Maruti Suzuki Baleno aka YRA - Is It All About Looks?

Looks that make you stare, features that impress you and a presence that gives you goosebumps. But is the Baleno only about its looks? Let's find out!

Launch Update: Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been launched at a price of Rs 4.99 lacs (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The car offers segment first Apple CarPlay, amongst other creature comforts. In terms of safety, the car features ABS with EBD and Dual-Front airbags as standard throughout all of its variants. Check out the complete launch details right here: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Launched at Rs 4.99 lacs.

Maruti seems to have worked hard on their latest offering to the Indian market. It looks good, feels premium and is even built tough on Maruti’s new platform. It's their first attempt in the premium hatch segment and looks promising for India's largest car maker. 

Design

Maruti Baleno is very elegantly designed. The key features of the design include the new ‘V’ shape front grille which has chrome accents and holds the automaker’s insignia. This, with the muscular front bumper and swept back headlamps, gives the front profile of the car a fresh new look. The design still remains very Suzuki like and no one will mistake the Baleno for a non-Maruti product but, in their own portfolio, this hatchback is the introduction of a new design language. Moving to the side, the first thing which comes to notice is the partial floating roof. Not only does this give extra character to the car but also, makes it look a little sporty. The sturdy wheel arches add to the character of the hatchback with the sloping roof line, rear spoiler and the new Suzuki alloys. Rear of the car has a bold chrome line running along the bottom of the rear glass. The huge rear bumper has a nice scope which aligns with the boot gate to give a neat transition. The tail lights are compact and look good. It's a nice mix of clear and red glass with the turn indicator. The overall design looks appealing and fresh and will definitely appeal to both, Maruti fanatics as well as Maruti critics. 

Also Read: Maruti YRA to be Named as Baleno, Teaser Released

This concludes the looks of the car which we already know are fantastic. Now, lets dig a little deeper to find out if the sole of this hunk has enough metal to match its appearance.

Engine

Baleno looks sturdy but does it have the power to propel into the customers’ heart. It is powered by a 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine which produces 83bhp and 115Nm of torque. To give you a reference of these specs, Elite i20, Baleno’s biggest rival in India, also has almost identical specs. The diesel variant has a 1.3-litre DDiS200 engine with an output of 90bhp and 200Nm of torque. The car will also get Suzuki’s new SHVS technology for engine start-stop functions and a better mileage. The SHVS Ciaz weighs 1595 Kgs and has a claimed mileage of 28.09 km/l. Following this, Baleno will approximately weigh 1200 kgs and will have a shorter wheelbase so, is expected to feature a fuel economy of around 30 km/l.

Interiors & Features

Baleno not only looks premium, but feels premium on the inside too. The cabin is smartly laid out and is wrapped in an all-black theme with silver accents and chrome highlights on the instrument cluster and steering wheel. Adding to the list of features and the in cabin appeal is a 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment system which is borrowed from the Ciaz and S Cross and sits nicely in the centre of the dashboard. The car will be sold out of the Nexa line of showrooms to give their customers a more premium feel. 

Details on how the car drives and handles will be revealed once the car is launched in India. But except for that, the car seems to be an allrounder and definitely packs the power to match the punch. 

Maruti Baleno price is expected to fall in a lucrative bracket to attract maximum customers.

Also Read: Maruti to Showcase Ignis at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015

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