Maruti Suzuki launched the Baleno today at a
starting price of Rs 4.99 lakhs for the petrol version. The top-end diesel
variant will cost Rs 8.11 lakhs. It is the company’s first foray into the
premium B+ segment.
The petrol variants of the car are priced between
Rs 4.99 lakh and Rs 7.01 lakh while the diesel trims are priced in the range Rs
6.16 lakh to Rs 8.11 lakh. The petrol automatic variant, featuring continuously
variable transmission (CVT), is priced at Rs. 6.76 Lakhs (All prices
ex-showroom Delhi).
It was at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show that the Baleno was first
introduced as the iK2 concept car. In August, Suzuki branded the car as the
Baleno, reviving a two-decade old name. It is a completely new car which is
based on a new platform and will take a seat above the Swift in the Suzuki
hierarchy. The hatchback will take on popular products like the VW Polo,
Honda Jazz and Hyundai Elite i20.
On the outside, it gets Suzuki’s new design language which
includes the V-shaped grille and swoopy headlights. The side profile is
indicative of the Swift thanks to the flared wheel arches and rear sloping
roofline. One of the nice elements is the blacked out B-pillars which give the
impression of a floating roofline. The rear is less intense than the rest of
the car and gets C-shaped tail lamps and a rather high opening for the 339
litre boot.
Most of the cabin has been put together from various bits in the
Suzuki part box. These include the steering wheel, touch screen infotainment
system (on the higher-spec variants) and the cabin trim. However, what's new is
the climate control system as well as the instrument cluster.
The Baleno will be presented in four variants - Sigma, Delta,
Zeta and Alpha. These are the same variant names used for the S-Cross
crossover. It is a major change from the accustomed VXi, LXi, ZXi we have seen
for so many years. We believe this has been put in place to differentiate the
Baleno from the other hatchbacks as it will be sold exclusively through the
Nexa showrooms. On the safety front, all four variants across both fuel options
get ABS with EBD as well as dual front airbags.
The petrol variants of the Baleno are powered by the 1.2 litre
VVT engine which yields 83bhp and 115Nm of torque and will be available in a
choice of five-speed manual across the range and a CVT in Delta and Zeta trims.
On the other hand, the diesel variant is the 1.3-litre Multijet engine (DDiS)
producing 75bhp and 190Nm. This engine is only offered with a five-speed
manual.
Maruti Suzuki has already begun production of the car and we believe
that once supply to the Indian market begins, production of the LHD variants
for export markets will commence.
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