Maruti Suzuki began its operations in 1983, with its first production facility in Gurugram, Haryana. Today, the Company has two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, located in Gurugram and Manesar in Haryana. Both facilities together are capable to produce 1.5 million units per annum.

With its first car, the iconic M800, Maruti Suzuki won many hearts and became a household name. Over time, the Company adapted to the changing needs of its customers and environment and scaled up its capability to offer feature-rich, technologically advanced and environment-friendly vehicles.

The Company’s manufacturing facilities, along with its vast ecosystem of multi-tier suppliers and dealers, contribute significantly to the economy, society and nation-building. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision of Make-in-India, the Company has, over the years, strengthened its exports.

Today, while Maruti Suzuki offers a choice of 16 passenger vehicle models for its customers in India, it also exports to around 100 markets worldwide.

The Maruti Baleno CNG has a claimed efficiency of 30.61 km/kg. Its 1197cc engine produces 98.5 Nm of peak torque at 4300 rpm and 77.49 PS of max power at 6000 rpm in the CNG mode.

On the other hand, the Maruti XL6 CNG's 1462cc engine makes 87.83 PS of max power and 121.5 Nm of peak torque in the CNG mode. As for its efficiency, it is a claimed 26.32 km/kg.

The Maruti Baleno CNG price starts at Rs 8.28 lakh whereas the CNG variant of the XL6 is available for Rs 12.24 lakh (ex-showroom). These models can also be owned through Maruti Suzuki Subscribe at an all-inclusive monthly subscription fee starting from Rs. 18 403 and Rs. 30 821 respectively.

Maruti Suzuki Subscribe is a convenient way to bring home a new car. It allows a customer to use a new car without actually owning it, by paying an all-inclusive monthly subscription fee that comprehensively covers the cost of complete registration, service & maintenance, insurance and roadside assistance.

Announcing the commencement of the bookings Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The Baleno brand has redefined the premium hatchbacks in India. With over 1 million delighted Baleno customers, it reigns the premium hatchback segment and has been consistently featuring among the top 5 best-selling cars in the country. As an ode to today’s young and bold customers, the New Age Baleno is dynamically crafted to fulfil the needs of a tech-savvy generation that settles for nothing but the best. The New Age Baleno unleashes a whole new benchmark for cars by inspiring a confluence of superior in-car technology, expressive design, and class-leading safety to curate the ultimate urban cruising experience. We are confident that the New Age Baleno will turn heads and delight customers with its distinctive presence, cutting edge tech and outstanding performance.”

As ‘Tech Goes Bold’, the New Maruti Baleno with its advanced features promises to deliver an extraordinary experience to its customers. The first teaser reveals the first-in-segment Head-Up Display which will provide an immersive driving experience. The HUD feature allows customers to drive without having to take their eyes off the road by conveniently displaying important information from speedometer, climate control etc.

With the New Age Baleno, Maruti Suzuki has focused on developing a holistic solution that maximizes safety and convenience while also enhancing the ‘tech quotient’ of the vehicle.

Customers who are interested in booking the new Maruti Baleno can do so by paying a token amount of INR 11,000. The reservation can be done online or by visiting a NEXA showroom.

The footage gives us a quick glimpse of the new Maruti Baleno’s dual arrow-shaped LED DRLs. The video is not very clear but it is good enough to let us know that the front-end of the upcoming Baleno would be revised for enhanced visual appeal. The LED DRLs are expected to be incorporated into a new pair of headlamps, most likely LED projector units.

Also Read: New Maruti Baleno Interior Features Revealed via New Spy Shot

Apart from the dual arrow-shaped LED DRLs, the new Maruti Baleno would also feature a redesigned front grille and bumper. Perhaps, the bonnet of the updated premium hatchback would also be revised for a sportier look. The test mule that has been spied is wearing heavy camouflage and, thus, it is quite difficult to say what else changes Maruti Suzuki would incorporate into the exterior of the new Baleno.

