Compare: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Elite i20 vs Jazz vs Polo vs Punto EVO

Hatchbacks are unquestionably Maruti’s forte. If we look at the automaker's past models, there were three cars which revolutionised their respective segments – the iconic Maruti 800, Alto and the Maruti Swift. The new Baleno is no different from its siblings as well! It has now become Maruti’s flagship hatchback taking charges from the Swift and will soon be exported to rest of the world from the country. And thanks to heavy localisation, the Baleno comes with a brilliant pricing. The appreciable thing here is that the Baleno has become the most economical car in the country that offers standard dual front airbags along with ABS and EBD, right from the base model. Here’s a look at how the Baleno will stack up against its rivals in the premium hatchback space.

Features and Safety 

As mentioned above, the Baleno is the only car in this article that comes standard with dual front airbags and ABS+EBD. None of its rivals in the segment offers standard dual front airbags or even the driver airbag. However, the Honda Jazz is the only car here that offers ABS as standard, but that too with the diesel trims only. Further, leaving the Punto EVO and the Polo aside, all the remaining three cars – the Baleno, Jazz, and the Elite i20 offer touchscreen infotainment unit with built-in navigation and rear view camera. That said, the Baleno trumps here as well by offering Apple Car Play.

Also Read: 

• Maruti Suzuki Baleno Launched At Rs. 4.99 lacs
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno Exclusive Pictures: Vivid Image Gallery!
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno: First Drive

Maruti Suzuki has kept the Baleno's pricing very aggressive, it is considerably cheaper than its arch rivals – the Hyundai Elite i20 and the Honda Jazz. And that too, when it comes with standard dual front airbags along with ABS+EBD. The only negative about the Baleno could be the same engine options as the Swift, but again the former is nearly 100 kg lighter than the latter. Though the Baleno looks promising, only time will tell whether Maruti would be able to cross the 10k sales mark with it, which Hyundai manages to do with the Elite i20 monthly.

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