Maruti Suzuki has been one of India’s best-selling hatchbacks since its introduction in 2015. With the most recent model refresh, the Indian automaker hopes to maintain its lead in the premium hatchback segment. The new Baleno, which was launched a few days ago at a price of 6.35 lakh, differs significantly from its predecessor in almost every way.
Whether it’s design, onboard technology, or suspension tuning, the Indian automaker claims to have improved the Baleno on almost every front. All of these changes, however, have resulted in this hatchback being slightly more expensive than before.
So, does it make sense to choose Baleno over competitors such as Tata Altroz? Let’s find out by contrasting the two premium hatchbacks in terms of space, performance, features, and price.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Dimensions
The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno measures 3,990 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width, 1,500 mm in height, and has a 2,520 mm wheelbase. In comparison, the Tata Altroz is 3,990 mm long, 1,755 mm wide, 1,523 mm tall, and has a 2,501 mm wheelbase. In terms of boot space, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s luggage space has been reduced to 318 litres in the 2022 model from 339 litres in the predecessor. This is due to the rear glass being angled differently to provide better visibility to the driver.
The company, on the other hand, claims that the overall usable luggage carrying space in the hatchback remains roughly the same as before. In comparison to the Baleno’s 318-litre boot capacity, the Altroz now has 345-litres.
| Dimension | Altroz | Baleno |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,990 mm | 3,990 mm |
| Width | 1,775 mm | 1,745 mm |
| Height | 1,523 mm | 1,500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,501 mm | 2,520 mm |
These figures reveal that the Altroz is taller and wider than the Baleno but it is the latter that has a longer wheelbase, translating into more legroom for rear passengers. In the boot space department, it is the Altroz that emerges as a winner, even if by a small margin.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz : Features
The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with a nine-inch touchscreen, Suzuki Connect suite for connected car technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice assist, semi-digital instrument cluster, LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, automatic AC, head-up display, 360-degree camera view, push-button start/stop, cruise control, auto-folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMS), and rear AC vents, depending on the variant purchased.
In comparison, the Tata Altroz comes with a seven-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument panel with a seven-inch TFT, push-button start/stop, automatic air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, Harman sound system, automatic headlamps, navigation mirroring system, wearable key for passive entry, cruise control, and the iRA suite for connected technology.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Safety features
The new Baleno comes standard with dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, reversing sensors, and a speed alert system, while higher trims add six airbags, hill-hold control, an electronic stability programme, and a reversing camera.
The Tata Altroz, on the other hand, has dual front airbags, ABS and EBD with corner stability control, a reverse parking camera, reverse parking sensors, a speed alert system, and other safety features.
This demonstrates that the new Baleno includes more safety features. Despite having dual front airbags, the Altroz received a five-star safety rating from Global NCAP due to its impressive structural integrity
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Engine Specs
The 1.2-litre DualJet dual VVT naturally aspirated petrol engine in the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno produces 88.5 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque. This engine is available with a five-speed manual transmission or an AGS (AMT speak for Maruti Suzuki) unit.
In comparison, the Tata Altroz has a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 85 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque. A turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine with 108 bhp and 140 Nm is also available. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 89 bhp and 200 Nm of torque in the Altroz. It should be noted that the Altroz is only available with a five-speed manual transmission.
| Engine | Gearbox | Power | Torque | |
| Baleno | 1.2-litre | 5-MT / AMT | 88.5 bhp | 113 Nm |
| Altroz 1.2 | 1.2-litre | 5-MT | 85 bhp | 113 Nm |
| Altroz diesel | 1.5-litre | 5-MT | 89 bhp | 200 Nm |
| Altroz iTurbo | 1.2-litre turbo | 5-MT | 108 bhp | 140 Nm |
These figures tell us that Baleno’s 1.2-litre engine is more powerful than Altroz’s naturally aspirated engine. And the lack of an automatic gearbox may further push consumers towards Baleno over Altroz. However, those interested in a diesel vehicle will be inclined towards the Altroz for obvious reasons.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Price in India
The price of a 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno with manual transmission ranges from 6.35 lakh to 8.99 lakh. The price of the 2022 Baleno AGS in India ranges between 7.69 lakh and 9.49 lakh. All prices are in Indian rupees and are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Tata Altroz 1.2 petrol costs between 6 lakh and 8.8 lakh, while Altroz iTurbo prices in India start at 8.1 lakh and go up to 9.4 lakh. The Tata Altroz diesel, on the other hand, will cost between 7.2 lakh and 10 lakh rupees. All prices are in Indian rupees and are ex-showroom, Delhi.
| Manual | Automatic | |
| 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno | ₹6.35 lakh – ₹8.99 lakh | ₹7.69 lakh – ₹9.49 lakh |
| Tata Altroz petrol | ₹6 lakh – ₹8.8 lakh | NA |
| Tata Altroz diesel | ₹7.2 lakh – ₹10 lakh | NA |
| Tata Altroz iTurbo | ₹8.1 lakh – ₹9.4 lakh | NA |