Maruti Suzuki recently rolled out CNG variants of the Baleno, but it is currently only available in the Delta and Zeta trims. Now, the carmaker is looking to launch the top-spec Alpha trim of the CNG-powered Baleno.
- Baleno CNG currently available in two trims
- Rivals the Toyota Glanza CNG
Like the Delta and Zeta CNG trims, the Alpha trim too is expected to cost Rs 95,000 more than the petrol-powered Alpha trim and should be priced at around Rs 10.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Baleno CNG has also spawned a Toyota derivative – the Glanza CNG – which is also currently only available in two trims. Toyota could also launch the top-spec Glanza V trim in CNG guise.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: powertrain
The Baleno CNG is available with the same 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, K12N engine as the petrol hatchback. In CNG mode, it develops 77.5hp and 98.5Nm, while in petrol it produces 90hp and 113Nm of torque. It gets a 55-litre CNG tank in the boot, which means boot capacity will be significantly compromised compared to the petrol counterpart.
As is the case with other CNG models from Maruti Suzuki, the Baleno CNG is available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and not the AMT. Maruti claims the Baleno CNG can deliver a fuel economy of 30.61km/kg.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: Alpha trim features
Since it is the top-spec trim, the Baleno Alpha CNG will be offered with the same equipment as its petrol counterpart. It will come with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with SmartPlay Pro+ system, head-up display, 360-degree cameras, ‘Suzuki Connect’ connected car tech with OTA updates, six airbags, auto-dimming IRVM, keyless entry, and an Arkamys sound system.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: rivals
The Baleno CNG competes with its Toyota derivative – Glanza CNG. While the petrol-powered Baleno also rivals the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz, these three are not offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit.
Also in the pipeline is a CNG version of the Brezza compact SUV, which is expected to be the first CNG model to be offered with an automatic gearbox.
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