Premium hatchback likely to be sold through NEXA.
In a communication with IndianAutosBlog.com today, Maruti Suzuki confirmed that it will launch the Maruti Baleno premium hatchback in the festive season (October-November period).
The Baleno had its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week, though a concept (concept iK-2) previewing its design was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.
At 3,995 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width and 1,470 mm in height (1,460 mm with SHVS - Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), the Baleno will take on the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the VW Polo in India's premium hatchback market.
For the Indian market, the Baleno is expected to be powered by a 1.2-liter K-Series petrol engine and a 1.3-liter DDiS Fiat MultiJet diesel engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox will be a standard offering on both engines, but the petrol could also get the option of a CVT, in a bid to pitch it against the Jazz CVT and the Polo GT TSI.
Features seen on the Euro-spec Baleno included projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, chrome door handles with keyless entry request button, alloy wheels, rear wiper and washer, rear spoiler, reverse camera and turn indicators on the wing mirrors.
Inside, the Baleno will feature a multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, Maruti's SmartPlay entertainment system, and a new instrument cluster with power and torque readouts.
