I bought a baleno lxi a month back after going thru reviews on mouthshut. My opinions below may sound biased in places, but pls understand that I have been a car owner for more than 20 years and hence, am only trying to be objective.
For 6.32 lacs ex-showroom (Delhi), this car is immense value for money. You get the space, the basic amenities and the "big car" status. So if that’s what you are looking for, you will get it all here. Some don’ts:
-> Dont compare with a Honda City or a Ford Fiesta. They are modern & better equipped if not as "big". Technology is a sore point for the Baleno, which features lesser no of gizmos than a high-end WagonR!
-> Don’t expect the car to turn you into Michael Schumacher. A baleno is best enjoyed in the cruise mode, not the race mode.
-> Be prepared for the resale slump. Feel better about the fact that any lack in resale value is offset by the dealer discounts and company discounts.
->No heroics please. She is WIDE so be careful.
The car is a gentle monster. She can hit 130 and you won’t feel a thing. Anyone calls u on your cell will think you are sitting in a loo - she’s that quiet! Ride quality is phenomenally smooth. Rear seat drive is very very comfortable.
In case you have tested other cars, you will miss the following:
->No gizmos - standard product and gauge fitments on the dash. Not even an electronic trip-meter!
->Useful cubby holes limited to the front seat handrest, which is not really a handrest considering its so small and so pushed back! The glove compartment is huge and lockable.
->You need driver seat height adjustment, but if the seat goes any higher, your head will hit the ceiling! OK I’m 5’9" and consider most of us to be of that height.
->Very uncomfortable seats in the front. More so, if the last car you drove was a Santro with its fantastic high and mighty seating!
->Very bad plastics inside. Terribly bad if you compare with a City or a Fiesta. You will HAVE to learn to ignore the fact that the AC vent does not shut/does not have flow control knobs- basic facilities in my opinion.
->As a driver, I dont look from the outside, what matters to me is what’s there inside the car. This is where the car fails.
With all these cons, pls remember that the competitors I am talking about are more expensive to buy & maintain. The engine of this car is unmatched. The rear seat space & comfort is great.
My verdict - Buy the car if you are looking for tremendous value and not frills. She delivers 120% in this perspective.
Side note: My dealer experience was pathetic - so advisory- pls keep your eyes and ears open while dealing with Rana Motors in Delhi. They promise you the world but their service and standards are pathetic. Details in a separate review.