Thanks to the previous spy shots, we got to have a look at the new Maruti Baleno from the back as well as the side. Expect the new car to come equipped with a set of new alloy wheels fitted with Apollo tyres, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, and ORVMs with integrated turn signals. The rear bumper and the taillights of the updated premium hatchback would be tweaked as well.

Also Read: Over 1.8 Lakh Units of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, Ertiga & Others Recalled

As for the new Maruti Baleno interior, it is being anticipated that the production-ready model of the upcoming car would have an all-new setup for the instrument cluster. It would be interesting to see whether Maruti Suzuki goes for a fully digital unit or a semi-digital setup. Some of the other features that we can expect to find in the new Baleno interior include updated upholstery, new theme, contrasting highlights, electrically adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry, engine start/stop button, and more.

We can see in the spy images that the side profile of the new Maruti Baleno has the silhouette of the current model. However, what’s new here is the set of alloy wheels. They do add some freshness to the aesthetics of the car. We find them to be quite sporty, too. The roof-mounted rear spoiler is also present adding to the sporty quotient.

Also Read: New Maruti Baleno Interior Features Revealed via New Spy Shot

A closer observation reveals that the new Maruti Baleno would be fitted with Apollo tyres. As for the brakes, the updated premium hatchback would have disc brakes at the front and drum units at the back. We can also see that the ORVMs have integrated side turn indicators.

The rear end of the new Maruti Baleno would feature a revised styling for the bumper which would have integrated sensors for parking. We also expect to see a high-resolution rear camera. The taillights of the updated model would also have some styling tweaks for a more appealing look. Other features at the back include a rear wiper and a roof-mounted spoiler.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki to Not Enter EV Space in Near Future, Says Firm's Chairman

As for the front end of the new Maruti Baleno, it is expected to see some design revisions, too. There is likely to be a restyled front grille and bumper. Maruti Suzuki would also add a pair of updated headlamps with dual arrow-shaped DRLs. More styling changes to the exterior of the upcoming Baleno are expected to come to the limelight in the future as more spy shots surface online.

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The new spy shot does not reveal all the new Maruti Baleno interior features. It shows us some of the key elements. For instance, the updated model would have a larger display for the infotainment system. The current model that is on sale in the Indian market has a 7-in display. Going by the spy image, it seems that Maruti Suzuki would incorporate at least an 8-in floating display in the new Baleno.

Also Read: New Maruti Baleno Spied Heavily Disguised, to Feature Updated Exterior

The new Maruti Baleno is also expected to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity options. There would be a redesigned dashboard with horizontally laid out AC vents with a V-shape pattern. The steering wheel seems to have been borrowed from the Maruti Swift whereas the climate control switches appear similar to what we have seen in the Maruti Ignis.

While the new Maruti Baleno spy shot shows the same old instrument cluster, it is being anticipated that the production-ready model of the updated premium hatchback would have an all-new setup for the instrument cluster. It would be interesting to see whether Maruti Suzuki goes for a fully digital unit or a semi-digital setup.

Also Read: Maruti Vitara Brezza CNG - What to Expect?

Some of the other features that we can expect to find in the new Maruti Baleno interior include updated upholstery, new theme, contrasting highlights, electrically adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry, engine start/stop button, and more. We have only seen a few spy shots of the upcoming model so far. We would not be surprised to come across more spy images that would reveal more details about the new Baleno.

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The new Maruti Baleno spy shot shows us the rear end of the updated model. While the prototype is properly camouflaged, we can see a few details of the upcoming car’s back end. For instance, the taillamps appear to have a tweaked design. They seem to be smaller in dimensions when compared to those of the current model. On a whole, the new pair of taillights look sleeker.

Also Read: Upcoming Maruti Swift CNG & Dzire CNG Specs Leaked

We find the tailgate to have a different design, too. Apart from that, the roof-mounted rear spoiler also appears to be somewhat tweaked for a fresh look. The rear bumper is also expected to see some changes although they aren’t visible in the spy shot.

