Maruti Suzuki Baleno Configuration, Review, Price, Pictures

The new Baleno has generated a lot of buzz because to its increased feature set and thorough overhaul. Does it fulfil the promise, though?

Which Maruti Suzuki vehicle last caught your attention? Not many, I assume? However, the new Baleno has unquestionably generated a lot of interest since Maruti Suzuki began revealing information about it well before its launch. But how long will this excitement endure after we've driven it and experienced it? What's more, does the new Baleno feel like a true improvement over the outgoing model?

Maruti Suzuki Beleno Exterior -

The redesigned Baleno's front look is the major exterior alteration. Thanks to the sloping bonnet line, the bigger grille, and the sharply angled headlamps, it now appears sharper and more aggressive. You get LED projector headlamps and LED fog lamps on the top Alpha variant. Additionally, the top variation receives brand-new trademark LED daytime running lamps that will also be used on incoming Nexa automobiles.

The old car's back, though, is strikingly identical. If you overlook the enlarged tail lamp component on the boot lid, the bulky rear bumper and the protruding boot lid also appear to be nearly identical.

Even in profile, the new Baleno from Maruti Suzuki looks remarkably identical to the old one despite having every panel replaced. The more pronounced shoulder line and 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels on the top Alpha model give it a sportier appearance.

Since the new Baleno is built on the same Heartect platform as the outgoing model, not much has changed in terms of size. Its length and height are significantly less, yet its wheelbase and width are exactly the same. But weight has increased. The new Baleno is up to 65 kilogrammes heavier than the old car. Maruti claims that the new Dual Jet powertrain, which accounts for 20% of the weight rise, and larger body panels, which account for the remaining 80%, are to blame. We won't know if there has been any improvement in terms of safety until it has undergone a crash test.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Interior - 

Because of a completely rebuilt dashboard, the Baleno feels brand-new inside. The quality has been improved, and the new design appears contemporary and has a wonderful flow. The new Baleno's cabin feels more upscale than the old one did, and while Maruti Suzuki didn't employ any soft-touch materials, the usage of different textures makes a difference. The blue panels on the dash and door pads brighten an otherwise all-black cabin, and the silver insert on the dash makes the cabin appear broader than it previously was. Soft fabric is used to cover touch points like the adjustable door armrest and front center armrest, and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather for a high-end feel.

Because of a completely rebuilt dashboard, the Baleno feels brand-new inside. The quality has been improved, and the new design appears contemporary and has a wonderful flow. The new Baleno's cabin feels more upscale than the old one did, and while Maruti Suzuki didn't employ any soft-touch materials, the usage of different textures makes a difference. The blue panels on the dash and door pads brighten an otherwise all-black cabin, and the silver insert on the dash makes the cabin appear broader than it previously was. Soft fabric is used to cover touch points like the adjustable door armrest and front centre armrest, and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather for a high-end feel.

In the back, where the seat cushions are overly soft, you encounter the same issue. Long journeys could be a little uncomfortable as a result of this. Like the old car, the new Baleno has more than enough knee room, nearly enough headroom, and despite having an all-black interior, you don't feel cramped. However, back passengers will be without a centre armrest and are also without cup holders.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Safety - 

The 2017 Baleno has dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchoring, and rear parking sensors as standard equipment for safety. The top two models are now available with 6 airbags, which is wonderful news. You also get ESP with hill hold with all AMTs and the manual version of the Alpha.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Performance -

There is only one engine choice for the new Baleno. It is equipped with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox and is powered by a cutting-edge 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with dual injectors and variable valve timing, producing 90PS and 113Nm.

When it comes to refinement and drivability, this motor continues to be the standard. This engine has such quick response that you can cruise at modest speeds in third or even fourth gear, yet the motor responds instantly when you need to accelerate quickly. As a result, it performs smoothly because there aren't many gear shifts. Driving in the city is comfortable thanks to the light and progressive clutch and the smooth gear shifts.

If the Baleno is your first automatic vehicle, it will feel adequate, but if you have driven more sophisticated transmissions like CVT, DCT, or torque converters, you will recognise its simplistic nature. For a simple AMT transmission, it performs admirably, with downshifts that are quick enough for overtaking and that remain smooth for the most part. But at crawling speeds, the gear shifts seem a little jerky and slow.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Ride and Handling -

The new Baleno is substantially more flexible over bumpy roads, where the old Baleno used to feel overly stiff and uncomfortably uncomfortable. With the exception of some up and down motion, particularly for the back passengers, the new Baleno feels at home whether travelling at highway speeds or at city speeds. This premium hatchback's elegant quality is enhanced by the silent operation of the suspension as well. In comparison to the previous car, it feels more hunkered down, which has enhanced high speed stability as well. Another improvement is the sound insulation, which now effectively controls tyre and wind noise for a more tranquil journey.

The Baleno has always been regarded as a family-friendly vehicle because it doesn't particularly love being hurried through curves. When pushed aggressively, the steering rolls quite a bit and is slow and unresponsive. As a result, the Baleno is at ease when being driven slowly.

The larger front disc on the new Baleno has enhanced the braking. It offers a terrific pedal feel and, in our opinion, more than enough stopping power.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Conclusion -

Overall, the new Baleno is still a sound and safe option, just like the old car. With the updated designs, new features, and improved ride, it is now also more appealing. However, certain things might have been done better. Maruti Suzuki should have made more substantial improvements to the appearance to make it look like a brand-new car, increased the comfort of the seats, and offered a more potent petrol engine choice.

But a more expensive automatic option is what we really wished for, especially because one of its major competitors, the Hyundai i20, provides both a CVT and a DCT option. The cost, however, tilts the conflict back in the Baleno's favour. It still costs only a little bit more than the previous model, which making it an amazing value proposition despite the upgrades and feature enhancements.