Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback is now available with the 3-point seatbelt for the rear centre passenger and an adjustable headrest. With this safety upgrade, it becomes the first vehicle in its segment to offer aforementioned fitments. Just so you know, the Union Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highway made its mandatory for carmakers to install seat belts for driver and co-passengers after car accident of Cyrus Mistry – former Chairman of Tata Sons, last year.
The Ministry has also made 6 airbags mandatory for passenger vehicles that will be applicable to all 8-seater cars. Though, the rule will come into effect from October 2023 due to the global supply chain challenges. The safety kit of the Maruti Baleno also includes 6 airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), electronic stability programme, 360 degree camera, hill start assist, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors and Isofix child seat anchorages.
Prices of the Maruti Baleno remain unchanged. The hatchback model lineup continues to come within the price range of Rs 6.61 lakh – Rs 9.88 lakh. There are three automatic variants – Delta, Zeta and Alpha – priced at Rs 8 lakh, Rs 8.93 lakh and Rs 9.88 lakh respectively. The Baleno Delta CNG and Zeta CNG models cost Rs 8.35 lakh and Rs 9.28 lakh respectively. All aforementioned prices are ex-showroom.
Read – Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno: What’s the difference?
The Baleno hatchback that received a mid-life update early last year, comes with a 1.2L, 4-cylinder Dualjet K12N petrol engine. The motor makes a top power of 90bhp with both 5-speed manual and AMT gearboxes. Its manual version is claimed to deliver a mileage of 22.35kmpl and the AMT model offers 22.94kmpl. The hatchback also received a new suspension setup and bigger 14-inch disc brakes at the front.
In the premium hatchback segment, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno takes on the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza. Toyota’s re-badged version of the Baleno – Glanza might also receive the same safety upgrades in coming months.
