मारुति बलेनो 2015-2022 1.2 अल्फा

After considering the tremendous demand in premium hatchback segment, MSIL brought in the Baleno series. Among the variants available, Maruti Baleno 1.2 Alpha is the top spec trim. This variant has a gorgeous body design, including chrome door handles, body colored bumpers and ORVMs. It comes with a ground clearance of 170mm that is truly compatible for rough roads, and has a boot space of 339 litres in order to carry quite a few things. Inside, it is adorned by a leather covered steering wheel, metal finished door handles and much more. Apart from furnishings, it has automatic air conditioning, front and rear adjustable seat headrests. Coming to the safety, it includes a lot of noteworthy protective features to confer a safe and sound drive along with front seat belt pretensioners, antilock braking system and Suzuki TECT body. There are disc and drum brakes for its front and rear wheels, respectively. Beneath the skin, it includes a 1197cc petrol engine that is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and four cylinders. This mill is capable of offering 115Nm and a maximum fuel efficiency of 21.4 Kmpl. The car gets a basic warranty for a limited duration and distance, which can be increased by taking an extended warranty program. Find out what other variants of Maruti Baleno offer in terms of comfort and safety features.

Exteriors

The front fascia of the Baleno looks stunning with a chrome inserted grille, projector daytime running headlights with LED and Black colored air dam along a pair of fog lamps. However, rear end comprises of a stylish boot lid that has Suzuki's emblem at the center, sporty door spoiler, tail lights with LED, windscreen wiper, washer as well as defogger. Its outside rear view mirrors and bumpers are available in body color, while door handles get chrome treatment. The 16 inch alloy wheels have 195/55 R16 tubeless radials. Moreover, there are (A+B+C) pillar blackouts and ultra violet cut glasses in order to restrict UV rays entry inside the car.

Interiors

The Baleno has a well designed cabin with spectacular dashboard and center panel. Its steering wheel as well as seats are covered by leather, while door handles and parking brake tip come in metal finishing. The glove box, luggage compartment and front footwell have illumination. It includes multi information speedometer display and a well equipped SmartPlay infotainment system. This trim has a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay feature, which enables the driver to connect their iPhone and access it. Apart from this, it includes music system, MP3/CD players with AUX-In, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. All the controls pertaining to its music player are given on the steering wheel. Moreover, there is a navigation system in order to guide to the destination.

Engine and Performance

This premium hatchback comprises of a 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine, which is good in churning out a maximum power of 83.1bhp at 6000rpm and a peak torque of 115Nm at 4000rpm. It comes with a DOHC valve configuration, including a total of four cylinders and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This mill has BS IV emission norms and a displacement capacity of 1197cc. Based on an MPFI fuel supply system, it delivers mileage of 17.8 Kmpl within the city.

Braking and Handling

Its front wheels come with discs and the rear pair has drum brakes. Furthermore, its front axle has a McPherson strut, while rear one incorporates torsion beam. Notably, antilock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution are also available to make this braking system more powerful.

Comfort features

The Baleno gets a huge package of amenities, including electrically foldable external mirrors, tilt adjustable steering wheel, front as well as rear set headrests with adapting function. It has remote keyless entry, central locking system, push start/stop with smart key. Moreover, this model comprises of an automatic air conditioning, front center armrest along with storage, accessory socket in both rows and driver seat with height adjusting facility. One of its most important feature is follow me home headlights, which stay on for a set duration of time to indicate the direction to the location of this car. This hatch also has front and rear power windows, of which the driver side can be operated automatically. It has a remote trunk opener, low fuel warning light, tachometer, digital clock and vanity mirror. The rear row seat can be folded in 60:40 ratio to expand the volume of boot compartment that is 339 litres.

Safety Features

This runabout is introduced with impressive security features, comprising of a Suzuki Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) body, automatic headlamps, front passenger airbags, ABS and EBD. It includes dual horn, pinch guard power window for driver, auto dimming IRVM, front seat belt with pretensioners and force limiters. There are reverse parking sensors and a camera to make it easier to park this hatch. Furthermore, it comes with brake assist, anti theft security system, side as well as front impact beams, child safety locks, warnings regarding seat belt and door ajar.

Pros:

1. SmartPlay infotainment for the 1st time in this brand.
2. Stylish interiors and exteriors.

Cons

1. Price of this trim is higher than its competitors.
2. Engine performance can be better.