Maruti Suzuki launches the Baleno, its most ambitious yet at Rs 4.99 lakh

Maruti Suzuki launched sophisticated Baleno at a starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh in petrol version, while the top diesel model is priced at Rs 8.11 lakh.

The automaker is eying the premium hatchback segment and its Baleno will compete with Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz, etc.

Baleno’s petrol automatic variant, having continuously variable transmission (CVT), will be sold at Rs 6.76 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

Maruti's NEXA dealerships have already received display and demo units.

Baleno is fitted with Apple CarPlay and MSI will be the first OEM in India to offer it.

READ ALSO: ‘Made in India’ Maruti Baleno to ply on international roads soon

The model also has features including multi-information speedometer and UV reduction glasses.

Baleno is not only for the Indian market as Maruti Suzuki will also manufacture and export the hatchback for 100 global markets.

"Baleno is a real global model to satisfy our customers not only in India but also across global markets," said MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa, adding “the model comes with sophisticated design and advanced technology.”

MSI and its supplier partners have raked in Rs 1,060 crore in Baleno’s development.

Around 5-5.3 lakh compact segment cars are sold every year in India.

Maruti Suzuki plans to launch several models this fiscal and has set a target of achieving two million sales annually by 2020.

(Image: Indiatimes)