata Nexon VS Maruti Baleno Dimensions
| Dimensions | Tata Nexon | Maruti Baleno |
| Length (mm) | 3,994 | 3,995 |
| Breadth (mm) | 1,811 | 1,745 |
| Height (mm) | 1,607 | 1,510 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,498 | 2,520 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space (Litres) | 350 & expandable to 690L | 339 |
-Proportionally, both have almost similar length, while Nexon is wider and taller.
-On the other hand, Baleno has 22mm longer wheelbase.
-In terms of luggage storing capacity, Nexon is more spacious with 11L additional space over Baleno.
Tata Nexon VS Maruti Baleno Features
| Key Features | Tata Nexon | Maruti Baleno |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen Infotainment system | Yes | Yes |
| Height adj. driver seat | Yes | Yes |
| Power-operated ORVMs | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Steering mounted audio & calling controls | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Yes | Apple CarPlay |
| Navigation system | Yes | Yes |
| Rear wiper & washer | Yes | Yes |
| Push start/stop | Yes | Yes |
Tata Nexon
–Tata Nexon features first-in-segment floating 6.5-inch HD quality touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, rear air-con vents and voice command.
-It comes with a drive mode controller, a segment first feature that allows choosing between three driving modes-Eco, City and Sport.
-The base XE trim misses out on all infotainment features, though it gets manual conditioner with heater, front power windows, electric power steering with tilt function, driver footrest and adjustable from head rests.
-Features available exclusively on the top-spec XZ+ variant include smart key with push-button start, driver side height adjuster, height adjustable front seatbelts and adjustable rear head rests.
-Similarly, most of the prominent infotainment features such as the ConnectNext 6.5-inch floating dash-top touchscreen system, Android Auto, voice commands for climate control and voice command recognition-phone, media & navigation etc are restricted to the top-spec XZ+ trim.
Maruti Baleno
-The base trim misses out on all the infotainment features whereas, the Delta variant packs in features like FM/MP3/CD, Bluetooth, Aux & USB and steering mounted audio control.
–Features such as central locking, front power windows, tilt steering, adjustable front headrest, front & rear accessory socket are standard across Baleno line-up.
– While prominent bits such as telescopic steering, follow me home/lead to vehicle headlamps, front centre armrest with storage, height adjustable driver’s seat and push start/stop with smart key are reserved for the top-spec Alpha and Zeta variants.
– The Alpha grade additionally gets Maruti’s SmartPlay infotainment system, navigation system, voice command, Apple CarPlay and remote control through Smartphone App.
Tata Nexon VS Maruti Baleno Safety Features
| Key Features | Tata Nexon | Maruti Baleno |
| Dual front airbags | Yes | Yes |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Defogger | Yes | Yes |
| Speed sensing auto door lock | Yes | No |
| ISOFIX | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse parking sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Day/Night IRVM | Yes | Yes |
| All Disc brakes | No | No |
| NCAP Rating | NA | 4 Star Euro NCAP (2016) |
Tata Nexon-
-Safety tech like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, immobilizer and seat belt pretensioners & load limiters are standard on the entire range.
-The base XE trim misses out on a lot of features including the rear parking sensors.
-Prominent tech available on the thickly packed XZ+ trim includes park assist with camera, front fog lamps with cornering assistance, rear fog lamps, rear wiper & wash, rear defogger and day & night IRVM.
Maruti Baleno
-Standard safety tech on Baleno carline comprises dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters, ISOFIX anchorages and pedestrian protection.
-The Zeta & Alpha variants also feature front fog lamps, auto headlamps and auto dimming IRVM.
-Reverse parking camera is restricted to the range-topping Alpha variant.
Verdict-
With most of the right boxes ticked, Tata Nexon is a great option for SUV enthusiasts with sharp looks, upmarket & spacious cabin, powerful engines and plethora of features. However, the entry level XE variant priced at Rs 5.85 lakh lacks prominent bits that are available on the higher variants. Additionally, the centre armrest at the back makes rear good for two adults and a kid. On the other hand, if you are looking for slightly more space at a relatively lesser price and additional mileage Baleno is a better option.
