Discover the Maruti Baleno Zeta CNG: A Premium Hatchback Review
Experience the elegance and efficiency of the Maruti Baleno, a popular premium hatchback. We’re taking a closer look at its second top model, the Zeta CNG variant, presented in a sleek black finish. This detailed review covers everything you need to know about this stylish and practical car.
Pricing and Value
The Maruti Baleno offers great value. The base model starts at just ₹5,98,000 (ex-showroom). For the Zeta CNG variant, the ex-showroom price is ₹8,60,000. On the road in Lucknow, expect the Zeta CNG to be around ₹10,00,000, potentially with a discount. Finance options are available: a ₹5,00,000 loan over 3 years has an EMI of ₹15,923; for 5 years, it’s ₹10,403; and for 7 years, it’s ₹8,070.
Key Features of the Baleno Zeta CNG
The Baleno Zeta CNG is packed with modern features for a comfortable and safe drive:
- Smart Key for convenient access.
- Six Airbags offered as standard, even from the base model, ensuring high safety.
- DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) for enhanced visibility.
- A user-friendly Touchscreen infotainment system.
- Reverse Parking Camera for easy maneuvering.
- Outstanding CNG mileage, offering up to 30 km/kg.
Exterior Design Highlights
The Baleno Zeta CNG boasts a sophisticated exterior:
- Front Fascia: Features a matte black grille with the Suzuki logo in the center. A chrome finish stretches from one headlamp to the other. The automatic projector headlamps are paired with cube-shaped DRLs that also house the indicators. Fog lamps are not included in this variant but are available in the top model. The lower grille is entirely black. The engine area is covered from below, and the car offers around 170 mm of ground clearance.
- Side Profile: The car looks elegant from the side. It comes with a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty, which can be extended. It sports 16-inch silver-finish wheels; the design changes in the top model. Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes ensure good stopping power. The radial tires are sized 195/55 R16. Electric adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) have integrated indicators. Request sensors are provided for both driver and co-driver doors.
- Rear View: The rear profile is well-designed with a Suzuki logo in the center and a reverse parking camera. It includes a rear wiper, defogger, high mount stop lamp, and a power antenna. LED backlights and Baleno badging complete the look. The body-colored bumper houses four reverse parking sensors and reflectors. Black, Grey, White, and Blue are some of the popular color choices for the Baleno.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside the Baleno Zeta CNG for a premium experience:
- Dashboard and Controls: The dual-tone door trims combine black hard plastic with a blue leather finish and glossy black accents. Power window controls, speaker, and bottle holder are present on the doors. Inside, fabric seats offer good cushioning and comfort, with height adjustment and recline options for the driver.
- Infotainment and Climate Control: The center console features an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, displaying information like mileage and average speed. Automatic climate control allows easy temperature adjustment.
- Driver’s Area: The steering wheel has a Suzuki logo with chrome accents and controls for modes, Bluetooth, and telephony. There is no cruise control in this CNG variant. The analog instrument cluster shows RPM, speed (up to 220 km/h), and digital fuel levels for both petrol and CNG. The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable.
- Passenger Space: The rear cabin offers good legroom and headroom for a hatchback. There are rear AC vents and two USB charging ports (one Type A, one Type C). Three adjustable headrests are provided, though the middle one is smaller. Black fabric seats include ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
- Storage: The slidable armrest provides storage space, and there is a glovebox for documents. Two cup holders and a 12V charging outlet are also available. The manual handbrake and a 5-speed manual transmission complete the center console.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Maruti Baleno Zeta CNG is known for its efficient performance:
- Engine: It features a 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder K-series petrol engine.
- Petrol Mode: In petrol mode, it delivers 88 BHP power and 113 Nm torque, with a mileage of around 19-20 kmpl, depending on driving style.
- CNG Mode: In CNG mode, it offers 76 BHP power and 98 Nm torque. The highlight is its exceptional mileage of up to 30 km/kg.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: It has a 37-liter petrol fuel tank and an 8-8.5 kg CNG capacity. The CNG tank has a 55-liter liquid capacity.
Space and Practicality
- Dimensions: The Baleno measures 3990 mm in length, 1745 mm in width, and 1500 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2520 mm.
- Boot Space: Without the CNG tank, the boot space is 318 liters. With the CNG tank installed, the usable boot space is significantly reduced (estimated around 100 liters for side storage). The spare wheel is stored vertically. The rear seats offer a 60-40 split function for added flexibility.
Safety First
Safety is a priority in the Baleno Zeta CNG, featuring:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
- Six Airbags for all-around protection.
- Reverse Parking Sensors and Camera.
- Speed System (speed alerts).
- Seatbelt Warning.
- Engine Immobilizer.
- Crash Sensor.
- Traction Control and ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
The Maruti Baleno Zeta CNG offers a compelling package of style, comfort, advanced features, and outstanding fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender in the premium hatchback segment. Its low maintenance and strong resale value further add to its appeal.
