After launching its premium crossover S-Cross two months ago, Maruti has now started teasing its premium hatchback YRA aka Baleno ahead of its official launch on 26th October 2015. The upcoming hatchback was initially revealed at just concluded Frankfurt motor show. The premium hatchback will be manufactured at company’s Manesar plant and will be exported to various international markets across the globe.
Maruti to sell upcoming Baleno via its NEXA dealerships only and it would be the second vehicle after S-Cross to be sold via NEXA. BIMAL NEXA in Bangalore has released a teaser on its website with a “coming soon” slogan confirming its October launch. Maruti Suzuki Baleno will be pitted into the premium hatchback segment which is currently ruled by Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz.
At 3995 mm in length, 1745 mm in width and 1470 mm in height, Baleno will offer more interior room than its sibling Swift. The 355 liters of boot space is also at par with the competition and big enough to swallow 4-5 bags.
For those asking, the Baleno would be launched in both petrol and diesel fuel engines. The petrol variants expected to be powered by the 1.2L 4-cylinder motor along with company’s tried and tested Fiat-sourced 1.3L DDis 4-cylinder motor for diesel variants. The diesel variants are expected to come with Maruti’s latest SHVS technology seen on Ciaz.
Earlier reports have indicated that the company might bring Suzuki’s 1.0L turbocharged Boosterjet petrol engine to the Baleno. However, it wouldn’t be available at the time of launch; but it might be launched at later stages. Transmission options include a conventional 5-speed manual gearbox along with an optional CVT gearbox on petrol variants.
Maruti says that the new Baleno is based on all new platform; but it looks like a bigger version of Swift with differences. The front is dominated by V-shaped grille, big air dam with horizontal slats, sweptback headlight clusters flanked by LED DRLs, 16 inch 8-spoke alloy wheels, sloping roofline and C- shaped LED tail lights.
In a bid to target premium hatchback buyers, Maruti equip Baleno with features like 7 inch Smartplay infotainment system with Appleplay and navigation, reverse parking camera, automatic climate control, rear seat spilt, leather upholstery, black interiors with silver accents. MSIL might also provide driver side airbag as standard across all variants along with other optional features like ABS and EBD.
