Here we have compared the new Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno on paper with respect to dimensions, specifications and price. Read on to find out who comes out on top.
Hyundai dropped yet another bomb with the new third-gen i20 and we are still drooling over it. With prices starting from Rs 6.80 lakh and going up to Rs 11.18 lakh for the top-spec tubro-petrol Asta(O) variant, it sure is pricey. However, it looks super styling and like most Hyundais, it is packaged extremely well with tons of features and a wide range of powertrain options. The new Hyundai i20 takes on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, Toyota Glanza and the Volkswagen Polo. Here we are comparing the new Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno on paper with respect to dimensions, specifications and price. Read on to find out who comes out on top.
Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Dimensions
| Hyundai i20 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | |
| Length | 3995mm | 3995mm |
| Width | 1775mm | 1745mm |
| Height | 1505mm | 1510mm |
| Wheelbase | 2580mm | 2520mm |
| Boot Space | 311 Litres | 339 Litres |
The new Hyundai i20 is even larger than its predecessor in every dimension. Its longer, wider, and the wheelbase has also grown by 10mm, allowing more room on the inside. So in terms of foot print, the new i20 is the clear winner here. It is the widest hatchback in the segment, also with the longest wheelbase. As for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, it was the longest hatchback in the segment but now, it has been matched by the new i20 on that ground. The Baleno was also the most spacious hatchback on the inside in this segment but that too could be dwarfed by the new 120 as its both wider along with a longer wheelbase. The Baleno is however 5mm taller and has a bigger boot the the i20 by a fair margin.
Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Base Engine Specs
| Hyundai i20 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | |
| Engine | 1.2L, 4-cylinder | 1.2L, 4-cylinder |
| Power | 83hp(MT)/88hp(AT) | 83hp |
| Torque | 115Nm | 113Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed MT/CVT | 5-speed MT/CVT |
Both Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki offer a naturally aspirated engine as their base-spec engines. Interestingly, both engines are of the same configuration and produce the exact same horsepower figure with their 5-speed manual gearboxes. While both cars are also offered with CVT gearboxes, the Hyundai i20 has a little power advantage with 88hp while the power figure on the Baleno remains the same with its automatic gearbox. This engine on the i20 has been carried over unchanged from the previous-gen model. The i20 also has a tad bit more torque than the Baleno in both its automatic and manual configurations.
Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Turbo Petrol/Mild Hybrid Engine Specs
| Hyundai i20 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | |
| Engine | 1.0L, 3-cylinder | 1.2L, 4-cylinder with Mild-Hybrid Tech |
| Power | 120hp | 90hp |
| Torque | 172Nm | 113Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed iMT/7-speed DCT | 5-speed MT/CVT |
With its new 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, the new i20 has become the most powerful hatchback in its class. It was actually the VW Polo that was the most powerful hatchback in its class before the arrival of the new i20. Maruti Suzuki however takes a different approach here with mild-hybridization instead of turbo charging. The 1.2L engine on the Baleno gets additional 7bhp of power due to the mild-hybrid tech and while its not the powerful enough in comparison the i20, its more powerful than a few other hatchacks in this segment. The mild-hybrid tech also greatly aids fuel efficiency.
While Hyundai only offers an iMT gearbox with the new i20 (no, there’s no proper manual gearbox), the automatic gearbox on the i20 is more sophisticated with a 7-speed DCT unit. Maruti Suzuki on the other hand continues with the 5-speed manual and CVT gearbox on the mild-hybrid engine just as its offered on the non-hybrid engine.
Also Read : Best Discounts on Compact and Sub-Compact SUVs this Festive Season!
The new Hyundai i20 also comes with a 1.5L diesel engine from the Creta and Verna but has been detuned to produce 100bhp and 240Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox but there’s no option for an automatic gearbox. Maruti Suzuki on the other hand does not obviously offer a diesel engine on the Baleno anymore. If a diesel engine is your preference, you have no choice with the Baleno here.
Also Read : All You Need To Know About The New Third-Gen Hyundai i20 – Complete Details!
Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Prices
| Hyundai i20 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | |
| Price | Rs 6.80 – Rs 11.18 lakh | Rs 5.70 – Rs 9.03 lakh |
The Hyundai is clearly the more expensive hatchback. It has both a higher starting price and a higher top-end price than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. However, Hyundai has also packaged the new i20 extremely well to justify the premium price tag. With a wide number of variant configurations, you should be able to find the right variant for yourself and still come away with a great deal. The new Hyundai i20, just like its predecessor is a great all-rounder and a no-brainer choice in the segment. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is still one of the most sensible buys in the segment, and if space, mileage and peace of mind is your priority, the Baleno is still a great product. It is afterall the best selling hatchback in this segment.
