Maruti Suzuki Baleno Overview

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the premium hatchback in Maruti's line, aimed at buyers who want more space and polish than a basic small car gives. It is a five seat car with a roomy cabin, a large 318 litre boot and a smooth ride. Families and city commuters both find it easy to like.

A 1.2 litre petrol engine does the work, offered with a manual or an AMT automatic, plus a factory CNG option for the lowest fuel bill. The engine is quiet and relaxed rather than sporty, which suits the car's calm nature. It pulls cleanly through town without fuss.

The range starts at ₹5.99 Lakh for the Sigma and runs to ₹9.99 Lakh for the top Alpha AMT, across eleven trims. The Delta and Zeta in the middle are the sweet spot for most buyers. You can work out the on-road Baleno price for your city once you have picked one.

Where this Maruti hatchback pulls ahead is cabin comfort. The seats are supportive, the boot takes a family's luggage, and higher trims bring a big touchscreen and a head-up display. It feels a class above the basic hatchbacks below it. The ride stays comfortable over rough patches, and road noise is kept low for the class. Rear passengers get good knee room, which makes it a fair choice for four adults. Parking stays easy despite the roomy cabin.

For a first car that needs to double as the family car, the Baleno covers a lot of ground. If low running cost matters, weigh the Baleno petrol and CNG mileage before deciding on fuel.