As of March 2023, the Maruti Baleno accounted for over 62% of the 2 million vehicles sold by the NEXA retail chain. Month on month, it has been the highest-selling premium hatchback, which says volumes for the popularity the car enjoys. Here are what we feel are the top reasons why people are buying the Maruti Baleno like anything. Built upon Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, the Baleno has consistently held the title of being the most beloved and top-selling premium hatchback in the nation since its debut. It competes head-to-head with contenders such as the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz in our market. Maruti has further elevated the Baleno by incorporating several pioneering features in its latest iteration, elevating its overall desirability and rendering it an even more attractive option for prospective buyers. Let us take a look at the reasons for its popularity.
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Reasons Why People Are Buying Maruti Baleno
1. Multiple Powertrain Options
The primary advantage that the country’s leading car manufacturer has harnessed is its provision of CNG powertrains for a significant portion of its vehicle lineup. As fuel costs continue to soar, the general public faces an increasingly burdensome expense. Fuel prices have witnessed exponential growth in recent years, prompting people to seek alternative solutions. While electric vehicles remain costly and relatively scarce, CNG emerges as an excellent option, especially for urban residents where the infrastructure is already well-established. In light of this, Maruti also offers the Baleno with a CNG option.
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2. Affordability
Next in line is the pivotal aspect of pricing, as emphasized earlier. India remains a market where price sensitivity holds significant sway. Regardless of how many modern conveniences and features car manufacturers introduce, steep price tags can deter potential buyers. Maruti comprehends this dynamic quite effectively, which is why their products align with market benchmarks, making them excellent value propositions. In the case of the Baleno, it provides the practicality of a spacious hatchback (in contrast to the Swift) with ample boot and interior space, all at reasonable prices.
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3. Sales and Aftersales Network
Here’s another aspect where Maruti Suzuki excels. As one of the earliest foreign car manufacturers in India, the company has successfully established an extensive network of sales and after-sales service centres across our expansive nation. Maruti Suzuki boasts an impressive 4,500 touchpoints in India, ensuring that car owners can easily access services no matter where they reside. This level of convenience provides a peace of mind that sets Maruti Suzuki apart from most other car brands in the country.
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4. Tried and Tested Engine
Another prominent contributor to the remarkable success of the Baleno is its well-proven powertrain. The 1.2-litre K-Series engine has a long-standing track record, known for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Simultaneously, it delivers a respectable performance. Maruti Suzuki has incorporated variations of this engine into numerous vehicles, establishing a high level of trust. In the petrol version, this engine produces 90 PS and 113 Nm, while in the CNG variant, it yields 78 PS and 99 Nm of both power and torque, respectively.
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5. Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance plays a pivotal role in car ownership, with cost considerations being a leading influence guiding buyers towards Maruti Suzuki cars. Notably, many car manufacturers in our market grapple not with high initial expenses, but rather the substantial post-purchase maintenance costs. The Maruti Baleno stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options in terms of maintenance. Additionally, a variety of Maruti models allow car owners to source spare parts from local mechanics, offering both accessibility and affordability. This accessibility is primarily attributed to Maruti’s extensive localization efforts in our market, further enhancing the Baleno’s appeal.
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6. Fuel Efficiency
India remains a price-sensitive market, and for most buyers, fuel efficiency remains the primary driving factor. Maruti has been mindful of this aspect for a long time. It’s important to note that the premium hatchback is available in both petrol and CNG versions. The certified mileage for the petrol manual variant is 22.35 km/l, while in the automatic version, it offers 22.94 km/l. In the case of the CNG version, the Baleno provides an impressive mileage of 30.61 km/kg.
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7. Features
In terms of features, the Baleno comes with a slew of new-age amenities. It is a major draw for a whole lot of new customers. This includes things like a 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with SmartPlay Pro+ OS, OTA Updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Heads-Up Display, a 360-degree Camera, Alexa Support, ARKAMYS Sound System, a Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Auto-Dimming IRVM, Cruise Control, Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat, Voice Commands, 6 Airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Points, ESP, Hill Hold Assist and more. These are the main reasons why people are buying Maruti Baleno like crazy.