The Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT four-cylinder engine. In petrol configuration, it produces 88.5 bhp (or 89.7 PS) and 113 Nm of torque, with a choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT transmission.

The CNG variant uses dual-fuel calibration and delivers 76.43 bhp (or 77.5 PS) and 98.5 Nm in CNG mode. It is available only with the 5-speed manual transmission.

ARAI-certified mileage is 22.35 km/l (manual) and 22.94 km/l (AMT) for petrol. The CNG variant returns 30.61 km/kg, offering much lower running costs.

However, trade-offs on CNG are reduced boot space and no split-folding rear seats.

Additionally, Idle Start-Stop (ISS) technology helps reduce fuel consumption in heavy traffic.

The Baleno’s cabin features dual-tone themes, chrome accents, piano-black inserts, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

It is equipped with a SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system (9-inch on higher variants, 7-inch on lower variants) supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other features include a head-up display, TFT multi-info display, cruise control, and automatic climate control.

Notably, the seats offer good support with generous legroom and headroom.

Lastly, convenience features include a front armrest, rear AC vents, and USB Type-A & Type-C ports, while the boot space stands at 318 litres.

The Baleno follows Maruti NEXA’s “Crafted Futurism” design language with a “Liquid Flow” profile, strong shoulder lines, and sharp creases. It measures 3,990 mm long, 1,745 mm wide, and 1,500 mm tall on a 2,520 mm wheelbase.

The front features the NEXWave grille with chrome elements, LED projector headlamps, and NEXTre’ LED DRLs. Also, the sculpted bumper completes the fascia.

Side profiles show flowing lines and a sloping roofline. Specifically, lower variants get 15-inch steel wheels with covers, meanwhile higher variants feature 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

Door handles and ORVMs are body-coloured with turn indicators.

At the rear, NEXTre’ LED tail lamps feature a C-shaped signature, complemented by a rear spoiler and chrome accents.

The Baleno earned a 4-star rating for adult occupant protection, and a 3-star for child occupant protection under Bharat NCAP testing.

Standard safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, hill hold assist, rear parking sensors, seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Higher trims add a rearview and 360-degree camera.

However, it does not offer ADAS features such as autonomous emergency braking or lane assist.

Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz are close competitors to the Baleno in its segment.

The i20 offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and a CVT (IVT) automatic on its 1.2-litre petrol variants (a DCT is available only on the N Line turbo model).

However, the Baleno delivers much better fuel efficiency, with ARAI-rated figures of 22.35 km/l (manual) and 22.94 km/l (AMT) compared with the i20's 19-20 km/l range.

It also has lower ownership costs and is available with a factory-fitted CNG option.

The Altroz stands out with a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, six airbags as standard, a larger 345-litre boot, and a wider range of powertrains, including a 1.5-litre diesel.

In return, the Baleno offers lower running costs, better fuel economy overall, and an efficient factory-fitted CNG variant rated at 30.61 km/kg.