It would be too early to comment, however, we think that the new Maruti Baleno would also feature some updates at the front. Expect to see some revised styling at the grille, fog lamp housings, and the bumper. While the inclusion of a totally new set of headlamps is unlikely, we would certainly love to see one. Another new element that Maruti Suzuki would add to the new Baleno is the set of alloy wheels. Expect them to come with a different design for a sportier side profile.

Also Read: Maruti Vitara Brezza CNG - What to Expect?

We are also expecting Maruti Suzuki to make a few tweaks to the interior of the new Baleno. Perhaps, a new theme or a new set of upholstery to freshen things up a little. We would not be surprised to see some contrasting highlights in the cabin for a more modern and premium feel. As far as things under the hood are concerned, they are likely to remain unchanged. What are your expectations from the new Maruti Baleno?

Image Source

This video has been uploaded by a channel named Talking Cars. The Maruti Baleno you see here is the 2006 model of the sedan, and one of the presenters you see in the video is the owner. The owner bought this Maruti Baleno new in 2006. Since then, he is using it as a daily driven car. Firstly, both presenters start by talking about the looks of the vehicle. In the video, they can be heard saying that Maruti Baleno has a polarising design language, and they did not like it when it was introduced in India.

Also Read : Modified Maruti Suzuki Baleno Looks Sinister As A Street Racer

Eventually, however, they started liking its overall styling and looks. The Maruti Baleno sedan you see here is the facelift version of the car. The pre-facelift model of the sedan was offered with different headlamps, and the grille was never launched in India. The owner says that he really likes the Baleno because of its engaging driving characteristics. It feels like a proper driver’s car. For the past 15 years, he has been servicing it from Maruti’s authorized service centre, and he has never faced any major issue with the vehicle. The owner also says that in comparison to Honda City, the engine of the Maruti Baleno sedan lacks refinements. Overall, he was satisfied with his Baleno sedan. The owner has also made subtle customizations to the car to enhance the looks and driving experience of the car.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more tastefully modified cars and other four-wheeler news.

The modified Maruti Baleno you can see in the video above belongs to our video editor, Karan Mathur. It is a 2015 model in Delta trim. At first glance, it can be easy for one to not notice the raft of modifications this car has got. The exterior remains fairly stock, except for the lowered ride height and new 17-inch black multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45 low-profile rubber. The interior is a similar story as well, remaining entirely stock. However, it is this Baleno’s mechanical modifications that make it unique.

Also Read- This Modified Maruti Baleno Has A Really Cool Paint Scheme [Video]

As mentioned above, this Maruti Baleno has a lowered ride height courtesy of new springs from Cobra. The front of the hatchback has been lowered by 35 mm while the rear is lowered by 30 mm. As a result, this Baleno rides much lower than the stock model, which, coupled with the low-profile tyres, gives it a much better stance. Of course, the stiffer springs also aid handling in a big way. The engine gets an ECU remap, a performance air filter, and a new 2.5-inch diameter free-flow exhaust with headers. Combined, the engine now makes 90 PS and 120 Nm of peak power and torque figures. To make sure this Baleno stops as well as it goes, the stock brakes have been replaced with a set of bigger ventilated discs paired with race-spec brake pads. The overall cost of the modifications done to this Baleno is around Rs 1.90 lakh. Though it may not look too different from the stock model, this Baleno will surprise you once the lights go green.

However, the modifications done to this Maruti Baleno have had some adverse effects as well. Firstly, the stiffer suspension means that ride quality is noticeably less comfortable than the stock model. While it does handle much better, it also means that you will feel all the bumps and imperfections of the road. The lowered ride height also means that this Baleno can easily scrape its belly if it comes across a large speed bump or pothole. Also, one of the biggest con of a performance-oriented modification like this is fuel efficiency. With all the changes to the engine, along with the itch to enjoy the aural pleasure from the free-flow exhaust, the economy has taken a hit with this Baleno now delivering around 12-13 kmpl. The loud exhaust also means that this car has become a cop magnet.

