Maruti Suzuki has finally launched its new premium hatchback in the Goan market, The Baleno. The Baleno name plate is no new name in the Indian market, and was earlier used on a sedan which did not do high numbers.
The Baleno has been launched in Goa after 3 months from the national launch as there was no NEXA dealership in Goa as yet. Sai Service has recently opened the first NEXA dealership in Goa. With the new Baleno Maruti will take on the Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz.
The Baleno’s design looks classy and premium. The front is dominated by the headlamps which get Day time running LEDs. There’s a V – Shaped front grille with chrome surround. Lower down there are larger air intakes and fog lamps make the car look attractive. Moving along to the side there’s a nice crease line which flows seamlessly along the side and merge into the rear LED tail lamps. The Baleno rides on 16 inch alloy wheels.
The interiors sport premium looking black theme with silver accents on the dashboard and the centre console. A 7.0 inch touchscreen equipped with Apple Car Play is a first for any car in the Indian market. There’s an LCD screen for the instrument panel and separate digital display for the HVAC controls.
Power for this new hatchback comes from the familiar 1.2 litre K – Series, naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol engine producing 83 bhp and torque at 115 Nm, The engine is mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox and a four speed CVT automatic gearbox. The 1.2 petrol Baleno returns an impressive 21.4 kmpl
The 1.3 litre DDIS diesel unit puts out 74 bhp and 190 nm of torque mated to a five speed manual gearbox only. The diesel Baleno returns an economical 27.39 kmpl
Maruti Suzuki has now increased the prices for the Baleno hatchback in between Rs, 5000 to Rs 12,000, while the base variant has been hiked by Rs 12,000 all other variants prices have been increased by Rs 5,000 only. The Baleno has gained around 70,000 bookings all India and commands a six month waiting period.
The Baleno also stole the number 1 position from the Hyundai Elite I20 which sold 10,379 units over the 10,572 units of the Baleno in November 2015.
Maruti Suzuki has also revealed that a RS concept version of the Baleno will debut at the 2016 Auto Expo in February. The RS variant is likely to be powered by the company’s brand new 1 litre booster jet engine.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Goa Prices
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 VVT Petrol prices
| Variant | On-Road |
| 1.2 Sigma | 5,86,843 |
| 1.2 Delta | 6,60,321 |
| 1.2 Zeta | 7,34,469 |
| 1.2 Alpha | 8,14,190 |
| 1.2 Delta CVT Automatic | 7,85,718 |
Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.3 DDIS 190 Diesel prices
| Variant | On-Road |
| 1.2 Sigma | 7,17,385 |
| 1.2 Delta | 7,91,412 |
| 1.2 Zeta | 8,59,744 |
| 1.2 Alpha | 9,39,465 |
Prices are effective Jan 2016
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Image gallery
