Maruti Baleno, a well-known premium hatchback in India, has garnered a massive fan following due to its impressive blend of style, performance, efficiency, and spaciousness. This car has been a popular choice for many since its introduction in 2015, and in 2022, Maruti Suzuki rolled out a new-generation update, further refining its safety features, performance, and overall design. In this article, we will take a close look at the 10 positives and 10 negatives of the Maruti Baleno, providing you with valuable insights before making your purchase decision.
Maruti Baleno Positives
1. Spacious Cabin:
The Baleno boasts a generously roomy interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Comfortable seats with excellent support make it ideal for long journeys. Furthermore, the cabin is thoughtfully designed with multiple storage spaces and cup holders, adding convenience to the driving experience.
2. Large Boot:
With a capacious 318-litre boot, the Baleno ensures you can carry plenty of luggage without any hassle. The low loading lip and wide opening make loading and unloading a breeze. Additionally, the rear seats can be folded down to create even more space when required.
3. Fuel-efficient Engine:
Equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine delivering 90PS of power and 113Nm of torque, the Baleno impresses with its refined and smooth performance. You can choose between a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox, both offering excellent fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system further enhances fuel economy and performance by providing torque assist during acceleration.
4. Feature-rich:
The Baleno comes packed with a plethora of features that elevate its comfort, safety, and entertainment levels. Notable features include LED headlamps and tail lamps, dual-tone alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, rear parking camera and sensors, ABS with EBD and brake assist, dual airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill hold assist, and vehicle stability control.
5. Stylish Design:
Aesthetically pleasing, the Baleno flaunts a contemporary and eye-catching design, boasting a bold front grille, sleek lines, and well-integrated features. Its design appeals to a wide range of customers, positioning it as a favorite in its segment.
6. Ride Quality:
The Baleno ensures a stable and comfortable ride with its well-tuned suspension and steering. It efficiently absorbs road bumps and undulations, maintaining composure at high speeds. The light and responsive steering make city maneuvering effortless.
7. Low Maintenance Cost:
Renowned for its affordability in maintenance, the Baleno benefits from Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network and affordable spare parts. Moreover, the service intervals are reasonably long, set at 10,000km or one year, whichever comes first.
8. Resale Value:
Thanks to its high demand in the used car market, the Baleno enjoys a strong resale value. Its reputation for reliability, durability, and performance contributes to its retained value over time.
9. Variants:
To cater to diverse customer preferences and budgets, the Baleno offers four variants – Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha. Each variant comes with its distinct set of features and price points, ensuring customers find the perfect fit for their needs.
10. Safety Rating:
The Baleno boasts a four-star safety rating from Global NCAP, an independent agency conducting crash tests on cars in India. This rating signifies the Baleno’s ability to provide excellent protection to its occupants during accidents.
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Maruti Baleno Negatives
1. Does Not Look New Enough:
The new-generation Baleno’s design remains relatively unchanged, disappointing some customers who expected a more radical makeover. While minor tweaks have been made to the front and rear fascia, the overall shape and proportions largely resemble the previous model. As a result, some may find the design too plain or dated compared to its rivals.
2. AMT Feels a Step Backwards:
Unlike some of its competitors, the Baleno does not offer an AMT (automated manual transmission) option. Instead, it provides a CVT (continuously variable transmission) option, which is relatively more expensive and less fuel-efficient than an AMT. The lack of manual control and the rubber-band effect associated with CVTs might not be to every customer’s liking.
3. Only One Engine Option:
The Baleno comes with a single engine option – a 1.2-litre petrol engine. While this engine performs well, it may limit the choices for customers seeking more power or torque. Some competitors offer multiple engine options, including diesel and turbo-petrol variants.
4. Build Quality:
To improve fuel efficiency and performance, the Baleno features a lightweight body. However, this comes at the expense of build quality and solidity. Some customers might find the Baleno less sturdy and robust compared to its rivals, with certain interior plastics and materials feeling cheap or flimsy.
5. Rear Seat Comfort:
Although the Baleno boasts a spacious rear seat, it lacks certain features that could enhance passenger comfort. Notably, there are no rear AC vents, adjustable headrests, armrest, or sunshade. Additionally, the seat cushioning tends to be on the firmer side, which might not be ideal for long journeys.
6. High-Speed Stability:
While the Baleno offers an overall smooth ride quality, it exhibits some body roll and instability at high speeds. The steering can feel vague and disconnected, reducing driver confidence and enjoyment on highways and twisty roads.
7. Waiting Period:
Due to its immense popularity, the Baleno often faces a considerable waiting period for delivery. Depending on the variant, color, and location, customers might have to wait for several weeks or even months. This extended waiting time can be frustrating for those eager to get behind the wheel.
8. Noise Insulation:
The Baleno’s noise insulation falls short, allowing outside noises such as engine noise, road noise, wind noise, and tire noise to enter the cabin. This issue can be particularly noticeable at high speeds or on rough roads, potentially impacting passenger comfort.
9. Ground Clearance:
With a ground clearance of 170mm, the Baleno might encounter challenges on certain Indian roads with speed breakers, potholes, or uneven surfaces. The car could scrape its underbody or bumpers on such obstacles, causing inconvenience or damage.
10. Rear Visibility:
The Baleno suffers from poor rear visibility due to its small rear windshield and thick C-pillars. The rear-view mirror also does not cover the entire rear window, leading to some blind spots. Parking or reversing the car in tight spaces or crowded areas may become more challenging as a result.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Maruti Baleno is a commendable car with an impressive array of positives, including its spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, feature-rich offerings, and stylish design. Additionally, its low maintenance cost and high resale value make it a sensible choice for many buyers. However, some may be put off by its design similarity to the previous model, the lack of an AMT option, and the absence of multiple engine choices. Furthermore, the Baleno’s rear seat comfort, high-speed stability, waiting period, noise insulation, ground clearance, and rear visibility present additional considerations.
Before making your decision, carefully weigh these positives and negatives according to your priorities and preferences. The Maruti Baleno can be an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded and reliable premium hatchback.
FAQs
1. Is the Maruti Baleno suitable for long journeys? Yes, the Baleno’s spacious cabin with comfortable seats makes it suitable for long journeys, providing ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
2. Does the Baleno offer multiple engine options? No, the Baleno comes with only one engine option – a 1.2-litre petrol engine. There are no diesel or turbo-petrol variants available.
3. What safety features does the Baleno offer? The Baleno comes with a host of safety features, including ABS with EBD and brake assist, dual airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill hold assist, and vehicle stability control.
4. Can the rear seats be folded to create more space? Yes, the Baleno’s rear seats can be folded down to create additional space in the boot for larger luggage items.
5. Is the Baleno’s waiting period long? Yes, due to its popularity, the Baleno often has a waiting period for delivery, which can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on the variant and location.