Maruti Suzuki Baleno Review: The Premium Benchmark
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the car that taught India that hatchbacks could be spacious and premium. In its latest avatar, it has fixed its build quality issues and doubled down on technology.
📊 Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet Petrol |
| Power | 90 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT / 5-Speed AMT |
| Mileage | 22.35 kmpl (MT) / 22.94 kmpl (AMT) |
| Boot Space | 318 Litres |
| Safety | 6 Airbags (Zeta/Alpha), ESP, Hill Hold |
🚙 Design: Wide and Low
The Baleno has a wide, planted stance that makes it look bigger than it is.
- NEXA Wave: The grille and the new tri-LED DRLs (NEXA signature) give it a distinct family look.
- Build: The panels feel heavier and sturdier than the previous generation. It feels like a safer car, addressing the major complaint about the old Baleno.
🛋️ Interior: Space King
- Comfort: The seats are essentially sofas. They are wide and soft. Rear seat space is the best in the segment—you can easily fit three adults.
- Tech Overload:
- HUD (Heads-Up Display): First in segment. It shows speed, RPM, and even AC settings without you taking your eyes off the road.
- 360-Degree Camera: High resolution and genuinely useful in tight parking spots.
- Suzuki Connect: Connected car tech with remote operations.
⚙️ Drive: Smooth Operator
It uses the 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet engine (4-cylinder).
- Refinement: It is whisper quiet. At idle, you can barely tell the engine is on. This refinement puts the Tata Altroz to shame.
- AMT Performance: The move from CVT to AMT was controversial to cut costs. However, Maruti has tuned this AMT brilliantly. It is smooth for city usage, shift shocks are minimal. It’s not a DSG, but for traffic, it works.
🏁 Verdict
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Unbeatable rear seat space and comfort | ❌ No Diesel or Turbo-Petrol option (enthusiasts look at i20 N Line) |
| ✅ 4-Cylinder engine is butter smooth | ❌ AMT is not as seamless as the old CVT |
| ✅ Loaded with practical tech (HUD, 360 Cam) | ❌ Steering feedback is vague at high speeds |
The Verdict: The Baleno is the Sensible Masterpiece. If you want a no-nonsense, comfortable, and feature-rich family car for the city, the Baleno is the default recommendation.