Suzuki Motor Corporation, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, launched the made-in-India Baleno in Japan on Wednesday, March 9. Baleno, the premium hatchback, which was first exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, is manufactured only in India at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar facility in Haryana.

"A landmark moment like this is a true testimony to the success of Indian Government's "Make in India" campaign. Launch of 'made-in-India' Baleno in Japan is a proud moment for all of us. This reaffirms Maruti Suzuki's manufacturing potential and growing importance of Maruti Suzuki India Limited in Suzuki Motor Corporation's global business strategies. I am confident our Baleno would be well accepted by Japanese customers as well," Kenichi Ayukawa, MD & CEO, said in a statement.

Maruti Baleno will be exported to more than 100 countries from India. Apart from Japan, the Baleno will be exported to Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Spain. The premium hatchback will also be sold in Latin American countries, such as Chile, Paraguay and Colombia.

Launched in October in India, Maruti has sold over 38,000 units of the Baleno in the domestic market. The Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine that is tuned to develop 83bhp and 115Nm of torque and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill churning out 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and the petrol engine is also available with a CVT automatic gearbox.

Offered in four trims and seven colours, the Baleno is sold through Maruti's premium Nexa dealerships in India. The Baleno is offered with safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD across all variants.