Maruti Suzuki to launch the Baleno hatchback in India on October 26

Team OD Updated: October 13, 2015, 11:03 AM IST

Maruti Suzuki is bringing the Baleno nameplate back to India on October 26, 2015. The Baleno hatchback will be similar to the global model that was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The biggest difference however, will be the engines offered in India. Although the international version gets a new 1-litre Boosterjet engine, the India-spec Baleno hatchback will unfortunately get the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines seen in current Maruti Suzuki models.

Suzuki Baleno hatchback (2)

The 1.2-litre K12M petrol engine seen in the Swift makes 84.3PS and 115Nm of torque, while the D13A diesel mill seen in the Ciaz is capable of 90 horses and 200Nm of torque. India will also get a CVT option for the petrol variant, which is the first for a Maruti Suzuki car.

Suzuki Baleno hatchback (1)

The Baleno will get a more premium interior with a touchscreen infotainment system with steering mounted controls and a more polished cabin. The infotainment system will also support Apple CarPlay. The Baleno is targeting the premium hatchback segment and will take on the likes of the Honda Jazz and Hyundai Elite i20. So expect it to be loaded with features. The ground clearance is 170mm while the car measures less than 4m in length to take benefits of the lower excise duties. While the global cars get Falken tyres, expect the Indian ones to use JK or Goodyear. Maruti Suzuki have already started manufacturing the cars at their Manesar facility.

Suzuki Baleno hatchback (4)