Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Some numbers

Price(on road Mumbai): 

Top selling Variants : Alpha 1.2 Petrol - 8.51 lacks
                                   Zeta 1.3 Diesel - 9.19 lacks

Variants that excite : RS - 9.73 lacks
                                  Zeta 1.2 Petrol CVT - 8.9 lacks

Dimensions

Engines

Petrol 1.2 K12

Diesel 1.3 DDIS 190

Petrol 1.0 Boosterjet

(Source: https://www.carwale.com/marutisuzuki-cars/baleno/alpha12at/)

Who would buy one?

The Baleno appeals to a large audience, because it excells in most areas. There is something for everybody. The spacious interior, reliable technology and the easy-on-the-wallet nature appeals to the practical family man. The convinient CVT automatic transmission and stylish looks means that women love the Baleno. The RS version's tight handling and jewel of a motor is good enough to leave you smiling long after you've gone to bed. So the answer to the before mentioned question? Everybody! Everybody wants a Baleno, and that's why the car has been flying out of Nexa Showrooms all over India.

Note worthy

1. Spacious Interiors: In terms of sheer volume and practicality the Baleno is second to none. In the back seat, you can sit 3 abreast without any trouble, with each one having adequate knee, head and shoulder room. The front seats are suppotive and there is plent of storage space for nick-nacks. The boot is large at an impressive 339 litres and is well shaped to accomodate a weekend's worth of luggage.
2. The engines: Notice how I don't have to mention any one type of engine... This is because all three engines on the Baleno are powerful, efficient units. The 1.3 diesel (sourced from FIAT) is quite tractable and offers class leading fuel efficiency figures of 27.3 km/l. The 1.2 petrol is also extremely efficient, but the real highlight of this K12 engine is the power and responsiveness it offers. It has plenty of low end torque but one past 3000 rpm the engine gets a  whole new wind and takes off till it reaches its 6200 rev limiter, at which point the engine sounds pretty neat. The 1.0 litre Boosterjet on the RS may not seem as good as the name suggests on paper, but when coupled with the low kerb weight the RS's performance is impressive to say the least and can put its competitiors to shame.
3. Ride and Handling: For a car that weighs arounnd 950 kilos, the Baleno has excellent low speed ride without compromising on highway ability. This translates to an enjoyable driving experience. The RS makes full use of the stiff chassis and stiffer suspension to ensure a good driving experience, only if it had a fatter rear tyre!
4. Styling: The baleno simply does not have a bad angle. It looks stunning from any angle (except for the alloys on the higher variants which look a bit underwhelming). It is easily the best looking, original (I am looking at you Ciaz) design from Maruti in years! Even the equipment laden interiors of the Zeta and Alpha variants look rather slick!

Not worthy

1. Lower Variants are Sparsely Equipped: This is clearly a marketing move by Maruti to sway in customers by showing a low price tag and providing nothing in terms of equipment.
2. Refinement of Diesel engine: It must be said, the DDIS 190 is not quite and is quite audible throughout the rev range.
3. Steering feel : The driver will have no "feel" about what the wheels are doing due the numb steering that does not right itself after taking a turn. This is not a big, noticable flaw, but to the enthusiast this can be a sore spot.
4. Interior Build Quality : Plent of hard plastics and carried over parts result in quality which is very much par.

Which Variant Should I buy?

Enthusiasts have a no brainer choice in the RS which is perfect blend of handling and performance.

The practical Family man can go with the middle spec Zeta variants which have every feature you will ever need. The Fully loaded Alpha variants are favorites among women who demand the best in style and technology. Slap on the added convenience of CVT and you have the best you can get from a car under 10 lacks!