The most feature loaded hatchback - Maruti Baleno

If you are looking for a hatchback in the under 10lakhs budget having greater specifications and features on offer, then Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the right choice. The new updated Baleno is stylish and better equipped. The top-end Alpha variant has a chunky 1.25L (Diesel) engine, which produces 74BHP and 190Nm of torque. It offers a touch screen infotainment system, alloy wheels, ABS, projector headlamps, LED taillights, automatic climate control, hands-free calling, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror and a lot more which are quite handy for the everyday driving. Baleno's pros also include 40:60 split rear seats, electric folding ORVM, tilt & telescopic steering column, follow-me-home headlamps and a lower NVH level. Although, it still has some cons too. The major issue is the build quality. The exterior body is designed such that any impact could be reduced to act on the passengers inside the car. But this design feature makes the exterior body to have dents even on very smaller impacts like a forceful push with your hand. The kerb weight is less than 1tonne, which may be a bit uncomfortable for driving in gutter roads when the rear passenger seats are empty. The suspension is stiffer considering its body weight. Another issue is with the positioning of rear parking sensors, which is quite above the bumper. In many cases, it doesn't sense the lower ground obstacles like small kerbs or ramps. It still misses out some features like rear A/c vents, cruise control and cooled glovebox which its rivals offer.