The Hindu: Maruti Suzuki on Monday rolled out its premium hatchback Baleno with an aggressive price tag in a bid to cash in on the festive season. 
The car maker has announced an introductory starting price of Rs. 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The company has provided dual airbags and ABS in all variants.

Baleno’s petrol model, powered by 1.2 litre VVT engine, will be available in five variants with price ranging from Rs. 4.99 lakh to Rs. 6.76 lakh.

The diesel variant, powered by DDiS 190 diesel engine, will come in four variants and will be priced in the range between Rs. 6.16 lakh and Rs. 8.11 lakh.
Petrol model, which also includes a CVT option (Continuously Variable Transmission), promise a fuel economy of 21.4 kmpl, while diesel model promises 27.4 kmpl.

It will be sold in seven colour options — Autumn Orange, Ray Blue, Pearl Arctic White, Granite Grey, Fire Red, Premium Urban Blue and Metallic Premium Silver.

“At the introductory price announced by Maruti Suzuki today, Baleno offers substantially more value to customers and is set to redefine the premium hatchback segment in the country. Baleno will be sold through NEXA, the new chain of premium exclusive automotive retail outlets recently launched by Maruti Suzuki,” said a company statement.

The Company and its suppliers have invested over Rs.1,060 crore in developing the new sub-4 metre Baleno.

The new Maruti Baleno is expected to be positioned in the premium hatchback segment comprising models such as Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo and Fiat Punto.

The made-in-India Baleno will be exported to over 100 countries.

“Baleno is a real global model, to satisfy our customers not only in India but also across global markets. I am excited that this model will be exported to Japan from India, opening a new chapter in the long history of Maruti Suzuki,” Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki, Mr. Kenichi Ayukawa said.