Monday, August 31, 2015
By Kriti Gupta
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Hatchback caught under covers on road
Couple of weeks back we reported that country’s leading car maker Maruti Suzuki India Limited is going to bring hatchback version of its premium sedan Baleno soon in Indian car market. It is now reported that spies have captured the first appearance of this premium hatchback being tested on Indian roads. According to reports the upcoming hatchback will continue company’s ‘Liquid Flow’ platform continuing long wheelbase, large hatchback door (even larger than Swift), and long wheelbase. It is also reported to get new lightweight chassis as offered in sedan Ciaz.
It is speculated to be offered in both petrol and diesel trims where the petrol trim would be empowered with 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine boosting the power of 90 bhp and torque of 140 Nm followed by diesel trim energized with 1.3 litre DDiS engine similar to one offered in Swift and other diesel cars in portfolio. As the hatchback was almost completely covered but it is anticipated that it will embellish features like double din audio system, keyless entry, touch screen display, cruise control, contemporary safety features including ABS, airbags, and push button start stop function etc.
The Japanese car maker had earlier showcased the same hatchback as iK2 concept during Geneva Motor Show 2012. In Indian car market it will be offered above Maruti Suzuki Swift and expected to be priced between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh. After launch it will compete against Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz.
