Baleno was the first car from the Maruti Suzuki’s stable which was pitched into focus more on a high income earners in India. The price that was fixed at the time of its introduction was also very high as much as Rs. 9 lakhs (approx.). The car was not an instant hit at that time as its average was not matching the Maruti standards. The Baleno is the first Japanese car to be introduced in India with an European design. You can find many Balenos also in US. Baleno was a car which was introduced with more of the western markets in mind by the Suzuki.
But currently the Baleno that is being sold in market has come up from its old versions to the new modern version after a very thoughtful R&Ds from the Maruti Suzuki. The prices have also been reduced considerably. The average fuel consumption has also improved a lot without any compromise on its power. Baleno is the first car in India to have a flat torque. This save the driver from the efforts of changing gears very frequently and subsequently improving the fuel consumption. If you are driving at 20 kmph in the 3rd gear, you can raise the speed to 120kmph straight without changing gears, which gives you an effect of driving an auto-transmission car, this is the effect due to the flat torque of the car. You just take your drivers seat and you can feel the comfort at once and can imagine how enjoyable it will be to drive the Baleno.
The adjustable steering wheel adds more comfort to the drive of the car and makes this car more enjoyable to drive in event of the long drives. The most good safety feature is that after the speed of 60kmph, the hydraulic power steering automatically turns into a manual to help you control the car more efficiently. The crumple zones in the car give you more safety in times of big accidents. Beneath the silent hood is a 1600 cc, 16V Smart-i engine, producing 91 bhp and 130.5 Nm of torque, including an automatic 13 noise reduction features. The low chiseled nose and short rear overhang gives the Baleno its aerodynamic characteristics that fulfill a promise of a luxury sedan designed to deliver hedonistic comfort. The low slung bonnet offers the driver better visibility and depth perception, while the high hipline and solid body coloured bumpers make the car appear muscular and strong. The unique shape of the "HEXALIGHT"™ clear glass front headlamps and the sleek honeycomb front grill add to the overall effect of elegance and style. The rear seats too offer ample head, elbow and legroom.
Due to comprehensive noise reduction measures, the quiteness of the cabin and the smoothness of the ride are virtually unprecedented.
Sandwich construction dashboard panels - Stops the engine noise from reaching the cabin.
Quarter panel Insulators - Absorbs exterior noise.
Wheel housing Insulators - Suppresses exterior noise.
Dashboard Silencer - Absorbs Engine Noise.
Steering Support Tube - Reduces steering vibration.
Cabin Floor Foot Silencer - Isolates exterior noise and suppresses panel vibration.
Roof Insulation Foam - Reduces incidence of wind noise in pillars.
Floor Carpet Silencer - Absorbs exterior noise at the floor.
Chassis Subframes - Reduce vibration and body twist from uneven road surfaces.
Floating Acceleration Cable - Reduces pedal vibration.
Resonators and Silencer - Reduce the noise intake to a minimum.
Front Hood Insulator - Suppresses exterior noise
Boot Floor Sheet Silencer - Isolates exterior noise from rear.
Dimensions :
- Length 4225 mm
- Width 1690 mm
- Height 1390 mm
- Wheel Base 2480 mm
- Thread :
o Front 1440 mm
o Rear 1435 mm
- Ground Clearance 170 mm
- Min. Turning Radius 4.9 mm (The best in its class after the Mitsubishi Cedia)
Weight :
- Kerb Weight 985 Kgs.
- Gross Vehicle Weight 1510 Kgs.
Engine Performance :
- Engine All Aluminium, 16 Valves SOHC
- Cylinders In-Line 4
- Swept Volume 1590 cc
- Bore x Stroke 75.0 x 90.0 mm
- Compression Ratio 9.0 + 0.2:1
- Max. Power Output PS 91 bhp @ 5500 rpm
- Max. Torque 130.5 Nm @ 3000 rpm
- Fuel Distribution Multi point Fuel Injection
- Max Speed 175 Kmph
Transmission :
- Type 5 Forward, all synchromesh, 1 Reverse
Chassis :
- Steering Rack and Pinion with hydraulic Power Assistance
- Brakes :
o Type Vacuum assisted hydraulic
o Front Ventilated Disc
o Rear Drum, Leading/Trailing
- Suspension
o Front McPherson Strut and coil spring with L shaped lower arm and anti roll bar
o Rear McPherson Strut and coil spring with parallel link arrangement
- Tyres :
o 165/80R13 (Lxi)
o 185/65R14 tubeless (Vxi) (The best & the widest one in its class which provide high safety.
Seating capacity : 5 persons.
Colours : Pearl Silver, Silky Silver, Superior White, Midnight Black and Bean Blue.
Though the difference is the VXi & LXi versions is much, the price difference between the two versions is very less. Hence, I would advice people to go for the VXi version. The Baleno has been considered as the underrated car for long but its just the perceptions of the people. Actually it’s the best petrol engine car in its category at the price at which it is sold in the market. Baleno’s dash board may not be as attractive as the other costly cars in its class but its still safe for you and as well is capable of pampering its passengers and the driver.
So in short, if you want a sedan with good features & efficiency, you know what to get for you ….. a Baleno VXi !
But now as this model of Baleno has been discontinued due to the introduction of the SX4 as a new Baleno, one will be able to buy the old styled Baleno only in a Pre-Owned car market.