I have been using Baleno LX from more than 3 years and would like to share my experience. Its an amazing car with excellent handling, speed and comfort. The slightly low driver seat and light weight body gives it a sport car feel. The car is quick to get speed and stop when required. AC is effective though make little noise when fan is at full speed. The performance with AC ON is quite good. WIth windows closed, there is no noise inside and you can enjoy your favorate music peacefully.
Power steering is good, so is the leg space. Maruti’s support, especially Bimal Auto Service in Bangalore, has been excellent. Mileage is around 10 in bad Bangalore traffic and 15-16 on highway - above average in this segment. I had driven Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible for 3 years in US and I am happy that this car is not far behind that one in performance.
If you really want to enjoy a Baleno, take it on a highway and see it sail smoothly. No wonder it is a first choice of drag racers. It gives a speed of 120 w/o any modification and you wont even feel like you’re driving at that speed. Its a highway star...
The only downside is its aluminium type body. A small touch with anything means you’ve to spend some money to get it repaired. Anything major can be as expensive as it gets. But I guess repair and maintenance do not come cheap in this segment. Another one - common for all Maruti models - is its low base which can be problematic in pothole and speed breaker filled roads of Bangalore.
I am surprised that Maruti chose to discontinue this mean machine loved by bad boys of driving!!! Though, I am happy that I bought this car and am sure it will become a collector’s edition sooner than later :)