Maruti Suzuki’s new Baleno is aimed at the premium end of the hatchback segment. It takes on the likes of the Hyundai Elite i20 and the Honda Jazz. Although the Baleno‘s smaller sibling, the Swift, is positioned below it, Baleno’s aggressive pricing has led to some overlap. Official data shows that while Baleno’s foothold in the segment grew by 114%, there’s a 31% decline in the sales of the Swift. Now, what these stats clearly show is that there has been a section of prospective Swift buyers that couls have decided to opt for the new Baleno. The Baleno is definitely proving to be a threat to the Swift. We try to shed some light on how these two hatchbacks compare with each other in our new Maruti Baleno vs Swift spec sheet comparison.
Also See – Maruti Baleno Prices and All Details | Baleno Launch Report | Baleno vs Elite i20 vs Jazz vs Polo
New Maruti Baleno vs Swift – Price Comparison
The biggest reason for our New Maruti Baleno vs Swift comparison post here is the overlap in the prices. For less than the price of a Swift VXi, you get an equally feature-loaded new Baleno Sigma. Also, for the price of a fully loaded Swift ZXi, you can drive home a Baleno Zeta that has almost the same features. Plus, you also get more space and a more premium feel on the new Baleno. With such great overlap in the prices, it gets really tough to choose between the two Marutis.
| Maruti Baleno | Maruti Swift | ||||
| Petrol | Diesel | Petrol | Diesel | ||
| Sigma | INR 4.99 lacs | INR 6.16 lacs | LXi/LDi | INR 4.65 lacs | INR 5.84 lacs |
| Delta | INR 5.71 lacs | INR 6.81 lacs | LXi(O) | INR 4.78 lacs | – |
| Zeta | INR 6.31 lacs | INR 7.41 lacs | VXi/VDi | INR 5.40 lacs | INR 6.31 lacs |
| Alpha | INR 7.01 lacs | INR 8.11 lacs | ZXi/ZDi | INR 6.24 lacs | INR 7.29 lacs |
all prices ex-showroom, New Delhi
Based on the current pricing, the Baleno is fantastic value for money. For less than a lakh extra you get more features, more space and a more premium vehicle overall. And let’s not forget the more premium services offered by the Nexa sales channel.
Also See – Maruti Ignis vs Maruti Swift | Maruti Baleno RS | Maruti Baleno
New Maruti Baleno vs Swift – Features Comparison
The Maruti Baleno offers a longer list of features. In addition to the features on the Swift ZXi, it gets Maruti’s SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and navigation. It also gets a reverse parking camera, projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillamps, automatic headlamps, etc. In terms of safety, ABS and dual front airbags are standard across all variants of the Baleno. However, the Swift gets these features only in the high-end ZXi/ZDi trims. Interestingly, on comparing the similarly priced Swift ZXi and Baleno Zeta, the latter comes out on top in terms of equipment levels. This gives Baleno a definite advantage.
Also, one simply can’t ignore that the Baleno has a more modern platform. It also rides and handles a bit better than the Swift. It is also a bit more fuel efficient. With so many things working in Baleno’s favor, it gets tough to chose between the Swift and the Baleno. You also get a roomier cabin, a sportier dashboard and a slightly more matured ride quality.
New Maruti Baleno vs Swift – Specifications Comparison
| Maruti Baleno | Maruti Swift | |
| Lenght x Width x Height | 3995x1745x1500 mm | 3850×16951530 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 890/985 kg | 965/1060 kg |
| Wheel Type and Size | 16 inch alloys | 15 inch alloys |
| Boot Space | 339 litres | 204 litres |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 1.2 L Petrol/1.3 L diesel | 1.2 L Petrol/1.3 L diesel |
| Power | 84.3 PS/75 PS | 84.3 PS/75 PS |
| Torque | 115 Nm/190 Nm | 115 Nm/190 Nm |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 5-speed MT/5-speed MT/CVT | 5-speed MT/5-speed MT |
| Mileage | 21.4 kpl/25.2 kpl | 20.4 kpl/27.39 kpl |
Powering the new Maruti Baleno are exactly the same engines that power the Swift. However, the new car boasts of higher fuel efficiency figures. This is mainly down to the fact that the Baleno is considerably lighter than the Swift. The other highlight here is the optional CVT automatic that is available with the petrol version of the Baleno, something the Swift misses out on.
New Maruti Baleno vs Swift – Design Comparison
The Maruti Baleno features a much sportier look with its aggressive front end and steeply raked rear windshield. The headlamps seem to have been borrowed from the Swift, especially the ones without the projector units and DRLs as seen on the lower trims. Although looks are a matter of personal taste, we still feel the Swift is much better in terms of appearance as compared to the new Baleno thanks to its more proportionate exterior.
Verdict
Both cars are powered by the same set of engines and even though the Baleno is bigger in size, it doesn’t feel underpowered thanks to a lower kerb weight. Then there is the added advantage of an optional automatic transmission. For now, the Baleno scores higher in terms of value for money as it offers more features even when similarly priced variants are compared. However, these prices are only introductory and are certain to go up by the end of this year. Overall, the Baleno makes a very strong case for itself and when compared with the Swift, it offers a lot more for the price you pay.
We hope our New Maruti Baleno vs Swift comparison helped you in figuring out which of these two hatchbacks makes more sense. Stay tuned to Car Blog India for more news and reviews.
