I have just completed the first week of my purchase of Baleno and only one word comes to mind to describe it - MINDBLOWING. Its pick-up (acceleration) and power is unlike anything I have seen in India (never driven the Merc, so thats a qualification).
The ride is VERY comfortable and I suppose the all wheel independent McPherson Struts helps. It is really roomy on the inside and the AC is WOW. It chills you up in under 15 seconds on the front seat and 20 seconds on the rear seat. All the gizmos are there for the techies but the CD player is missing. But at Rs. 6.55 lacs price, its definately a steal.
The dealer where I got my Baleno, made me break the coconut, snapped pictures of keys handover - the full works. Totally unexpected and wow experience. Really makes one believe - For Maruti I am King (customer).
One last thing about the steering, it seems to read your mind and the driving is absolutely effortless. Its the best ever I have ever driven - including the Honda City and Cielo (which I rate as very good steering systems).