Maruti Suzuki India Limited has launched the new Baleno premium hatchback with SHVS hybrid system on its Delta and Zeta variant. Apart from this, they have also updated the regular variants Baleno with BS6 engine, on the petrol model. Diesel engine continues to be BS4.
Maruti Baleno, the automakers first offering to achieve BS VI compliance, gets a revised 1.2 liter DualJet Dual VVT BSVI engine with Smart Hybrid Technology (SHVS). This 1.2 liter engine in standard and SHVS system will get manual and CVT transmission options, both of which will be BS VI compliant. The engines will be capable of higher fuel efficiency and allow for lower emissions so as to comply with new emission norms. The Lithium-ion battery pack is compact and designed for long service life and will hence attract more buyers to its fold.
Mr. R S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said “Baleno has been a blockbuster car from day one. We have over 5.5 lakh happy Baleno customers since its launch in 2015 and sold more than 2 lakh units in the last fiscal year. We recently upgraded Baleno with latest design and technology. At Maruti Suzuki, we strive to bring newer, better and environment friendly technologies to our products. Baleno Smart Hybrid with BS VI stands testament to the same. We are confident that the premium hatchback Baleno will present a complete package in line with aspirations of evolving customers.”
Maruti Baleno hybrid with SHVS technology with Lithium ion battery on the premium hatchback is capable of Torque Assist Function wherein the energy stored in the li-ion battery assists during acceleration to offer optimum acceleration and better performance with the same level of fuel efficiency. The Idle Start/Stop function means that the engine automatically shuts off when idle and restarts under optimal conditions which also further augment fuel efficiency. Brake Energy Regeneration allows the vehicle to decelerate with the SHVS system charging the batteries which in turn assists the engine idle start/stop feature and torque assist functions.
Maruti Suzuki states that its BS VI compliant vehicles will contribute to reduction of nearly 25 percent in Nitrogen Oxide emissions while these norms will also enforce limits on Non-Methane Hydrocarbon emissions. This is achieved via upgrades both where engine hardware and software is concerned. Software upgrades offer precise fuel injection controls with on board sensors for cleaner emissions.
The 1.2 liter petrol engine delivers 83 hp and 115 Nm while the DualJet motor delivers 90 hp and 113 Nm. Mileage claimed is 21.4 kmpl by the former and 23.87 kmpl by the latter. The SHVS system will be offered in the Baleno Zeta and Delta variants with prices set to be increased from a current Rs.6.97 lakhs to Rs.7.86 lakhs and from Rs.6.36 lakhs to Rs.7.25 lakhs respectively. The prices of the other variants remain unchanged. Deliveries will commence soon. Bookings have opened.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno has contributed efficiently to company sales ever since launched in 2015. As on date the company has 5.5 lakh Baleno customers and in the past fiscal sales was above the 2 lakh unit mark. The BS VI compliant Maruti Suzuki Baleno gets updated not only in terms of its engine but also where technology and design is concerned.
