Maruti Suzuki Baleno increases numbers thanks to spurt in demand for petrol cars

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has seen a spurt in demand thanks to a shift in consumer preference for petrol over diesel cars. It sold 9,562 units in April as compared to 6,236 units in March resulting in a growth of over 50 per cent.

In the same period, its main rivals the Honda Jazz and Hyundai Elite i20 sold 869 units and 11,147 as compared to 3,683 and 10,647 units in March 2016. For Honda this is a negative growth of 76.4 per cent while for Hyundai this is just a minor jump of 4.6 per cent. Both cars have been selling strongly in their diesel range. This also indicates a clear change in preferences among consumers.

Launched in late 2015, the Baleno is Maruti Suzuki’s second Nexa vehicle and is offered with both petrol and diesel engines. It is a premium hatchback and slots in above the Swift in Maruti Suzuki’s lineup.