I purchased a Baleno Lxi variant in October 2006. I had read a lot of reviews on mouth shut about this car and very few of them had anything bad to say. My decision was made when Maruti Udyog decided to give a Rs. 60, 000 discount on the car. Suddenly the Baleno Lxi was within my budget. I have covered over 5000 km on this beauty now. I would like to write about the performance till date.
Handling: As I have moved on from an Esteem’94 to a Baleno, the feel of the vehicle was excellent. She handled like a dream. The power steering made the drive very comfortable. The gear shifts were a bit hard initially, as it is with most new cars, but they are smooth now. Overall, it is a driver’s car.
Interiors: As soon as you get into the driver’s seat, you can notice the clear uncluttered instrument panel. A digital trip meter would be a good addition, but I guess that would come up in the new Baleno. The interiors are simple and likeable. The glove compartment and the space on the dashboard accommodate most of your knick-knacks. The rear seats are comfortable, especially with the arm rest down. Overall a decent quality interiors
Ride Quality: Simply put it is unbelievable. Once you roll up the windows, there is an uncanny silence, even in the heart of Mumbai. The engine is virtually noiseless. Only with your hand on the gear lever can you feel that the engine is running. Turn on the AC for the ultimate experience. I was told by the dealer before purchase that the AC is best in class and compared to the merc. I thought it was just dealer talk and let it go, but the AC is actually the best in class. Five minutes into the ride, people start screaming at you to reduce the AC. You move your hand to reduce the AC to realize that it is already at the lowest. The only trouble is that you cannot take a speedbreaker like an SUV. With 5 people in the car, you had better make sure you are dead slow on those huge humps, else you will hear a scratching noise which goes straight to the heart. She takes on the rough roads with a huge smile. The smaller bumps are not even felt.
Performance: I can not find words to appreciate the performance of the car. A 90 Bhp engine gives a good amount of acceleration. You can leave most of the other vehicles behind at the signal. To achieve a good acceleration, you might need to move quickly out of first to the second. Most other cars in this segment are poor performers as compared to the pick up the Baleno can provide. The car is very stable at all speed ranges, even at high speeds on the expressway. Good braking and handling. You do not feel a thing to be cruising at about 120. If speed is not for you, then try mileage. I have done a trip from Bombay to Indore and back and got an average of 16 consistently. In the city she gives me about 14.
All in all, a value for money package. A car that can take the long drive as easily as the maddening city traffic.