Would you buy the Vitara Brezza or the Baleno? [Update - 25 replies added]

Update - Our first IAB dialogue has prompted replies from some of our readers. Why don't you add your thoughts to it?

In our very first post of IAB Dialogue, we ask you, the reader, to tell us what you would rather purchase: The just-launched Maruti Vitara Brezza compact SUV or the Maruti Baleno premium hatchback.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza is priced from INR 6.99 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi whereas the Maruti Baleno costs from INR 6.33 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi (base diesel variant). For about INR 70,000 more, you get what is perceived to be a larger vehicle with better boot space, and most importantly the more powerful iteration of the 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine. This engine makes 75 PS and 190 Nm on the Baleno but 90 PS and 200 Nm on the Vitara Brezza.

However, take note that all variants of the Baleno get dual front airbags, ABS and EBD as standard, whereas on the Vitara Brezza, only a driver airbag is standard on the base variants. A prospective buyer can get around this by opting for the (O) variants, which cost INR 13,000 more than the standard L and V trims.

So is it the more practical Vitara Brezza or the understated Baleno?

We look forward to hearing your answer in the comments section below. Please give the comment box a moment to load.