Maruti Suzuki Baleno India launch on October 26

Maruti Suzuki will launch the new Baleno hatchback in India on October 26. Unveiled at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Baleno is set to take on the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz in the premium hatchback segment.

The Baleno is an all-new model based on a new platform, with a new engine and with technology that is not seen on hatchbacks in India. With the length just under four metres, the hatchback qualifies to be a compact car under the Indian regulations. 

Although, the Baleno made its public debuted in Germany, the display model has been built in India confirming that facility here is geared up for the launch. The premium hatchback has the new Suzuki design language with sweptback headlamps, flared wheel arches and a V-shaped grille at the front. 

The new platform should make for a spacious cabin while the 355litres boot is officially the biggest in the segment. The cabin layout is similar to that of the more premium S-Cross with the touch-screen music system with Navigation like the one on the Ciaz and the S-Cross. 

In Europe, the car will get a new 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine producing 92bhp and 170Nm of torque. This engine will probably be made available in India at a later date.  At the time of the launch, the Baleno will use the 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine developing 83bhp and 115Nm of torque, alongside the 1.3-litre DDiS200 with output tuned to 90bhp and 200Nm. Both the petrol and the diesel engines will use the SHVS technology for engine start-stop thereby improving the fuel efficiency.

The Baleno will be the second car to be sold through Nexa after the S-Cross. The car will be competitively priced to undercut the competition from i20 and the Jazz. The starting price for the base petrol should be around Rs 5.25 lakh, while the top-end diesel will cost around Rs 8.25 lakh.