Suzuki Baleno: Made in India, to be Driven in Japan

The Maruti Baleno has been well accepted by the Indian customers. Over 38,000 units of the premium have been sold in the Indian market and it will be exported to over 100 countries. Adding another feather to its cap, the ‘Made in India' Baleno has been launched by Suzuki in Japan. The exported models are manufactured exclusively in India at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar facility in Haryana. The Baleno gets a 1.2-litre Dualjet naturally-aspirated engine for the Japanese market. The 1.0-litre Boosterjet variant is expected to be launched on May 13, 2016.

Unlike its sedan predecessor, the hatchback has definitely earned Maruti the ‘premium' tag. First showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015 and launched in India on October 26, 2015, the car has been a runaway sales hit for Maruti Suzuki India.

The 1.2-litre VVT petrol and the DDiS190 diesel are very well suited for city driving and do not disappoint on the highways either. Like all Maruti cars, the Baleno claims stellar fuel economy figures of 21.4kmpl and 27.39kmpl for petrol and diesel variants respectively.

Also, for people who enjoy occasional street light drag races, Maruti will soon be launching an RS variant of its civilized hatch. The RS will feature a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with the 'Boosterjet' moniker. Output is rated at 110bhp and 170Nm. With those kind of numbers, the Baleno RS will compete against the Volkswagen Polo GT TSi.

During the occasion of launch held in Tokyo, Mr. Sujan R. Chinoy, Ambassador of India to Japan said, “Maruti Suzuki exports to over 125 countries including those in Europe, which is proof of their quality. The model being launched today, the Baleno is a state-of-the-art car developed and manufactured in India through Suzuki's excellence. It will be exported to 100 global markets including Japan. I am confident that the Baleno will prove to be a huge success in Japan. I wish the launch complete success.”

Mr. Kenichi Ayukawa, MD CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “A landmark moment like this is a true testimony to the success of Indian Government's “Make in India” campaign. Launch of ‘Made in India' Baleno in Japan is a proud moment for all of us. This reaffirms Maruti Suzuki's manufacturing potential and growing importance of Maruti Suzuki India Limited in Suzuki Motor Corporation's global business strategies. I am confident our Baleno would be well accepted by Japanese customers as well.”

Watch First Drive of Maruti Baleno

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