Maruti Swift Lxi vs Baleno Sigma – Which Base Model To Buy?

In this post, we shall compare the Maruti Swift Lxi and Baleno Sigma in terms of price, specs, features and dimensions. Both these are base model versions of their respective lineups. Hence, the main reason for this comparison is to explore which base variant makes more sense. Note that Swift and Baleno overlap significantly with regard to price. That makes both of these options viable. Note that we just received the 4th generation version of the Swift in our market recently. It comes with a brand-new fuel-efficient engine, new features, improved safety and minor aesthetic enhancements. On the other hand, Baleno is the highest-selling premium hatchback in the country ever. Let us take a look at the details of both these vehicles here.

Maruti Swift Lxi vs Baleno Sigma – Price Comparison

The new 2024 Maruti Swift has a starting price of Rs 6.49 lakh, ex-showroom. This is what the Lxi trims. While it might seem like an attractive price point, the Swift has gotten pretty expensive compared to a few years ago. However, that is true for almost all other cars due to inflation and rise in input costs. On the other hand, Baleno has a starting price of Rs 6.66 lakh, ex-showroom for the Sigma variant. Hence, there is only a difference of Rs 17,000 between the two. For this premium, you get a bigger car in the form of a Baleno.

Maruti Swift Lxi vs Baleno Sigma – Specs Comparison

The new Maruti Swift comes with a brand new Z Series engine this time around. This is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill with mild hybrid technology which is capable of generating a decent 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. There are options of choosing between either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. However, in the base Lxi trim, you can only get the 5-speed manual. Additionally, this new engine offers a class-leading mileage of 24.8 kmpl with the manual version and a whopping 25.75 kmpl with the automatic transmission. That is a huge factor for a whole lot of people to buy any Maruti Suzuki product in general and Swift in particular. To boost practicality, the boot space is a healthy 265 litres. Also, you should be able to take it to just about any road in the country with a handy ground clearance of 163 mm.

On the other hand, the Maruti Baleno still draws power from the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K Series engine which also powered the last-gen Swift. In the Baleno, this mill churns out a healthy 90 PS and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. Again, there are options of either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. However, with this base model, you can only opt for the manual. In general, the Baleno also comes with a CNG mill which drops the power and torque figures to 78 PS and 99 Nm, respectively. The mileage in the manual version is an impressive 22.35 kmpl, while with the AMT, this is almost similar at 22.94 kmpl. The CNG version is the one for people seeking low running costs, but it is not available with the base trim. Apart from that, the Baleno has a boot capacity of a colossal 318 litres and a ground clearance of 170 mm. Baleno has a slight edge over the Swift in this regard.

Maruti Swift Lxi vs Baleno Sigma – Dimensions Comparison

Even though there is a huge overlap in the prices of these two cars, they belong to two different segments of our market. Hence, there is a gap in terms of the dimensions of the two. The Swift is substantially shorter of the two which also translates to wheelbase. It is also narrower than the Baleno. It wins with regard to the height. The table below will help you see the details side by side.

Features Comparison

While the top variants of these cars come equipped with the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and safety amenities, these get toned down drastically in the base models. That is what makes things interesting. This comparison will take into account the functionalities one would get by spending the least possible amount on either of these cars. Let us commence this comparison with the new Swift Lxi.

• Projector Halogen Headlamps
• LED Taillamps
• 14-inch Steel Wheels
• Roof Antenna (Micropole)
• MID Instrument Cluster
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Speed Sensitive Automatic Door Lock
• Front Seatbelts with Pretensioner and Force Limiter
• Manual Air Conditioner with Panel Illumination
• Keyless Entry System
• Central Door Locking
• Power Windows (Front and Rear)
• Power and Tilt Steering Wheel
• Rear Defogger
• Front Accessory Socket
• Adjustable Front Seat Headrests
• Electric Back Door Opener
• Manually Adjustable ORVMs

On the other hand, the Maruti Baleno Sigma offers:

• Projector Halogen Headlamps
• Nexa Signature LED Taillamps
• 15-inch Steel Wheels
• All Four Power Windows
• Central Locking
• Keyless Entry
• Automatic Climate Control
• Rear Defogger
• Power and Tilt Steering Wheel
• MID Instrument Cluster
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• 3-Point ELR Seat Belts for All Occupants
• Brake Assist
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages
• 2 Airbags
• Adjustable Headrests for All Occupants

Our View

Now, I understand that choosing between these two mighty compelling products is not easy. Moreover, since they belong to the same brand, people could easily get confused. But there are clear pros and cons to each of these. Hence, you can decide according to your preferences. For instance, the new Swift comes with a brand-new engine which offers incredible mileage. That will ensure that running costs are low. On top of that, this time around, the largest carmaker in the country has even worked on safety by offering 6 airbags as standard right from the base variant. Also, the Swift comes with slightly more features in this variant.

On the other hand, the Baleno is the larger of the two. That allows a more pronounced road presence. Secondly, being a larger car results in more space inside the cabin. This is true for the passengers, as well as the boot compartment. Even though the mileage of the Baleno is not as high as the Swift, still it is not too far behind. However, it comes with just 2 airbags which could concern some people who prioritize safety over everything else. Hence, by spending Rs 17,000 extra, you get a bigger car with more room, but you have to compromise on some safety and convenience features. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

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