Positioned above the Swift in Maruti Suzuki’s current lineup, the Baleno is India’s most-selling premium hatchback that received a major update earlier this year. Here we have analysed all the variants of the hatch, so you can decide which variant is most suitable for you. But first, have a look at its specifications and dimensions.
Specifications and Performance
| Engine | 1.2-litre DualJet DualVVT naturally aspirated petrol with idle start/stop |
| No of Cylinders | 4 |
| Max Power | 90PS |
| Max Torque | 113Nm |
| Gearbox Options | 5-speed MT/ AMT |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 22.35kmpl (MT), 22.94kmpl (AMT) |
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is powered by the same 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine as the Swift, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission, which has replaced its ageing 4-speed automatic unit. The drivability & refinement of this powermill remains unmatched. City driving is easy, and it can comfortably reach speeds of three digits on the highway. Furthermore, thanks to its super lightweight clutch and slick gear slotting, you will be able to drive endlessly under busy traffic conditions. In fact, the motor responds so well that you can sail at low speeds even in 3rd & 4th gear, and it answers without delay when you want to accelerate quickly. With fast up & downshifting, its AMT transmission also works exceptionally well.
Dimensions and Cabin Space
| Length | 3,990mm |
| Width | 1,745mm |
| Height | 1,500mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm |
| Boot Space | 318 litres |
Thanks to its generous wheelbase of 2520mm, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno offers great space inside the cabin. Both its front & rear seats are comfortable and provide a great amount of knee-room & headroom, even for tall passengers. However, the lack of a rear centre armrest might disappoint you.
Variant-wise Price and Features
1. Maruti Baleno Sigma
| Ex-Showroom Price | Rs 6.49 lakh |
Key Features: –
| Exterior | Halogen projector headlamps, unpainted door handles & ORVMs, steel wheels, body-coloured bumpers, LED combination tail lamp, and boot spoiler. |
| Interior | Dual-tone cabin, silver insert on the dash, analogue instrument cluster with MID. |
| Comfort & Convenience | Tilt-adjustable power steering, power windows with one-touch down function for driver’s unit, remote central locking, automatic AC, fixed rear headrests, and rear defogger. |
| Safety | Dual front airbags, day/night IRVM, ABS with EBD, brake assist, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminder, and a high-speed alert system. |
Verdict: The entry-level Sigma variant covers most of the essential featuresand can be a good option for those on a tight budget. One can personalise it later with the help of official and aftermarket accessories.
2. Maruti Baleno Delta
| Ex-Showroom Price | Rs 7.33 lakh (MT), Rs 7.83 lakh (AMT) |
| Price Difference From Sigma | Rs 84,000 |
Key Features (over Sigma): –
| Exterior | Body-coloured door handles & side mirrors, full wheel covers, chrome finished front grille, turn indicators on outside mirrors. |
| Interior | Rear parcel tray |
| Comfort & Convenience | Power adjustable & foldable wing mirrors, steering mounted audio & telephony controls. |
| Infotainment | 7-inch Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple Carplay, four speakers. |
| Safety | Electronic Stability Program with hill hold assists (AMT variants only). |
Verdict: Considering the number of added features that will actually up your overall experience, the price premium of Rs 84,000 feels too much. Only buy if you’re in the market for AMT with a strict budget.
3. Maruti Baleno Zeta
| Ex-Showroom Price | Rs 8.26 lakh (MT), Rs 8.76 lakh (AMT) |
| Price Difference From Delta | Rs 93,000 |
Key Features (over Delta): –
| Exterior | 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome-finished door handles, and automatic LED projector headlamps. |
| Interior | 4.2-inch colour TFT MID, front sliding armrest, front footwell lamp, and 60:40 rear split seats with adjustable headrests. |
| Comfort & Convenience | Height adjustable driver’s seat, rear AC vents, telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, smart keyless entry with push-button engine start/stop, rear fast charging port, rear wiper & washer. |
| Infotainment | New 7-inch Smartplay Pro touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa voice assistant, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates support, connected car technology with remote operations, and two tweeters (total six speakers). |
| Safety | Side & curtain airbags (total six airbags) and reverse camera. |
Verdict: For the price premium of Rs 93,000 over the Delta variant, the Maruti Baleno Zeta offers a host of valuable features that sweetens the vehicle’s functionality, practicality, aesthetics and safety quotient. This makes it a great value-for-money proposition and our recommended choice.
4. Maruti Baleno Alpha
| Ex-Showroom Price | Rs 9.21 lakh (MT), Rs 9.71 lakh (AMT) |
| Price Difference From Zeta | Rs 95,000 |
Key Features (over Zeta): –
| Exterior | LED DRLs, dual-tone alloy wheels, UV cut glasses and LED fog lamps. |
| Interior | Leather-wrapped steering wheel. |
| Comfort & Convenience | A heads-up display (HUD), auto-folding wing mirrors, and cruise control |
| Infotainment | 9-inch Smartplay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment and Arkamys-tuned sound system. |
| Safety | Auto-dimming IRVM, 360-degree surround view system, and ESP with hill hold (with both manual and AMT trim). |
Verdict: The range-topping Alpha variant gets a host of practical and segment’s first features that will add to your overall ownership experience. It is worth buying if you don’t have budget restrictions. However, features like leatherette upholstery, a rear centre armrest, an electric sunroof and a three-point seatbelt & headrest for the rear-middle passengers are a big miss.
