Maruti Suzuki Baleno exports to Europe begin ahead of Geneva debut

Maruti Suzuki has started exporting the Baleno hatchback to Europe ahead of the Geneva International Motor show. Suzuki Motor Corp. will showcase the India-made Baleno at the upcoming event, which will be open to the press on March 1 and 2; and then to the general public from March 3 to March 13.

Maruti Suzuki had started exporting the Balenos through Adani Group’s Mundra Port in Gujarat. The first consignment to Europe is of 1,800 Balenos, all of which are manufactured by Maruti Suzuki India. All of these will be sold in European countries including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Spain.

Cosmetically, the Europe-spec Baleno is the same as the one sold in the Indian market. However, the powertrains are different. Instead of the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engine options, mated to a five-speed manual, the European model will be powered by the 1.2-litre petrol mill with SHVS tech. The 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine will also be offered. The transmission options will include the five-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

Maruti Baleno exports to Japan had commenced last month, just ahead of the 2016 Auto Expo.  We can expect the car to be launched for the European markets in a few weeks’ time. The official European premiere will take place tomorrow at Suzuki's pavilion at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.