Also Read- How About a Hulk-Inspired Maruti Baleno? - VIDEO

Summing it up, this modified Maruti Baleno makes incredible sense to those looking to inject some oomph into their otherwise just-about-sufficiently-powerful B2-hatchback. It also comes across as the perfect choice for those who couldn't buy the RS version while it was still available. However, as a daily runner, especially one that has to ferry around your kids or elderly parents, this car makes little sense. That said, these easy modifications are surely for you in case you want a decidedly quick (and loud) B2-segment hatchback while still benefitting from traits like those of easy maintenance, decent looks and decent fuel efficiency.

This video has been uploaded by a YouTube channel named Harsh VLOGS. The vlogger tells about all the modifications done to the Maruti hatchback. The owner of this Maruti Baleno is Mr Harsh, and the custom job has been done by Wrapaholix, Faridabad. The first thing a person would notice in the car is the aftermarket wrap. The colour of this wrap is Matte Green. The Youtuber claims that this is the only Maruti Baleno in India to get Matte Green wrap. This aftermarket wrap is of the brand Avery Dennison. The hatchback is inspired by the Marvel superhero Hulk. All the chrome parts around the body of the car are wrapped in black colour. The front grille and Suzuki badge have also been blacked out. On the side, the wing mirrors and roof of the car gets the piano-black treatment.

At the back, the customizer has also blacked out the Suzuki badge, LED taillight and chrome inserts. The hatchback gets stock Maruti Baleno rims, which are painted in a matte golden colour shade. It took around three days for the modifier to complete the custom job. Other than this, no modifications have done to the car. The modifier says that the packages from car wrap start at Rs 25,000. Talking about Maruti Baleno, in our market, it rivals with the likes of Tata Altroz, VW Polo and Hyundai i20. It gets propelled by a 1.2-litre petrol unit. The engine comes paired with a 5-speed MT or a CVT gearbox.

This modified Maruti Baleno has been imagined and rendered by Vishnu Suresh and uploaded on his Instagram handle known by the name Zephyr Designz. The immediate thing you will notice is how much wider and lower this render is compared to the stock version. There’s a full-body kit with heavily flared wheel arches to accommodate the wider track tyres. The front end gets new LED headlights that are similar to what we see in some current Porsche models, while the new bumper gets bigger intakes and a front splitter.

The side profile of this Baleno is dominated by the flared wheel arches, which also gets vents to let the pressurised air in the arches get out. The wheels are a multi-spoke deep-dished design wrapped in wider and stickier TOYO tires. Moving to the rear, the Baleno gets a massive roof-mounted rear spoiler, new LED taillights, and twin exhausts flanking the diffuser. Overall, this is a very aggressive-looking render, and though it will never go on production, it still gives an idea of what an extreme version of the Baleno may look like.

Also Read: Top 5 Automatic Small Cars in India - Hyundai i20 to Maruti Baleno

The Maruti Baleno currently falls in the INR 5.90 lakh – INR 9.10 lakh, ex-showroom price range. The hatchback is offered with two powertrain options, both 1.2-litre petrol units. The K series motor churns out 83 PS and 113 Nm while the Dualjet engine produces a max power and torque of 90 PS and 113 Nm, respectively. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or a CVT auto. The Dualjet engine comes with Smart Hybrid tech which enables the Baleno to have an idle start/stop feature that gives it an ARAI rated fuel efficiency figure of 23.87 kmpl.

For more such interesting stories, keep checking IndianAutosBlog.com.

Hyundai i20

In its new avatar, the Hyundai i20 comes with features loaded to the brim. It replaces the older gen Elite i20 and establishes itself as a true premium hatchback with features like Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity system that comes along with 50+ connected features along with OTA updates. The car also benefits from a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay. Also on offer, on the top-spec Asta (O) trim is a digital instrument cluster, a 7 speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and much more.

