The Indian automobile market has seen tremendous growth in the past decade, and at the center of this evolution stands the Maruti Suzuki Baleno — a premium hatchback that has consistently raised the bar for style, performance, and innovation. With the latest launch of the new Maruti Baleno, India’s largest car manufacturer is taking things a step further. This time, it’s not just about practicality and affordability; it’s about enhanced comfort, luxury, and technology.
The updated Maruti Baleno isn’t just a facelift — it’s a comprehensive upgrade, loaded with premium touches, a modern design language, and features that make it feel like a car from a segment above. From the exterior design to interior features and driving dynamics, Maruti has engineered this car to appeal to the modern Indian buyer who wants more than just a basic hatchback.
Let’s take a detailed look at how the new Maruti Baleno delivers on its promise of comfort and luxury while maintaining its value-for-money DNA.
A Legacy of Innovation
First launched in 2015, the Baleno quickly became one of Maruti Suzuki’s most successful premium offerings, selling over a million units within just a few years. Its sharp styling, spacious cabin, and fuel-efficient performance made it a favorite among urban buyers.
With the 2024 launch, Maruti aims to solidify Baleno’s position not just as a practical city car but also as a luxurious premium hatchback that competes with models in the compact SUV space in terms of features and comfort.
Exterior: Contemporary Elegance
One of the most noticeable changes in the new Baleno is its exterior design. Maruti has updated the design to reflect a more mature and premium aesthetic, while retaining its sporty character.
Design Highlights:
- A wider front grille with chrome accents, giving the car a bold, upscale look.
- New LED projector headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRLs).
- A muscular bonnet and sculpted sides that add a sense of strength and sophistication.
- 16-inch dual-tone precision-cut alloy wheels that enhance road presence.
- LED tail lamps that stretch into the tailgate, adding a distinctive rear signature.
Overall, the new Baleno looks sharper, wider, and more grounded, making it a stylish option in both urban and highway settings.
Interiors: Plush, Premium, and Packed with Tech
Inside, the Baleno receives a complete cabin overhaul. The focus is clearly on comfort, technology, and refinement — features that were once reserved for more expensive cars are now available in this premium hatchback.
Interior Enhancements:
- A dual-tone cabin theme with a flowing dashboard design that feels modern and upmarket.
- Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door pads, offering a plush tactile experience.
- All-new flat-bottom steering wheel with leather wrapping and mounted controls.
- Front armrest with storage and rear seat center armrest for enhanced comfort.
- Improved seat cushioning with better thigh support for long-distance travel.
- A segment-first Head-Up Display (HUD) in higher variants — displaying speed, RPM, and turn-by-turn navigation.
- 360-degree camera system that assists in tight parking and city maneuverability.
The overall space management is excellent, with ample legroom, shoulder room, and boot space (318 liters), making the Baleno an excellent choice for small families and solo commuters alike.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Smart and Sophisticated
The new Baleno doesn’t hold back when it comes to in-car technology. Maruti has integrated a host of connected features and multimedia upgrades that cater to the tech-savvy Indian customer.
Tech Features:
- A new 9.0-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with a crisp UI and fast response.
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
- Arkamys-tuned premium sound system for an immersive audio experience.
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates via Suzuki Connect for software upgrades.
- Advanced voice assistant with wake-up commands like “Hi Suzuki.”
- Suzuki Connect app with more than 40 connected car features, including remote AC on/off, geo-fencing, vehicle tracking, driving behavior analysis, and remote lock/unlock.
This level of connected convenience is something you’d expect in a much more expensive vehicle, and it’s a game-changer in the hatchback segment.
Performance and Drive Comfort
Under the hood, the new Baleno continues with the reliable and fuel-efficient 1.2L DualJet petrol engine, but with refined tuning for a smoother and quieter drive.
Engine & Transmission:
- 1.2L DualJet VVT Petrol Engine
- Power output: 89 bhp and 113 Nm torque
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual and AMT (Auto Gear Shift)
- Idle start-stop function for fuel efficiency
Maruti claims a mileage of up to 22.35 km/l for the manual and 22.94 km/l for the AMT variant. The power delivery is linear, and the gearshifts (especially in AMT) have been refined to reduce lag and jerkiness.
Ride and Handling:
- Improved suspension setup for better shock absorption.
- Quieter cabin thanks to better insulation and acoustic materials.
- Light steering for city driving; stable dynamics on highways.
- Braking performance has also improved with larger front discs and a better brake pedal feel.
Whether you’re navigating bumper-to-bumper traffic or cruising on open highways, the Baleno delivers a balanced, confident, and comfortable ride.
Safety: A New Priority
Safety has taken center stage in the new Baleno, with significant upgrades that align with global safety standards and consumer expectations.
Key Safety Features:
- Six airbags (driver, co-driver, side, and curtain) in top variants.
- ESP with Hill Hold Assist – a first in segment for AMT variants.
- ABS with EBD and Brake Assist standard across all variants.
- ISOFIX child seat anchors, reverse parking sensors, and a high-speed alert system.
- Reinforced body structure with high tensile steel, enhancing crash safety.
With the addition of these safety features, the Baleno now appeals to family buyers who prioritize safety as much as comfort and style.
Variants and Pricing
Maruti Suzuki has positioned the new Baleno as a value-rich offering despite the premium upgrades. It is available in four main variants:
- Sigma (Base)
- Delta
- Zeta
- Alpha (Top-end)
Each variant offers a progressive jump in features, with the Alpha variant packing all the luxury elements, including HUD, 360-degree camera, and Arkamys sound system.
Ex-showroom Price Range (approximate):
- Starts at ₹6.6 lakh
- Goes up to ₹9.8 lakh for the top-spec AMT Alpha
Rivals in the Segment
The Baleno sits in the competitive premium hatchback segment and competes directly with:
- Hyundai i20
- Tata Altroz
- Toyota Glanza (its sibling)
- Honda Jazz (now discontinued, but still relevant in resale market)
While Hyundai i20 offers sportier performance, and the Altroz provides strong build quality, the Baleno’s value-to-features ratio, wide service network, and resale value make it a very strong contender — if not the leader.
Ownership and After-Sales Experience
One of Maruti’s biggest strengths has always been its after-sales service and maintenance support. The Baleno benefits from this ecosystem with:
- Widespread service centers, even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Affordable service costs and availability of spare parts.
- Service on Wheels for doorstep car maintenance.
- Extended warranty options up to 5 years / 1 lakh kilometers.
With its proven reliability and Maruti’s legendary support network, the Baleno offers peace of mind over the long term.
Final Verdict: A Hatchback That Feels Like a Premium Sedan
With the 2024 Baleno, Maruti Suzuki has successfully blended luxury, technology, comfort, and affordability into one cohesive package. Whether you are a young urban professional, a family buyer, or someone upgrading from a smaller car, the new Baleno offers everything you’d want in a compact premium car — and more.
It delivers big on comfort, surprises with its luxury features, and stays true to its core strengths of efficiency and reliability.
If you’re in the market for a feature-rich hatchback that doesn’t break the bank but offers a taste of premium motoring, the new Maruti Baleno should be at the top of your list.