The launch of Baleno signals that the Indian car market has matured enough for manufacturers to introduce their global products in India first and then export it to European or other international markets. India is the first market for Baleno and the made in India car will be exported to international markets sometime later. The premium features at competitive prices and a larger footprint is what makes the Baleno a very good deal, but there is a catch!
The attractive starting price tag of Rs 4.99 lakhs has brought it precariously close to the Swift which incidentally begins at 4.65 lakhs, both prices ex-showroom, Delhi. So what separates the two cars? Let us talk about their specs to get a better idea…
Upon first look, it can be easily understood that Baleno is a more premium product than Swift. The only thing similar in them are the engines and their outputs. However, the Baleno beats the Swift here thanks to its low curb weight. Using an all-new weight saving platform, Baleno is significantly lighter than the Swift. In fact, the company goes on to claim that the new platform is 100 kilos lighter and 10 per cent stronger and more rigid compared to existing platforms in the industry.
The lower weight also helps Baleno to be more fuel efficient than the smaller sibling, which becomes exceedingly noticeable in case of the diesel. The sad part though is that despite being promoted as a premium hatchback, Maruti has not provided Baleno with the 90 PS VGT version of the Fiat sourced Multijet diesel mill.
Baleno gets a package full of safety features right from the base variant. Yes, the ABS with EBD and dual front airbags are standard across all variants. The Swift for some reason gets ABS and EBD only in the top petrol and from mid diesel variant onwards. Dual airbags are present only in the top variant. Here are the spec comparo sheets…
Baleno vs Swift: Comparo Sheet (Petrol)
Baleno vs Swift: Comparo Sheet (Diesel)
All this signifies that a Swift customer can get lured in the Baleno and end up buying that, instead! When we talk about i20, its sales have increased ever since the new gorgeous looking ‘elite’ has come into picture. Baleno doesn’t look anywhere close to that plus it (i20) has got a more powerful diesel engine along with a few better features.
So, we personally believe that Baleno, in its current form and price, will most widely lure Swift prospects into upgrading rather than affecting the i20 much resulting in a negligible net gain to Maruti! However, the Jazz and Polo may get impacted. This post was to highlight Swift against Baleno. We will share a detailed comparo with i20 and others shortly… Till then do share your views on this…
Informative comparison. We think Baleno can outperform Swift – the base variant of Baleno gets all important safety features like airbags… Also the Baleno has got better bootspace!
Let us wait and see for the sales numbers…