Maruti Suzuki Baleno teased at Nexa showrooms

The Nexa showrooms across India have started teasing the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno on their websites. The premium hatchback will be launched in India on October 26 to take on the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz.

The Baleno will be the second product from Maruti Suzuki to be sold through the Nexa showrooms after the S-Cross. With the length of 3,995mm and width of 1,745mm, the hatchback qualifies to be a small car under the Indian tax regulations. The car is based on an all-new platform, which will also underpin the new compact SUV. 

The new Suzuki design language is visible on the Baleno with the sweptback headlamps, V-shaped mesh front grille and large air dam. The interior is also similar to rest of the premium Maruti cars like the Ciaz and the S-Cross. At 355 litres, the hatchback will have the largest boot in the segment. It will get features like a touch-screen music system with navigation, engine start button and an automatic AC.

At the time of the launch, the Baleno will be offered by the 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 83bhp and 115Nm of torque, alongside the 1.3-litre DDiS200 multijet diesel producing 90bhp and 200Nm. Both the engines will be coupled with the SHVS technology (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) that will use the engine start-stop function and regenerative braking to improve efficiency. Considering that the Baleno diesel will have the same engine transmission set up in the Ciaz, it might replace the sedan as the most fuel efficient car in India.

With the subsidy on the hybrid cars, the Baleno is expected to get a competitive pricing. The base variant should be priced around Rs 5.25 lakh, while the top-end will cost around Rs 8.25 lakh.