But what's more important is the fact that it gets two automatic gearbox options to suit your needs, both with the 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 87 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. There's a CVT unit in four variants, while there's also a DCT gearbox for performance aficionados in 4 variants. However, if you are the one who considers the newly launched iMT (intelligent manual transmission) as an automatic gearbox, the good news is i20 also gets this gearbox in multiple variants.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

The next model in our list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India is none other than the Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is the best selling hatchback of India for four years in a row. Maruti recently launched the updated version of Swift, now in its third generation with changes coming in the form of a brand new engine and a handful of exterior and interior changes to keep it fresh in the portfolio. The talking point of the Swift is a brand new engine in the form of a K12 series Dual Jet Dual VVT engine with an idle start-stop function. Simply put, the same 1.2-litre engine will now return a higher fuel efficiency of 23.20-kmpl in manual transmission and 23.76-kmpl when paired with the AMT gearbox. The power figures have also bumped by 7 bhp to 89 bhp and 113 Nm of torque.

In terms of cosmetic changes, the 2021 Swift features a new chrome stripe on the single-piece front grille which now has a mesh pattern. Other highlights include a dual-tone exterior shade, projector headlights, LED DRLs, 15-inch precision-cut alloy wheels, floating roof effect are to be carried over from the current model. On the inside, the cabin gets silver ornamentation and a twin-pod instrument cluster with a coloured 4.2-inch TFT display. The new Swift now also ships with cruise control, idle start-stop function, and key synchronised auto-foldable ORVMs.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo has been a potent competitor in the performance and premium hatchback segment of India. Prices for the car starts at INR 6.01 lakh and goes up to INR 9.92 lakh* for the top-rung variant. While the car is known for its timeless design and driving fun, it also gets an automatic gearbox to suit the premium bunch. The car comes in four variants including the Trendline, Comfortline, Highline Plus, and GT. At its heart, the car gets an option between a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 75 PS and 95 Nm and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor making 110 PS and 175 Nm. While the former is mated to a 5-speed MT, the latter can be paired with either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT.

In terms of features, the car comes with premium features like cruise control, auto AC with rear AC vents, rain-sensing wipers, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Similarly, its safety net comes equipped with rear parking sensors and dual front airbags. In India, the car goes up against the likes of Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno/Toyota Glanza, Tata Altroz, and the Honda Jazz.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Another Hyundai on our list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India is the Grand i10 Nios, an ever-popular badge in the hatchback segment in India. Hyundai recently updated the Nios, making the package a lot more attractive with modern features and laudable powertrain options. More importantly, it ships with an AMT transmission in the car 1.2-litre petrol engine that delivers 82 bhp and 114 Nm of torque.

The i10 Nios offers first-in-segment features like a wireless phone charger, 7.9-inch touch screen infotainment system - a multi-media system equipped with smartphone connectivity - Android Auto, Apple Car Play, voice recognition function along with i-Blue smartphone app support. It also features the Arkamys Premium Sound System with four modes to choose from – Natural, Live, Lounge and Club. Safety features in the car come in the form of driver and passengers airbags and seat belt warning.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Last on the list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India is the premium hatchback Baleno from the maker of Swift - Maruti Suzuki. The Baleno can be bought in four trims – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. Under the hood, the Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol unit that generates 84 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. The engine gets a five-speed manual as standard, while there's also a CVT gearbox option. Interestingly, Baleno is the only Maruti product to get a CVT gearbox. The rest either gets AMT or AT options. The car is priced at INR 5.70 lakh* in India.

On the inside, the Baleno now gets black interiors with premium blue contrast detailing. On offers are a dual-tone seat fabric design and an upgraded next-generation Smartplay Studio connected infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The device also informs about low fuel, parking brake, etc. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts and rear parking sensors are standard.

So, which of these models in our list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India appeals the most to you?

*Ex-showroom prices.

While tuning the engine and upgrading performance parts on the old Baleno sedan is a pretty standard affair, here we have an example of a Baleno that has been completely transformed into a Ford Mustang look-alike. Well, sort of. This Maruti Baleno sedan was stripped down to its bare chassis and then fitted with Ford Mustang-like body panels. Well, it only partially resembles a Mustang as the design is very far from the original and looks like a cheaply done aftermarket modification. Moreover, certain details are completely inauthentic and make this sedan look quite over the top.

