In this piece, we take a look at the features and provisions to contemplate the prospects of the Maruti Baleno, and also ruminate exactly how much of a threat it will be to the Hyundai i20.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Review
At the outset, let me say this: the Hyundai i20's base trim offers more features than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno's base trim, Sigma. The base variants of both the cars get the basics such as central locking, front power windows, and power outlet, but lack pretty much any other provisions including that for entertainment. Safety, however is a different subject matter; an anti-theft security system, ABS with EBD, dual airbags are standard on Maruti Suzuki Baleno's entire line-up. The Hyundai i20, on the other hand, gets an acceptable number of safety features only from the Sportz trim onward.
Moving on to exterior provisions, the i20 does not get DRLs with LED or LEDs at all. However, the Baleno's top-end trim a.k.a. Alpha gets both - DRLs with LED and rear combination lamps with LED. While the rear washer and wiper are available only on the top 2 trims of the Hyundai i20, all trims of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, except the base, get the aforementioned feature. Both carmakers have also made alloy wheels available as standard only on their respective top-end models.
Also Read: Hyundai i20 Review
Inside, all trims of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno get tilt steering as standard, but telescopic steering is only available on the higher trims (Zeta and Alpha). Pretty much the same case with the Hyundai i20 too albeit tilt/telescopic steering is found on Sportz and all trims above it. As far as steering-mounted controls and Bluetooth connectivity go, only the base variant misses out on this feature on both the cars. A navigation system, however, is a privilege reserved only for the top-end trim, again, on both - the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai i20. Next up, height adjustable driver seat; while only the Zeta and Alpha trims of the Baleno get this feature, on the i20 - only the first 2 (Era and Magna) in its variant hierarchy miss out on it.
Coming back to safety, like I mentioned before - the Maruti Suzuki Baleno gets a handful of features as standard across the entire variant pyramid. While the anti-theft security system, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, and front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters have been provided across its line-up, the list of features reserved for the top-end trims includes auto head-lamps, front fog-lamps, and the reverse parking camera.
The Hyundai i20's first two trims have to make do with only an engine immobilizer for a safety feature. Driver-side airbag, ABS, reverse parking sensors, rear camera, and front fog-lamps are found only on the Sportz trim ownward. Dual airbags (driver and front passenger) are provided only on the Asta and Asta (Option).
Considering the growing insistence that a select set of safety features be standard on cars, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is sorted. And as important as safety is, the fact remains that such provisions are not the only consideration involved in the purchase of a car. With the Baleno's impending launch in sight, Hyundai refurbished the i20's cabin in August to stay in the game. Maruti, on the other hand, is looking to woo customers with all-black interiors, roomy cabin that is amply loaded.
Now there's nothing left to do but wait for October 26.
