Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 00:00 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 08:14 [IST]
Maruti Suzuki Baleno brings both style and substance to the premium hatchback segment. This fun-to-drive car suits many buyers with its blend of contemporary looks, spacious interiors, high feature count and fuel-efficient engines. Let's explore why the new Baleno could be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Exterior Styling
Maruti Suzuki has given the Baleno a sportier, more aggressive face. Elements like the bolder grille, sculpted bonnet, and sharp headlamps render a dynamic stance. Strong shoulder lines flow into the raked rear glass in the side profile, affirming the hatchback’s athletic aura. Stylish 16-inch alloys complement the side view. At the rear, redesigned LED taillamps stretch across the tailgate. With seven trendy colour options, you can pick a Baleno that reflects your personality.
Like the Baleno, the Maruti Grand Vitara is renowned for its rugged SUV appeal. Both vehicles carry Maruti's signature attention to detail in styling, but the Baleno offers a refined hatchback experience, ideal for those who want a balance of sophistication and practicality.
Interiors and Comfort
The Baleno’s dual-tone black-blue interior looks more premium thanks to piano black trim and silver accents. The front seats get height adjustment with lumbar support for the driver. The rear seat space remains class-leading, meant for three adults. Thoughtful touches like rear AC vents and a front centre armrest enhance comfort. Automatic climate control, auto headlamps, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel add everyday convenience.
Infotainment and Features
This Baleno features a cutting-edge digital display and a Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system. It also includes essentials like keyless entry, push-button start/stop, a multi-info display, and cruise control. A rearview camera assists with parking this hatchback. Other highlights include LED projector headlamps, 60:40 split folding rear seats, and rear parking sensors.
Performance and Efficiency
Power comes from a 1.2-litre VVT petrol mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. This free-revving motor focuses more on drivability and offers zippy acceleration. For maximum fuel economy, there’s also a factory-fitted CNG option. The claimed fuel efficiency is 22.35km/l for petrol variants. The CNG variant provides an impressive fuel economy of 30.61 km/kg.
Ride and Handling
With its long 3,990mm wheelbase, the Heartect platform ensures a compliant ride quality over most surfaces. A class-leading 170mm ground clearance aids the Baleno in tackling speed breakers and potholes. The chassis remains planted at highway speeds, while the electric power steering makes navigating city traffic a breeze. While this is no hot hatch, the suspension still manages corners reasonably well.
Safety
All Maruti Suzuki Baleno variants get essential safety kits like anti-lock brakes, ISOFIX child seat anchors and dual front airbags. Top-end trims add side and curtain airbags for surround protection and features like hill start assist and ESP. A high-strength chassis and standard rear parking sensors boost collision avoidance. Plus, the rearview camera and auto-dimming IRVM promote stress-free driving.
Dimensions and Capacity
The sub-4-meter Baleno easily squeezes into tight parking spaces. Yet the cabin offers ample room for four adults plus luggage. Split folding rear seats increase boot space for especially large cargo. A large fuel tank ensures you can go the distance between fuel stops. A kerb weight of just over one tonne helps efficiency.
Conclusion
Blending contemporary styling, ample cabin space, and a choice of efficient powertrains, the updated Maruti Suzuki Baleno strikes the perfect balance for a premium hatchback. Its exterior features a sporty, youthful character, with design touches like the aggressive front fascia, raked rear profile, and 16-inch alloys. At the same time, the thoughtful interior layout provides exceptional comfort and functionality for everyday use.
Whether you prioritise style, driving dynamics or value, features like the Smartplay infotainment, free-revving petrol engine and segment-leading efficiency help the Baleno fit right into your lifestyle. For those seeking a hatchback that can adeptly fulfil diverse roles, the Baleno warrants a test drive to experience how well it nails the crossover between sportiness, space and efficiency.
