The Maruti Suzuki Baleno specifications describe a hatchback built for comfort and thrift rather than outright speed. The 1.2 litre Z12E petrol makes 82 bhp and 112 Nm, enough to keep the light body moving with ease. The spec sheet leans toward smoothness over drama.
Two gearboxes serve the petrol car, a 5 speed manual and a 5 speed AMT, while the CNG version sticks with the manual. The AMT reads a touch more efficient than the manual, which helps city buyers who want an automatic. Each choice keeps the same engine feel.
Fuel economy is a strong suit. The petrol manual is rated at 23.8 kmpl, the AMT at 24.77 kmpl, and the S-CNG reaches 33.61 km/kg, one of the higher CNG figures around. Those numbers keep monthly costs low. The engine is smooth at cruising speed, so long drives feel relaxed rather than buzzy. Light controls make the Baleno easy to drive in heavy traffic.
On packaging, the 318 litre boot is among the biggest in the class, and the cabin is wide enough to seat three across the back for short trips. The tall roof frees up headroom. That space is the main reason buyers step up from cheaper hatchbacks. It helps to compare Baleno trims feature by feature.
Feature and safety kit climbs steeply up the range, with six airbags, ESP, a head-up display and a nine inch touchscreen on the top trims. Read the sheet as a whole and the Baleno reads like a small car with big-car manners. Then see the Baleno colour palette to round off the choice.
