Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Which Variant To Buy?

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.

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