Maruti Baleno
Maruti BalenoMaruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest car maker, is getting ready for a second innings in the European market with its new Baleno premium hatchback.

Maruti Baleno, which made its India debut in October this year, is now gearing up to set foot in the European Union along with other export markets like Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Spain, reports The Hindu. The shipment of 'made in India' Baleno to Europe will begin from January.

The built-in-India Baleno will also be the first model to be exported to Japan, the home country of Suzuki, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India. With the Baleno, Suzuki seeks to expand its reach across the international market. This is Suzuki's second attempt to expand its foothold in the Europe Union which started in 2008-09.

Maruti Suzuki had previously confirmed that the made in India Baleno will be exported to over 100 countries and India will be the manufacturing hub. The premium hatchback will also be sold in Latin American countries such as Chile, Paraguay and Colombia. The models like Ertiga, Swift, DZire, Ciaz and Celerio will also be exported to these markets depending upon the growing demand.

Priced in the range of Rs 4.99-8.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), in India, Baleno is powered by the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine tuned to develop 83bhp and 115Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill churns out 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and the petrol engine is also available with CVT automatic gearbox.

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Maruti Baleno diesel is tuned to deliver fuel efficiency of 27.39 kmpl and the petrol unit returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.4 kmpl. Offered in four trims and seven colours, Baleno is sold through Maruti's premium Nexa dealerships. Baleno is offered with safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD across all variants.