The word has been around for months now concerning the release of Maruti Suzuki's new Baleno premium hatchback, slated for its India entry in October. The latest talk is that the bookings for the new Baleno will officially begin from 14 October.

A report of ETAuto, citing industry sources, claims that the Nexa dealers of Maruti will start accepting bookings for Baleno in the country on 14 October (Wednesday) and prospective customers will be able to book their Baleno with a down payment of Rs 11,000. Maruti Baleno will be the second model to join Nexa arena after the S-cross premium crossover.

However, unofficial bookings of Maruti's new premium hatchback are underway in the country. The previous reports had said that, some of the Nexa dealers of the company had started taking advance order for the car for an advance payment ranging from ₹11,000 -₹25,000 depending on the variant.

Although the pricing details of the Baleno are yet to be revealed,  the speculation is that it might begin at a starting price of around Rs 6 lakh. The Maruti Baleno is expected to be launched in four variants and seven exterior colour choices.

To be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options, Maruti Baleno will take on the likes of Honda's new Jazz and Hyundai Elite i20 in India. Under the hood, Maruti Baleno will include 1.2-liter VVT petrol and 1.3-liter DDiS diesel mills.

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While the petrol Baleno can churn out 83bhp at 6,000 rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, the diesel trim will be tuned to pump out 74bhp at 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.