2022 Maruti Baleno review: Maruti Suzuki recently launched its new Baleno and we got a chance to test drive it. Baleno is definitely the best selling hatchback car in the premium car segment but cars like Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 are giving it a tough competition. The new Baleno has knocked with many new changes, the ex-showroom price of this car ranges from Rs 6.35 lakh to Rs 9.49 lakh. In this report, we are telling you about the first drive …
Design
The design of the new Baleno remains the same but some new elements are seen in the car. The car now gets new bumpers, new headlights, new taillights, which try to give more innovation in its design than before. Apart from this, new 16-inch alloy wheels have been given in the car. The car also has a new rear bumper. This car now looks more upmarket than ever. Had Maruti brought this car with a completely new look, then perhaps even more customers would join this car. But Maruti has played the safe game here as the Baleno is already a hit car and in such a situation, matters could have worsened if the new design does not appeal to the customers.
interior
Maruti Suzuki has also made major changes in the interior of the new Baleno. And this car now gives a much more premium feel. Its dashboard now gives an opportunity to engage more. The new touchscreen infotainment in the car is now bigger than before and it gets better quality viewing and more features have also been included in it. Not only this, the sound system has also been better than before. This time Maruti has also given HUD i.e. Heads Up Display which is usually seen in luxury cars. This feature certainly adds to its X factor.
space and features
In terms of space, the new Baleno has improved and now many small storage spaces are available in the cabin. The cushioning of the car seats is soft and they are quite supportive and the rear seats can also be called comfortable. You will not face any problem during long journey. The list of features in the car has become quite big now. The special thing is that it has been given 6 airbags (two variants of the top). The car gets features like cruise control, electrochrome mirrors, rear AC vents, not only this
Suzuki Connect has also been given with 40 features in it. The 360-degree camera in the new Baleno does a great job and helps a lot in parking. But the car lacks features like sunroof and cooled glove box.
performance
It has a 1.2 liter petrol engine. With the power of 88.5bhp, it generates torque of 113 Nm. Although technically it is being told as a new engine, but there is no significant difference in performance. The lack of power is not felt anywhere during the drive. Apart from this engine 5-speed manual gearbox, this time the option of AGS i.e. Auto Gear Shift has been given. But if you are fond of driving fun, then choose a car with manual gearbox. Its handling is more good, the stability of the vehicle is better on the road during high speed.
Ride quality has also improved in this car but still it cannot be called segment best. Its AGS will be a good choice for you for a comfortable driving experience. But the performance of AGS is a bit slow. Overall, the new Baleno will be liked by the customers like never before.