Maruti Suzuki has launched the new Baleno premium hatchback in India with a starting price of around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom). The Baleno has always been one of the most popular premium hatchbacks in the country, and this latest version continues that legacy. It comes with a 1199cc petrol engine, improved features, better comfort, and a fresh design that suits modern buyers.
This car is mainly aimed at people who want a stylish, spacious, and fuel-efficient hatchback for daily city use as well as long highway drives. In this article, we will talk about the design, interior, engine performance, mileage, safety, variants, and whether the new Maruti Baleno is worth buying or not.
Key Highlights of the New Maruti Baleno
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Starting price around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom)
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1199cc petrol engine
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Premium hatchback with updated design
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Good mileage for daily use
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Comfortable interior with modern features
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Trusted Maruti Suzuki reliability
Exterior Design and Styling
The new Maruti Baleno looks sharper and more premium than before. The front design has been updated with a wider grille and sleeker headlights. The LED projector headlamps and LED DRLs give the car a modern look, especially at night.
From the side, the Baleno has smooth body lines that make it look sporty but not too aggressive. The alloy wheels add to the premium feel, while the overall shape remains familiar to Baleno fans. At the rear, the LED tail lamps look stylish and help the car stand out in traffic.
Overall, the design is clean and balanced. It does not try to look over-styled, which many buyers will appreciate.
Interior and Cabin Comfort
Step inside the new Baleno, and you will notice that the cabin feels more upmarket than earlier models. The dashboard design is simple but well laid out. The quality of materials has improved, and the dual-tone interior adds freshness to the cabin.
The seats are comfortable and offer good support for long drives. Both front and rear passengers get enough legroom and headroom, making the Baleno a practical choice for families. The rear seat can easily seat three adults for short to medium journeys.
Storage spaces are well planned, with cup holders, door pockets, and a decent glove box. The boot space is also good enough to carry luggage for weekend trips.
Infotainment and Features
Maruti has given the Baleno a good set of features for its price. The touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and supports smartphone connectivity. The display is clear, and the response is smooth for daily use.
Other useful features include:
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Automatic climate control
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Steering-mounted controls
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Push-button start/stop
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Keyless entry
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Multi-information display
These features make daily driving more comfortable and convenient, especially in city traffic.
Overview Table (Better Latest Content)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Maruti Baleno |
| Body Type | Premium Hatchback |
| Engine | 1199cc Petrol |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic |
| Starting Price | Around ₹6 Lakh (Ex-showroom) |
| Mileage (Claimed) | Approx. 22–23 km/l |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
Engine and Performance (1199cc)
The Maruti Baleno is powered by a 1199cc petrol engine that is known for its smooth performance and reliability. This engine is well suited for city driving, where it feels light and easy to handle. Gear shifts are smooth, and the engine remains quiet even at higher speeds.
On highways, the Baleno performs confidently. It can cruise comfortably at high speeds without feeling stressed. While it is not a sporty car, it delivers enough power for overtaking and long drives.
The engine is tuned more for comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive performance, which suits the needs of most Indian buyers.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Mileage has always been a strong point of the Maruti Baleno, and the new version continues this trend. The 1199cc petrol engine delivers an impressive claimed mileage of around 22 to 23 km/l, depending on the variant and driving conditions.
In real-world city conditions, buyers can expect decent fuel efficiency if driven smoothly. On highways, the mileage can improve further, making it a cost-effective car to own in the long run.
This makes the Baleno a good option for people who travel daily and want to keep fuel expenses under control.
Ride Quality and Handling
The ride quality of the Baleno is comfortable, especially on city roads. Small bumps and rough patches are handled well, and passengers do not feel too many jerks inside the cabin.
The steering is light, which is helpful in traffic and during parking. At higher speeds, it feels stable and confident. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, so sharp cornering is not its main strength, but for normal driving, it performs well.
Overall, the Baleno offers a smooth and relaxed driving experience.
Safety Features
Maruti has improved safety in the new Baleno. It comes with essential safety features that are important for everyday driving.
Key safety features include:
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Dual front airbags
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ABS with EBD
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Rear parking sensors
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Seat belt reminders
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High-speed alert system
These features make the Baleno a safer choice compared to older models and entry-level hatchbacks.
Price and Variants
The Maruti Baleno starts at around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable premium hatchbacks in its segment. It is available in multiple variants, allowing buyers to choose according to their budget and feature needs.
Lower variants focus on value for money, while higher variants offer more comfort and technology features. This wide range makes the Baleno suitable for first-time buyers as well as experienced car owners.
Final Verdict
The new Maruti Baleno is a well-rounded premium hatchback that offers a good balance of style, comfort, mileage, and price. The 1199cc engine is smooth and reliable, the interior is spacious, and the features are practical for daily use.
If you are looking for a premium hatchback under ₹6 lakh that is easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and backed by Maruti’s wide service network, the Baleno is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the engine capacity of the new Maruti Baleno?
The new Maruti Baleno comes with a 1199cc petrol engine.
Q2. What is the starting price of the Maruti Baleno?
The starting price is around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q3. Is the Maruti Baleno good for city driving?
Yes, the Baleno is very comfortable for city driving due to its smooth engine and light steering.
Q4. What mileage does the Maruti Baleno offer?
The claimed mileage is around 22–23 km/l, depending on the variant and driving conditions.
Q5. Is the Maruti Baleno suitable for family use?
Yes, with its spacious cabin, good boot space, and comfort features, the Baleno is a good family car.