Maruti Baleno vs Hyundai Elite i20 vs Honda Jazz - Premium Battle is About to Begin!

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 is expected to launch its much awaited premium hatchback, YRA or Maruti Suzuki Baleno, in the festive month of October. And with this launch, it will add one more car to the NEXA arsenal alongside S-Cross which is bringing in decent numbers for the manufacturer, still very less compared to Hyundai Creta. Also, in the premium hatchback space, Elite i20 and Honda Jazz are having a really good time with no Marutis around, the Swift just can’t compete with their space and features. To tackle this, Baleno could be the answer for Maruti, let’s see if it is capable of rattling Elite i20 and Jazz’s cage.

The Looks

Now, this is a segment where one need not to worry about the looks and both the current offerings, Elite i20 and Jazz look apart from the rest of the stereotypical hatchback foray. Only one has to decide what taste suits them while choosing. Elite i20 has a wide low slung body type while the short bonnet of Jazz makes it look longer and the angle on the body provide it the sturdiness. Baleno though, is more on Elite i20 side with a similar wide body placement, but unlike the i20’s or Jazz’s sharp looks, it gets a flowing body design, courtesy Suzuki’s latest liquid flow design, that is way decent than the other too. Certainly it will attract those looking for something less radical and more elegant. Also, Baleno will come with projector headlamps underlined with DRLs, that the other two don’t offer for the time being.

The Cockpit

In this case, Honda gets a very stylish cabin with an array of layers merging into each other, a smart instrument cluster with a unique three pod setup and magic seats for added versatility. But the same can't be said for the infotainment system as the touch is not as direct, also there is something wrong with the resolution-looks like an evolution of the early video game graphics. On the other hand, Baleno will get the SmartPlay unit from S-Cross that we have experienced and are impressed. Elite i20 too is a good looking and well thought to start with, but is only offered with black and beige and its boot space is less than 300 liters.

Also Read: 8 Things to Know about Upcoming Maruti Baleno aka YRA

The Fire and Lightning

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

Compare Maruti Baleno vs i20 vs Jazz

Maruti has brought the mild hybrid technology, though it is still far from the full fledged hybrids, yet it will be decent first step for low cost hybrids. And then it will also benefit from governments FAME scheme that provides special subsidies for hybrid and electric vehicles. Under the hood, it will be getting the 1.3 litre DDiS200 diesel engine that is expected to give mileage around 30 kmpl- very compelling to start with. Then the less weight as compared to the Ciaz will make the Baleno very agile. Taking the competition, Jazz and Elite i20 will not have the Hybrid stardom to back them like the Baleno, until Honda or Hyundai do something like Suzuki.

Read more on Baleno:

Baleno aka YRA - Is It All About Looks?

A Cage Rattler?

With the Sales numbers of Elite i20 & Jazz rocketing sky high, it would be interesting to see how the Baleno will stand among them. The i20 has a strong name backing it from the day it was launched in 2008, while Jazz has a premium tag to it that is now handsomely priced unlike earlier when it was first introduced. Amidst this, will Maruti, who is fighting to get out of its premium car jinx, be able to stand strong like it does in the small car segment? I think with the attributes Baleno has got, it might just accomplish this feat. Period.

Also See: Maruti Baleno Exclusive Pictures - Vivid Image Gallery!

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