Set to be launched in India on the 26th October, new Maruti Suzuki Baleno premium hatchback was officially unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show last month. A global car, it will be manufactured only in India, by Suzuki’s subsidiary – MSIL at their plant in Manesar.
Unlike the developed markets, where the Baleno will get Suzuki’s new 1.0l BoosterJet three cylinder engine generating 110 PS of power, India will get the same old engines which are seen on board the existing Maruti Swift. Even the engine output remains unchanged – 1.2 liter petrol is in the 84 PS / 115 Nm tune, while the 1.3 liter diesel is in the 75 PS / 190 Nm tune. As standard, a manual transmission will be on offer with both, but the petrol variant also gets a CVT option.
To be slotted in between the Swift and Ciaz, Maruti Baleno will rival the Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai i20.But unlike Swift, Baleno will be rich in features, quality and interior space. Being 3,995 mm long, 1,500 mm tall and 1,745 mm wide; Baleno will be the largest hatchback on offer in India in the under INR 10 lakh segment. Keeping the Indian road conditions in mind, the ground clearance is set at 180 mm, while long wheelbase of 2,520 mm ensures better control over the car.
Maruti Baleno will be offered in a choice of seven colours Granite grey, Solid fire red, Premium urban blue, Autumn orange, Metallic premium silver, Pearl arctic white, and Ray blue. Both diesel and petrol variants will be offered in a choice of three trims each – Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha.
Features on board new Baleno includes projector headlamps with LED DRLs, reverse parking camera, SmartPlay touchscreen system, leather strapped steering wheel, UV-cut glass, telescopic steering, easy on the eye day/night internal rear view mirror, automatic headlights, follow me home headlamps, keyless entry, alloys, driver seat height adjustable, automatic AC, rear wiper, 60:40 split seats, power windows, electric folding ORVMs with turn indicators, airbags, ABS, and EBD.
Expect the price of new Baleno to start in the INR 5.5 lakh range. More details will be revealed when the car is launched officially. Until then, have a look at the gallery of new Baleno below.
