Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The 2025 Baleno is powered by a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 88 bhp. This engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) and is shared with Glanza

The manual gearbox offers smooth and precise shifts, catering to driving enthusiasts, while the AMT provides convenience, especially in urban traffic conditions. However, the AMT may feel a bit jerky at times, if you’re used to CVTs and DCTs. 

The engine is tuned for fuel efficiency and city commuting, offering adequate performance for daily drives. Expecting frugal highway performance though, might be a bit disappointing as the engine feels annoyed when you start pushing it to the redlines. 

Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The petrol variants with manual transmission offer an ARAI-certified mileage of 22.35 km/l, while the AMT variants deliver slightly higher at 22.94 km/l. 

In real-world conditions, drivers can expect around 18-20 km/l in city traffic and 22-24 km/l on highways, depending on driving habits and conditions. 

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno's interior is designed with a focus on comfort and functionality but don’t expect that much of a premium touch in it. 

The dashboard features a clean and ergonomic layout, with controls easily accessible to the driver. Materials used are of good quality (in terms of durability), and the fit and finish are commendable for the segment. The cabin offers a sense of space, enhanced by thoughtful design elements.

Seating in the Baleno is comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. 

The rear seats can comfortably accommodate three passengers, making it suitable for family outings. However, some users have noted that the rear seat lacks adjustable headrests, which could be a consideration for taller passengers.

Features & Infotainment

The Baleno comes equipped with a host of features aimed at enhancing the driving experience:

• Infotainment System: A 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface is user-friendly, though there have been occasional reports of lag.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control works flawlessly all the time!
• Steering-Mounted Controls: The Baleno comes with these practical features from quite a lower trim level, which makes the ownership quite affordable yet convenient!
• Keyless Entry with Push Auto-Start/Stop: Adds convenience and efficiency, especially in higher variants.
  While the Baleno offers a comprehensive feature set, it misses out on certain premium features like a sunroof and ventilated seats, which some competitors provide in this segment.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Baleno retains its sleek and contemporary design. The front fascia features a bold grille flanked by sharp LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs. 

The side profile showcases smooth lines and a balanced stance, while the rear is accentuated by LED tail lamps that add to its modern appeal. 

The overall design is understated yet elegant, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Baleno with a range of safety features:

• Airbags: Dual front airbags are standard across all variants.
• ABS with EBD: Ensures stable braking performance, especially during emergency situations.
• Rear Parking Sensors: Assist in safe and convenient parking.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: Provide secure mounting points for child seats.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist: Available in automatic variants, enhancing vehicle control during sudden maneuvers and preventing rollback on inclines.

While the Baleno offers essential safety features, it has not yet been rated by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP. However, the inclusion of standard safety equipment reflects Maruti Suzuki's commitment to occupant protection.

In the premium hatchback segment, the Baleno faces competition from:

• Hyundai i20: Known for its feature-rich offerings and premium interior quality.
• Tata Altroz: Offers a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating and a robust build.
• Toyota Glanza: Shares its platform with the Baleno, offering similar features with Toyota's brand assurance.

Each of these competitors brings unique strengths, but the Baleno stands out with its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Baleno remains a strong contender in the premium hatchback segment. It offers a blend of practicality, efficiency, and affordability. While it doesn’t push the boundaries in terms of innovation or premium features, it continues to be a well-rounded package that appeals to a wide audience; particularly those looking for a fuel-efficient and spacious city car.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Baleno is available in multiple variants. Below is a breakdown of the variants along with their ex-showroom prices: