Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback, launched in India on October 26, 2015, will be the first for Maruti Suzuki to be supplying a car to its parent company. This ‘Made in India’ Suzuki Baleno will be exported to over 100 countries which will also include Western Europe.
To be exported to countries such as Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Spain, Suzuki Baleno premium hatchback will also be making its way to Latin American countries that include Chile, Paraguay and Colombia.
According to country, changes will be made to the Baleno to suit specific requirements. The Euro spec model will be powered by a 1.0 liter Boosterjet turbo petrol engine which will not be seen on its India spec model. As per the demands of importing country, the Baleno will also be offered in left hand drive and right hand drive variants while a host of safety and technology features will also be added.
The 1.0 liter Boosterjet engine produces 110 hp peak power and 170 Nm peak torque mated to a 5 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission options sending power to front wheels. The Baleno hatchback is also offered in a 1.2 liter petrol engine with SHVS technology capable of 89 hp power and 120 Nm torque. Weighing a total of 950 kgs, the new Baleno is quicker while its lightweight platform also contributes to better performance and ride quality.
Sadly, in India only the 1.2 liter petrol without SHVS tech and the 1.3 liter diesel options are on offer. The more economical and technologically advanced 1.0 liter BoosterJet engine, though made in India, is only being fitted on cars exported outside.
As per Autocar UK, who have driven the Baleno with BoosterJet, say that this new engine is like a little cracker which revs freely after 2000 rpm. The engine revs freely and can take a good thrashing as well. Thanks to this new engine, it feels very punchy and accelerates well.
At the same time, Autocar points out that the suspension is noisy, while NVH levels are not upto mark. You can always hear a thud inside a cabin on bumpy roads, while the wind noise while cruising through highways is irritating. You can read the full review here.
In India, the Suzuki Baleno is sold exclusively through NEXA outlets in the country with the company planning to open 80 such NEXA outlets to cater to increased demand.
