KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maruti Baleno price starts at Rs. 6.74 lakhs ex-showroom
- Offers a good set of features in its base variant
- Offered in a sole 1.2L NA petrol engine with an option for CNG
Maruti Baleno sits as the top player in the long list of hatchbacks portfolio of Maruti, and obviously, it has to offer a rich tech list that creates that premium divide. In this section, we take a look at the key features that this hatchback offers, that make traveling, a more convenient experience. But before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads with extensive coverage of the latest news and insights from the automotive space.
Also Read- Maruti Baleno: Pros And Cons To Know Before You Buy!
9-inch Smartplay Pro Infotainment Touchscreen
The Maruti Baleno comes with a 9-inch Smartplay Pro infotainment touchscreen that takes care of all the multimedia requirements like music and the connected features. While it supports wireless smartphone projection, the screen also doubles up as the view monitor for its 360-degree camera. It offers decent feedback and is big enough for a clear view of the driver, without hampering their on-road awareness.
Variants Available: Starts from Alpha Variant onwards at Rs. 9.46 lakhs ex-showroom.
Competition Check- Both the i20 and the Altroz come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen in their Asta (O) and Creative variants, respectively.
Heads-Up Display
Another additional feature assisting the driver is the availability of a Heads-up display that projects essential drive-related stats right in front of the field of view of the driver like speed, gear indicator, navigation turns, and a few more.
Variants Available: Starts from Alpha Variant onwards at Rs. 9.46 lakhs ex-showroom.
Competition Check- The Hyundai i20 does not offer any HUD unit, but the Altroz gets it in the Racer edition.
360-Degree Camera
The Maruti Baleno enhances maneuverability in tight spaces with its 360-degree camera system. This feature offers a full surround view on the infotainment screen, making it easier to handle sharp turns and navigate through narrow or congested areas, including challenging hill roads.
Variants Available: Starts from Alpha Variant onwards at Rs. 9.46 lakhs ex-showroom.
Competition Check- While the Hyundai i20 misses out on this nifty feature, you can have this with the Tata Altroz in the XZ LUX variant.
Also Read- Maruti Baleno: This Is What Each Variant Has To Offer!
Automatic Climate Control
This feature is something that the Baleno offers right from its base variant, which is very commendable on Maruti's part. This is something that is generally offered with higher variants. Other features that the base trim offers include LED tail lamps, projector headlamps, all-power windows, keyless entry, Hill-hold assist, and much more.
Variants Available: Starts from the base Sigma variant onwards at Rs. 6.74 lakhs ex-showroom.
Competitors with Same feature:
- Tata Altroz offers fully automatic climate control in its Pure variant onwards.
- The Hyundai i20 offers this feature from the Sportz variant onwards.
6 Airbags As Standard
The Baleno now, offers a comprehensive safety suite including a 6-airbag set-up. However, various carmakers are now giving this feature as standard across variants and some of the rivals too, offer the same.
Competitors with Same feature: The Hyundai i20 comes with 6 airbags as standard across variants, along with the Tata Altroz.
Other features that Baleno offers include
- Rear AC vents
- Fast charging ports
- Hill hold Assist
- Connected car tech
- Premium sound system by ARKAMYS
Missing Features In The Maruti Baleno
- The Forever In-Demand Sunroof: With buyers getting more and more aspirational, and the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 offering it from their Pure S and Sportz(O) trim onwards, this is something Maruti should consider offering it with the Baleno as well.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Another feature that the Tata Altroz offers from its Smart trim onwards and the i20 gets it as standard, in the present time, given its premium hatchback tag, this could've been offered here as well.
Comparison With Rivals
| Maruti Baleno | Tata Altroz | Hyundai i20 | |
| Infotainment Screen | 9-inch | 10.25 inch | 10.25 inch |
| Heads-up Display | Yes | Racer Edition | - |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes | Yes | - |
| 6 Airbags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | - | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Cluster | - | Yes | Yes |
Verdict
When compared to other rivals, Maruti Baelno does miss out on a few features here and there, but still offers a robust tech package that doesn't fall short. However, there are some things that we would love to see in future updates like a sunroof, wireless charger, and more.
