Pros & Cons - Maruti Baleno

Pros & Cons - Maruti Baleno

It is the best premium hatchback of India, as reflected in its sale's figures. I list the pros and cons of the Zeta Petrol model, which I bought 2 months back. PROS -    1) Excellent design on the lightweight platform, being as long and 1cm wider than even Dzire, wide wheelbase, making the cabin extra roomy. 2) Excellent look, especially from front and sides and it looks truly premium. 3) No issues with suspension (not as hard as reviewers say). Very little cabin noise, silent, silky smooth engine. 4) Great pick-up. The best is the petrol 1.2L engine. Master craftsmanship by Suzuki. Very refined, very smooth, and silent. 5) Great leg and boot space (339L). Also, wide-bodied due to a wider wheelbase, three adults can sit comfortably side-by-side in the back seat. 6)No compromise on safety features- dual air-bags, ABS with EBD, Seat belt with pre-tensioners, child Isofix, speed sensing auto door lock, impact sensing unlock anti-pinch on power windows and high-speed warning. 7) Harman touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay with steering mounted audio controls and microphone. However, rear parking camera with guidelines and with projection in the large LCD display only available in top model Alpha. 8) Temperature controlled A/C. Cooling is good (even without rear A/C vents). 9) Super- informative MID. 10) The excellent look of the dashboard with the lay-out of smart play infotainment with climate control A/C with the push-buttons console. 11) Chrome everywhere. Looks premium from inside and outside. Black and Blue on inside and upholstery look good. All seats have adjustable headrests. Seats are plush, and rear seats have the right inclination and thigh support for the average Indian. 12) Complete with front and rear 12V charging sockets and USB/ AUX ports. And the list continues. 13) Clutch footrest and both tilt and telescopic steering, height-adjustable driver's seat with all controls on driver side door panel including electrically foldable and adjustable ORVM's. 14) Keyless entry, with remote lock-unlock and push-button engine start. 15) Add to it chrome-cut 16" alloy wheels for extra road stability. and rear parking sensors are also great. 16) Kerb weight 920 KG, loaded 1320 KG only for such a big car. No wonder, it gives the best mileage in its class. But, in reality, expect a mileage of 11-13 KMPL under city driving conditions with moderate to heavy traffic with AC. CONS -  1) The reason for its lightweight and fuel efficiency is the cause of its undoing. Although probably better than most Suzuki cars in India, Its body is made of a thinner plate of metal than cars like Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz, making it more vulnerable on the road, and dents can be horrific. Also, it scratches more easily.  2) No rear A/C vents, unlike i20. It's highly recommended in Indian summers where temperatures soar to 45°C or more. 3) No rear parking camera in-built except Alpha model. 4) You can only fit IRVM mounted or dashboard-mounted cameras for Rs 13,000/- and that too, after drilling a hole in the body of the car. (The square slot given on the rear chrome garnish does not accommodate a camera). 5) If you retrofit a parking camera with on-screen projection on the infotainment system, you risk null & void of the warranty of the car  Overall, It is the gem of a premium hatchback car and best value for money in its segment.