The Baleno hatchback is one of Maruti Suzuki's best-selling premium hatch offerings in the market. It has gained significant popularity and sales. With its next-gen model, the 2022 Baleno's launch around the corner, we take a look at the Baleno's competitors already present in the market that offer a compelling option over the incoming premium hatch from Maruti Suzuki in India. These are hatches offered by Maruti Suzuki, as well as other automobile manufacturers in India, that may just make you want to hold off on getting the new Baleno and get one of these instead. Read on for more information on compelling alternate buys than the 2022 Baleno in India.
Volkswagen Polo
The Polo is the quintessential premium 'hot hatch' in the Indian market, a preference of general customers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Over the years, the Volkswagen Polo has gotten several different engine configurations and drivetrains, which are still significantly popular in the second-hand market. The car's significant abilities combined with high-quality German engineering make it a significantly popular offering. Currently featuring in the Polo is a 75PS 1-litre petrol and 110PS 1-litre turbo-petrol engine platform, both available with a manual transmission, while the turbo-petrol also gets a six-speed automatic. Get your while you can though and probably at hefty discounts, as Volkswagen intends to stop production of the Polo in India soon.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift sits under the Baleno in Maruti Suzuki's lineup. However, higher variants of the Swift can prove to be compelling options over the Baleno. Currently, the Swift offers modern looks and features, a significantly large wheelbase for a hatch, and more features such as best in its class mileage. While the Swift and Baleno get similar engine specifications, the 1.2-litre Dual Jet engine does duties in the Swift, putting down 89PS over the Baleno's 82 horses. The cool hatch also gets a five-speed AMT transmission.
Tata Altroz
The Tata Altroz is Tata Motor's premium hatch offering. The base version of which actually sits under the Baleno in pricing. While the Altroz might not get the Baleno's first in class features such as a heads-up display, it does get its own list of compelling creature comforts such as connected car tech, ambient lighting cornering lights, follow me home headlights and more. The Altroz's claim to fame however is Tata Motor's focus on safety. The Altroz gets a whopping 5-star rating in Global NCAP's crash testing, a feature that the Baleno misses out on. Powering the Altroz is an 86PS 1.2-litre petrol unit, a 110PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit, and a 90PS 1.5-litre diesel unit, all getting a five-speed manual gearbox. Though an automatic transmission isn't available yet, the Altroz is slated to get a DCT soon.
Verdict: No Lack of Competition
The upcoming 2022 Baleno is definitely going to be a great option and a significant improvement over its outgoing variant. However, it is not the next best thing in its class, despite its class first features. The competition is ripe, and even though the Baleno is a popular offering, it has its work cut out for itself. For more information on the upcoming 2022 Baleno in India, other Maruti Suzuki cars in India and more, such as their on-road price in India, check out autoX price section.