Also Read : This Modified Hyundai i20 Features Air Suspension - Only One in India - Video

While this Baleno-to-Mustang transformation hasn't been executed quite well, there are several aftermarket body shops and custom houses that sell completely-built body kits of rare supercars. This video goes on show body kits of cars as exotic as the likes of the Ferrari Enzo, Bugatti Chiron and even the Lamborghini Aventador. These completely-built body kit look a lot more closer to the real ones and just need to painted before fitting on to the chassis of any vehicle that supports it. That said, a lot of aspects about supercars like their size and low slung look simply cannot be imitated by such body kits.

That said, here we have another example of a modified Baleno sedan that has been purposefully built for performance, and very tastefully so. Check out this sole all-wheel-drive Maruti Baleno in the country right now. This Baleno is not just powerful and capable but has also been a winner of a number of races and championships. The car belongs to Jagbir Nirwan and is used for competing in off-road events and rallies. Apart from an all-wheel drive system, this Baleno also features a a functional roll-cage inside the cabin to protect the occupants in case the car turns turtle. It also uses reinforced bumpers, quick-release pins for the bonnet, and a roof scoop that aids in better ventilation.

The interior has been completely stripped of all the extra parts and components to shed weight. A single race seat with a six-point seatbelt can be seen on the driver's side. This all-wheel-drive Maruti Baleno has been worked upon by Dr. Khan. For those wondering, Dr. Khan is one of India's India's most famous tuner and modifiers. Other changes made to the vehicle include the addition of a free-flow exhaust and an upgraded air filter. However, the exact specifications and figures about the power output from this motor are not known.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such interesting stories and other four-wheeler news.

Maruti Suzuki started exporting vehicles way back in FY1986-87. Since then, the company has exported 20 lakh cars including models such as the Swift, Vitara Brezza, Dzire, Jimny, S-Presso, and more. The firm has recently announced this achievement.

Speaking on the feat, Mr Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said:

The Company is committed to Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s vision of Make-in-India. The 20 lakh vehicle exports from Maruti Suzuki are a testimony of the same. Maruti Suzuki has been exporting vehicles for the past 34 years much before India became a prominent player in the global automobile business. This early global exposure helped the Company enhance its quality and attain global benchmarks. Currently, we export 14 models, nearly 150 variants, to over 100 countries. Vehicles manufactured at our facilities in India have found high acceptance owing to global standards of quality, safety, design and technology. Going forward, the Company has aligned itself with the evolving needs of customers in African and Latin American nations. With a flurry of new models in the pipeline, Maruti Suzuki will attract customers in new segments to enable the Company to accomplish bigger milestones at a much faster pace.

In FY2012-13, Maruti Suzuki India Limited achieved the milestone of 10 lakh exports. More than 50% of the exports were undertaken to developed markets in Europe. The subsequent 10 lakh exports came in over eight years with a special focus on emerging markets in Latin America, Africa and Asia regions.

With concerted efforts, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has been able to gain a sizeable share in markets like Chile, Indonesia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Models such as the Alto, Baleno, Dzire and Swift have emerged as popular choices in these countries.

Also Read: New Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Rivals - Size, Specs and Prices Compared

In other news, the 2021 Maruti Swift has been recently launched in India. The updated model gets a new engine, refreshed looks, and other exciting features that should make the car an overall better package.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Maruti Suzuki updates and other four-wheeler news.

The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe was already available in major cities like Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. The company says it has received a positive response from the customers and hence extended its car subscription service to new cities for a wide reach. Maruti Suzuki has partnered with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services India, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, Japan, to introduce the Subscribe program for individual customers in the newly added cities.

Also Read: Maruti Ertiga, India’s best-selling MPV, achieves 5.5 lakh sales milestone

Announcing the company’s customer-centric approach, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said:

The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe program has received encouraging response from the customers. We have received over 6,600 enquiries in the first few months of pilot launch. We are delighted to introduce the program in Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The Maruti Suzuki Subscribe program comes with a bouquet of benefits like flexible tenure, zero down payment, insurance and complete maintenance. The program also provides the customers with peace of mind with 24x7 roadside assistance and customer support. We are aiming to introduce the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe program in 40-60 cities over a period of 2 to 3 years.

