Maruti Baleno review, test drive

Should I buy one?

Maruti has thrown a lot into the Baleno, the company’s first serious shot at the premium hatchback segment. It certainly looks the part with its stylish looks and well-planted stance. It drives well too thanks to a lightweight body which translates to a good power to weight ratio and hence, performance. A superbly judged suspension and overall refinement gives it the feel of a bigger, plusher car.

The cabin too comes as a surprise with its practicality and spaciousness to once and for all axe the perception that Suzukis are small and cramped. However, Suzukl’s cost cutting ways are still all too evident in a cabin that could have been more plush and better detailed. However, Maruti has more than made amends with some truly unique features that will surely have its competitors scampering to offer similar stuff. That all the variants of the Baleno come with two airbags, ABS and EBS as standard shows the company’s new-found commitment to safety. The question is will customers be willing to pay for it?

That leads us to the Baleno’s price. Though they are only introductory, Maruti has managed to undercut its two main rivals the Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz in just about every variant. The petrol range goes from Rs 4.99-7.01 lakh with the CVT variant costing Rs 6.76 lakh, while the diesel range is priced at Rs 6.16-8.11 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi), which in true Maruti fashion, is great value when you factor all that the Baleno packs in.