Maruti Suzuki launched the Baleno hatchback in India Oct.26, 2015, and the car became another successful model for India's largest car maker with a waiting period of nearly six months. The Baleno is a world class model and the company said that it will export Baleno to the rest of the world from India.
Expanding its European footprints, Suzuki Motor Corporation will showcase the production-spec Baleno at the Geneva Motor Show from March 1 and will launch it in the UK this June. The Baleno unveiling during the show will be identical to the one sold in India in terms of design, while the powertrains will see changes. The Euro spec Baleno is powered by 1.0-litre direct-injection Boosterjet turbo petrol and it is expected to make 110bhp and 170Nm torque. This engine powered Baleno was caught testing in India last December and India launch is expected later this year.
The Euro-spec Baleno's diesel unit is the same 1.2-litre engine, which is sold with the India-spec Baleno's as well. However, the engine will work with SHVS smart hybrid system featuring engine assist from an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) connected to a Lithium ion Battery. The same hybrid engine is currently available with the Ciaz sedan in India that develops 88.5bhp and 200Nm of torque. The same figures can be expected to the Baleno diesel in Europe.
In addition to the changes in powertrains, additional features can be expected in the Euro-spec model.