The unique initiative - Maruti Suzuki Subscribe - allows a customer to use a brand-new Maruti Suzuki car without actually owning it. The customer needs to pay an all-inclusive monthly fee that comprehensively covers maintenance and insurance for the complete tenure.

Users can opt from a wide range of new Maruti Suzuki cars offered under the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe namely - Swift, Dzire, Vitara Brezza, and Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki ARENA and Baleno, Ciaz, and XL6 from NEXA. Maruti Suzuki Subscribe offers the car in white number plate (registered in the name of customer) in these cities.

So quick has been the recovery that the sales in September 2020 surpassed the numbers from the previous month and also from the same period last year, revealing the ‘new normal’. One of the driving force for such high sales is the fear of travelling in public transport. As people fear contamination from various forms of public transportation, sales of affordable personal vehicles have really picked up. Hence, if you are in the market for an affordable car, here are your five best value for money cars in India under INR 7 lakh.

Renault Kwid

Price: Rs. 3.18 - Rs. 5.39 lakh

The Renault Kwid came out as a saviour for the French automaker in India. Despite having stiff competition from India’s most selling car – the Maruti Suzuki Alto – it proved itself as a worthy entry level hatchback thanks to its design, features and powertrain options. It its latest avatar, the car has improved further in terms of overall packaging. The new Kwid gets the MEDIANAV Evolution infotainment system that comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands.

What also works in favour of the Kwid is its boot space capacity of 279 litres, which is more than the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and the Datsun redi-GO. Unlike the Maruti Alto, which now only gets only a 800 cc engine, the Kwid gets two engine options - an 800-cc unit that delivers 54 hp and 72 Nm and a 1.0-litre block that churns out 68 hp and 91 Nm. The facelifted Renault Kwid is priced at INR 3.12 lakh*.

Tata Tiago

Price: Rs. 4.99 - 6.95 Lakh

In many ways, the Tiago revived the fortune for Tata Motors and is one of the most value-for-money entry-level hatchbacks in India. In its most recent update, the Tata Tiago gets few updates over its predecessor including a re-designed exterior, a fully-digital instrument cluster; along with a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Tata Tiago gets a BS-VI compliant 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 84 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. The engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed AMT. The price for the Tata Tiago starts at INR 4.85 lakh*.

Renault Triber

Price: Rs. 5.30 - 7.82 Lakh

This may come as a surprising entry to the list but the Renault Triber, being a seven-seater MPV, is one of the most competent products to buy under INR 7 lakh, despite multiple hatchback options. With prices starting at INR 5.30 lakh*, the Triber comes as a neat package that has plenty of aspects to woo Indians. The biggest highlight has to be the 5+2 seating cabin layout with a removable third row and a massive boot space of 625-litre.

The car is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 70 bhp and a little under 100 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a manual transmission as well as an AMT. In terms of features, the car gets key-less entry and start, a touchscreen multimedia system, dual glove-boxes for additional storage and a cooled box in the centre. On the safety front, the car gets ABS and EBD as well

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Price: Rs. 5.23 - 8.45 lakh

Being the next car in the list of the best value for money car under 7 lakh in India, The Grand i10 has been a popular badge in the hatchback segment, competing against the likes of the Maruti Swift. However, for someone looking to buy a feature-packed good looking car other than a Maruti-Suzuki, the Grand i10 Nios is a perfect option. The car gets a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that has an output of 100 hp and 172 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Also on offer is a NA 1.2-litre Kappa engine that puts out 82 bhp and 114 Nm of torque; along with a 1.2-litre diesel engine that delivers 74 hp and 190 Nm of torque.

The Grand i10 Nios offers first-in-segment features like a wireless phone charger, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play; along with an Arkamys premium sound system. Safety features in the car come in the form of dual airbags with seat belt tensioners, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. Prices for the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios start at INR 5.19 lakh*.

