Maruti Baleno: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been one of the strongest performing models in India’s premium hatchback segment.
Since its introduction, it has only increased the ranks of a fanbase that appreciates its balance of pragmatism, gas-sipping fuel economy and value with a long list of standard features.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Baleno is still riding that wave with mild changes, modern tech and a focus on pampering—without forgetting where it comes from.
Even as SUVs are clearly delivering the headlines, the Baleno still has every reason to remind us about the importance of the hatchback— more so for the urban commuter or the small family wanting a reliable, trendy runaround. So what’s new on this perennial fan favorite?
Design- Sleek Without a Whole lot of Shouting for Attention
The 2025 Baleno is not a radical departure from its tried and tested design, but it looks sharper and more sophisticated.
It also sports a larger grille, new bumper and projecti LED headlamps up front and looks more grown up and planted up front.
New dual-tone shades and 16-inch precision-cut alloys ensure that it manages to hold the ground without overdoing the ostentation bit.
At the rear, you have a 3-D type LED tail lamp and an uncluttered tail gate. It’s an evolution, not a revolution—but one that keeps the Baleno appearing current and appealing.
Interior: Premium, Spacious and Well-Equipped
Open the door and the Baleno stuns you with the premium feel, which you normally don’t associate with a hatchback.
Soft-touch materials adorn the dash, a flat-bottom steering wheel is present, and there is a 9-inch Smartplay Pro+ infotainment system, which is the talk of the cabin. The touchscreen is smooth, responsive and has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Other highlights include:
Coloured MID (multi-info display) in the semi-digital instrument cluster
HUD (Heads Up Display) to view essential driving stats
360-degree camera system (first in segment)
Auto climate control
Rear AC vents
Push-button start
UV-cut glass for superior heat insulation
Rear-seat room is still plentiful, with plenty of legroom, a large bench that can easily hold three adults. The boot, 318 liters through a hatch tailgate, is fine for weekend luggage or grocery shopping.
Performance: Sleek With Good Mileage Well, in a word, life was everything, bright, happy, promising, and it all seemed meant for George Carnell, just like a brand new cap.
That’s a good idea, said the boy, but I know a better one; just look at the shirt I am wearing.. So was Reginald, and Prissy herself was not utterly without attachment for George Carnell, as has been insinuated already.
Mechanically, the Baleno sticks to the 1.2L DualJet Dual VVT petrol mill that delivers 89 bhp and 113 Nm.
That may not seem very exciting on paper, but the single feels smooth, refined and deceptively peppy around town.
The transmission options include: a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT (badged as AGS). The manual is great to drive, no disputing that, but the AMT is perfect for daily urban commutes where you don’t want to break a sweat.
But where the Baleno truly impresses is on the mileage front. At claimed under 22.9 km/l, it’s one of the most frugal non-hybrid hatchbacks there is.
Ride quality is plush, and the suspension irons out potholes and bad roads without any difficulty, making it a well-rounded vehicle for our driving conditions.
Safety: A Lot Better Than It Used to Be
With the new Baleno, it’s evident Maruti has taken safety more seriously. It now comes with:
6 airbags (in top variants)
ABS with EBD
ESP with hill-hold assist (applicable for AMT trims)
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Rear parking sensors
Dynamic Guidelines in the 360 degree Camera
The Baleno is underpinned by Suzuki’s Heartect platform that complies with the latest crash norms, and while it is yet to be reclassified by NCAP, it feels more solidly put together than before.
Pros:
Best-in-class feature-rich interior .
Excellent fuel economy
Smooth and refined engine
Comfortable ride quality
Good resale value and after-sales system
Cons:
There are no turbo or hybrid engines
AMT is slow to respond during spirited driving
Still lacks a diesel variant
Heartect platform is lightweight, not confidence-inspiring as heavier constructions
Maruti Baleno: Judgment: It’s Still the All-Everything Hatchback
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Baleno may not be an SUV, but it’s not the least bit impractical either,—and it’s a helluva lot more city friendly.
Equipped with updated aesthetics, a well-loaded cabin, reliable motor, and its trademark fuel efficiency, the Baleno still remains as one of the best overall offerings in the premium hatchback segment.
Don’t expect it to thrill you — but if what you want is peace of mind, comfort and efficiency, within a stylish shell, then the Baleno ticks all the right boxes. It still feels like a car that makes sense for everyday India.