Maruti Baleno to launch towards end-October from NEXA outlets - Report

25/09/2015 - 14:34 Maruti Baleno, Maruti Suzuki Anjan Ravi

No Boosterjet for India.

Motown India quotes its sources as saying the Maruti Baleno will launch in India towards the end of October this year. The report further adds that the Baleno will be retailed through the NEXA outlets, which were setup this year, and currently sell the S-Cross.

2016 Suzuki Baleno front view at IAA 2015 — The Baleno is based on an all-new lightweight platform.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week, the premium hatchback will re-launch the 'Baleno' nameplate in India, which was last used in 2006 for the sedan preceding the SX4.

At 3,995 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width and 1,470 mm in height (1,460 mm with the SHVS tech), the Baleno will rival the Hyundai Elite i20, the VW Polo and the Honda Jazz in the premium hatchback segment.

2016 Suzuki Baleno dashboard at the IAA 2015 — The European market will get the Boosterjet engine.

The Baleno, which debuts Suzuki's all-new Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine, is based on a new lightweight platform. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder K10C unit develops 110 hp and 170 Nm of torque, while a 1.2-liter DualJet petrol will offer the SHVS micro-hybrid system in Europe.

Also read: Maruti Suzuki’s five-year plan includes 15 new launches – Report

For India though, the Baleno will borrow its engines from the Swift. However, the 1.2-liter K-Series petrol engine will be paired to a CVT and a manual gearbox, whereas the 1.3-liter DDiS will only get a 5-sped manual transmission. Maruti could introduce the SHVS technology on the diesel variant.