Maruti-Suzuki Baleno

Price: Rs. 5.98 - 9.30 Lakh

Last on our list of the best value for money cars under 7 lakh in India is the popular Maruti Baleno, Suzuki Baleno is is not only the best-selling car in India but also one of the best-selling hatchbacks in the Indonesian car market (source: Cintamobil.com). Despite facing initial competition from the Hyundai Elite i20, the Baleno managed to stay ahead of the game thanks to a no-nonsense package that not only looks good, but has massive cabin space and modern features. There’s only a 1.2-litre petrol unit on offer that generates 84 bhp and 114 Nm of torque. The engine gets a five-speed manual as standard, while the higher variants offer a CVT option.

Inside, the Baleno gets a dark-themed cabin to add a sporty touch and a unique layout for dashboard. The standout features include a SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control and projector headlamps ith LED DRLs. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts and rear parking sensors are standard. Prices for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno starts at INR 5.90 lakh*.

*Ex-showroom

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is India’s first hatchback to feature Smart Hybrid technology. It has been carrying the title of ‘Best-selling Premium Hatchback’ since 2016. Thanks to its bold persona, distinctive liquid-flow design, a long list of features, and peppy performance, the Baleno has become a member of over 8 lakh Indian families since its inception.

Speaking on the success of the Baleno, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said:

India’s most loved premium hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno has a very special place in our portfolio. With its bold and premium design, cutting edge technology and feature-rich offering, the Baleno has helped us cement our position in the premium hatchback segment. The Baleno is also instrumental in giving recognition to our NEXA channel. This significant milestone of 8 lakh delighted customers within a short span of 5 years is a testament of our customer-centric philosophy at the core of Baleno’s conceptualisation.

Some of the key features of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno include:

• 17.78cm Smartplay infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Dual-tone interior
• Best-in-class cabin space
• Dual-front airbags
• ABS with EBD

Under the hood of the latest Baleno is a 1.2L Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine which complies with the latest BS6 emission regulations. For the transmission, there is either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.

Also Read: New Maruti Suzuki Swift Limited Edition offers sporty exterior features

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is exclusively manufactured in India not just for the domestic market but also for other countries. It is exported to many overseas markets such as Australia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Middle-East and South-East Asia. In India, the Baleno is retailed through 377 NEXA outlets across 200 cities.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Maruti Suzuki updates and other four-wheeler news.

Maruti Suzuki has teamed up with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services India, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, Japan, to launch the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe in Delhi-NCR (including Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram) and Bengaluru. This car subscription program allows customers to use a new Maruti Suzuki car without actually owning it and by paying an all-inclusive monthly fee that comprehensively covers complete maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance.

Announcing the customer-centric programme, Mr Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said:

The vehicle subscription market is new to India and as such offers huge untapped potential. Globally, the penetration of such leasing programme varies between 5% and 30%. The comprehensive Maruti Suzuki Subscribe initiative offers customers the multiple advantages and peace of mind from botheration of maintenance costs and insurance renewal. The programme is especially focussed to bring convenience to the individual customers. Besides the flexibility of tenure, it also offers nil down payment and includes registration costs, insurance and its renewal as well as routine maintenance, Additionally, the roadside assistance service brings total peace of mind to the customers. Progressively we aim to offer Maruti Suzuki Subscribe in 40-60 cities in the next 2-3 years.

Depending on their needs, customers can select a duration ranging from 12 to 48 months. To give you an idea about the monthly fee, you can get a Swift LXI in Delhi for a monthly subscription fee of just INR 14,463 (including taxes) for a tenure of 48 months. After the completion of the subscription tenure, customers can also opt to upgrade the vehicle, extend, or even buy the car at market price.

Also Read: Maruti Eeco turns 10-year-old, 7 lakh units sold in a decade

Customers can subscribe to several cars including the Swift, Dzire, Vitara Brezza, and Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki ARENA and Baleno, Ciaz, and XL6 from NEXA. Based on the customers’ requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Subscribe also offers cars with white number plate (registered in the name of the customer) or black number plate (registered in the name of Orix).