The facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno finally goes on sale in India today, with prices ranging from Rs 6.35 lakh to Rs 9.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Compared to its pre-facelift model, it has received subtle design changes, new features, a revised colour palette, and updated powertrain options. With all these changes, here’s how it now fares against its key rivals like Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Volkswagen Polo, and Honda Jazz: –
Note: Since the Toyota Glanza is due to arrive with similar sort of updates as the new Baleno, we haven’t compared it here.
Engine Specifications
| Petrol | New Baleno | i20 | Altroz | Polo | Jazz |
| Engine | 1.2L DualJet petrol | 1.2L NA / 1.0L turbo | 1.2L NA / turbo | 1.0L NA / turbo | 1.2L |
| Max Power | 90PS | 83PS / 120PS | 86PS / 110PS | 75PS / 110PS | 90PS |
| Peak torque | 113Nm | 115Nm / 172Nm | 113Nm / 140Nm | 95Nm / 175Nm | 110Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT, AMT | NA:- 5-speed MT and CVT Turbo: -6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) / 7-speed DCT | 5-speed MT | NA: 5-speed MT Turbo: 6-speed MT/AT | 5-speed MT, 7-step CVT |
| Claimed Mileage | 22.35kmpl (MT), 22.94kmpl (AMT) | 21.0 kmpl (MT), 19.65kmpl (CVT), 20.25kmpl (iMT), 20.28kmpl(DCT) | 19.05kmpl (NA), 18.13kmpl (turbo) | 17.57kmpl (NA), 18.24kmpl (turo-MT), 16.47kmpl (turbo-AT) | 16.6kmpl (MT), 17.1kmpl (CVT) |
- The power figure of updated Baleno’s 1.2-litre DualJet DualVVT engine is on par with the Jazz and Altroz’s naturally aspirated engines.
- New Baleno is also the most fuel-efficient car of the lot, followed by the i20 and Tata Altroz.
- The Polo is the least powerful car here, followed by i20’s naturally aspirated petrol trims.
- Talking about the turbo-petrol engines, the Altroz and Polo find themself falling short of the i20’s figures. However, the Polo TSI generates nearly identical torque as the Korean hatchback.
- In terms of transmission, the Hyundai i20 is available with the most number of gearbox options. In fact, it is the only car in the segment that offers three transmission choices for two-pedal convenience: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), intelligent-manual transmission (iMT, manual transmission without a clutch pedal), and DCT (dual-clutch transmission)
- Tata is also expected to launch the Altroz with DCT automatic unit in coming months.
- Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz also come with diesel engine options.
Features
| Baleno | i20 | Altroz | Polo | Jazz | |
| LED headlamps with DRLs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Infotainment | 9-inch touchscreen | 10.25-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Sound System | Arkamys tuned | Bose | Harmon | Stock | Stock |
| Connected car tech | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Voice Assistant | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Climate Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rear AC Vents | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Height Adj Driver’s Seat | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cruise Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sunroof | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Auto headlamps | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rain Sensing Wipers | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Push Button Start/Stop | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Digital Driver’s display | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ (semi-digital) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multi-info display | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ambient Lighting | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Heads-up Display | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| in-built Air Purifier | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Paddle Shifters | ❌ | ❌ (N-Line only) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (CVT only) |
| No of Airbags | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wireless Phone Charger | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| TPMS | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ESC | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Hill Hold Assist | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Idle Start/Stop | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Price Range
| Model | Price Range (ex-showroom) |
| 2022 Maruti Baleno | Rs 6.35 – 9.49 lakh |
| Hyundai i20* | Rs 6.28 – 9.95 lakh (NA) Rs 8.88 – 11.32 lakh (turbo) |
| Tata Altroz* | Rs 5.99 – 8.49 lakh (NA) Rs 8.09 – 9.39 lakh (turbo) |
| VW Polo | Rs 6.45 – 10.25 lakh |
| Honda Jazz | Rs 7.76 – 9.99 lakh |
