KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maruti Baleno price starts at Rs. 6.66 lakhs
- Rivals the likes of Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and others
- Offered with a sole 1.2L NA Petrol mill; CNG also available
Maruti Baleno has been a breakthrough for Maruti in the premium hatchback segment where it took off and is now one of the top choices in the segment. Although there are not many players in this space, it has managed to stay on top in a market where cross-segment shopping, dependent on the price range, is a norm. However, while it has some upsides, a few downside accompanies it as well. We take a look at the top pros and cons of this hatch, while you 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.
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Pros
1. Tech-Laden Experience
The Maruti Baleno continues to impress with its overall package, but what buyers want, it delivers. This hatchback is brimmed up with modern features like 6-airbags, a Heads-up display, a 360-degree camera, a premium sound system by ARKAMYS, Rear AC vents, fast charging ports, connected car tech, and much more. Although you will have to go for its top-spec trim for most of these offerings, that means shelling out more money, but then, obviously, everything has its price.
Competition Check: Other rivals like the Hyundai i20 and the Tata Altroz also offer a comprehensive array of features, but go a step beyond and offer an electric sunroof as well.
2. Impressive Features For Base Variant
The Baleno starts at Rs. 6.66 lakhs ex-showroom price for the Sigma variant, and mind you, this is no regular base trim. While it sits at the foundation of the trim line-up, you still get features like automatic climate control, LED tail lamps, projector headlamps, all-power windows, keyless entry, Hill-hold assist, and much more. For an entry-level variant, this will sit well with a lot of buyers that are tight on budget, but looking for a premium hatchback with a desire for modern features as well.
Competition Check: The Hyundai i20 Era base trim offers a good set of feature lists as well that offers features like 6 airbags and a digital instrument cluster with a starting price of Rs. 7.04 lakhs ex-showroom.
3. Fuel Economy: Keeping Up With The Legacy
Maruti's are known for their pocket-friendly cars when it comes to fuel efficiency and Baleno carries the baton forward beautifully. With a claimed fuel efficiency of 22.94 kmpl for its AMT models and 22.35 kmpl for its MT gearbox, this comes out as some of the cars with mileage exceeding the 22 kmpl mark.
Competition Check: While the i20 gets you a mileage of around 19-20 kmpl, the Tata Altroz comes with mileage in the same vicinity as well. However, the diesel mill of Altroz hovers around the 22-23 kmpl figure.
4. Resale Value Of Maruti
If you are someone who upgrades your car after a duration, then a Maruti, in the second-hand car market, generally goes off the shelves (parking lots to be specific!) with a very good resale pricing. This has a lot to do with the 3rd point mentioned above, and also due to the extensive service and dealership network. Another boosting factor is the availability of spare parts that are reasonably priced and also available easily beyond the dealership network.
Competition Check: The Hyundai i20 also enjoys a decent resale value, but it still has a gap when compared to the Maruti Baleno.
Also Read- Maruti Baleno: This Is What Each Variant Has To Offer!
Cons
1. No Diesel Or Turbo Petrol Option
The Baleno, like a lot of other cars across the segment, has pulled out from the diesel option and only offers a petrol or a petrol+CNG bif-fuel option. While the diesel omission has been compensated by the CNG option, it is important to note that the performance figures drop down in CNG mode to bring up the fuel economy. Meanwhile, Tata Altroz still offers a diesel engine and is also the only hatchback to do so. However, with the upcoming BS7 norms, it is almost certain that this diesel mill will be shelved for good.
Another omission is the turbo petrol mill, something that both the Hyundai i20 and the Tata Altroz offer with dedicated performance editions.
2. Want 6 Airbags? Go For Higher Variants
More and more carmakers are making 6 airbags as standard across trims, in a bid to offer safer vehicles right from the entry-level variants. Maruti Baleno still continues with its policy of keeping the 6-airbag set-up reserved for top-ranking variants. For reference, Hyundai has made the conscious choice of offering all its cars with 6 airbags as standard, and as a result, the Baleno's arch-rival, the i20 gets this essential feature right from the base trim.
3. Comparing To Rivals Reveals Some Missing Feel-Good Features
Baleno is a tech-heavy proposition and comes with enough bells and whistles, but only when viewed in an isolated space. Pulling the curtains and when compared with its rivals, it misses out on some feel-good features like an electric sunroof, an air purifier, rear armrest, TPMS, and a few more. Although this point might not be very significant as a standalone mention, since the competition is getting ahead with this, it needs to be laid out here.
4. Inferior AMT Rather Than DCT Or CVT
The previous models of the Maruti Baleno came with a CVT option, but with the latest updates, the CVT was replaced by the relatively inferior AMT gearbox. This cost-cutting, with a premium offering, is something that pulls it back from sitting at the helm of the segment. In comparison, the Tata Altroz offers a DCT gearbox whereas the IVT is currently being offered with the i20.
Verdict
Baleno, even after with all the cons mentioned above, has a very niche section of buyers swaying their decisions to go for the rival options. This is evident from its regular high demand and the perfect blend of modernity, style, and sweet spot of hitting a diverse price range. And if you plan to go for it, you won't be regretting your decision.
