India's favourite premium hatch can now be had under Rs 6 lakh; more affordable than Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Toyota Glanza

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has scored a 4-star safety rating at Bharat NCAP.

With the country's largest passenger vehicle (PV) manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India, announcing price cuts on its cars owing to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation, the popular Maruti Suzuki Baleno, which is the premium hatchback segment leader, is now priced under Rs 6,00,000 (ex-showroom).

The premium hatchbacks earlier attracted 28% GST along with a compensation cess in the range of 1% to 3%. This would result in a total tax incidence of 29% to 31%.

However, such models are now in the 18% GST slab. Besides, there is no compensation cess on automobiles anymore. With this restructuring, all cars have become cheaper in India.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is now available at a starting price of Rs 5,98,900. In comparison, the direct rivals are priced from over Rs 6,00,000. For reference, the Hyundai i20 starts at Rs 6,86,865, the Tata Altroz at Rs 6,30,390, and the Toyota Glanza at Rs 6,39,300. All the prices are ex-showroom.

Maruti has reduced the price of the Baleno by up to Rs 86,100. Although the net effect of the GST restructuring is 8.5%, the company has further cut the price of all its cars to make them more affordable, it claimed.

Talking about the Baleno, it has been a consistent best-seller in the premium hatchback space. It was the only premium hatchback among the 20 best-selling cars in India in FY25. Overall, it was at the seventh position at 1,67,161 units.

The Baleno's popularity comes from its competitive pricing, spacious cabin, modern features and high fuel efficiency. Backed by Maruti's extensive sales network, the Baleno remains a trusted brand.

At present, it sits in the price range of Rs 5,98,900 to Rs 9,09,900. Inside, the Baleno scores big on space. The roomy cabin and comfortable rear seats make it a practical choice for families, while the large boot (around 318 litres) adds to everyday usability.

The car offers features like a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, 360-degree camera and head-up display. In terms of safety, six airbags and electronic stability control now come as standard. It has also scored a 4-star safety rating at Bharat NCAP.

The Baleno employs Maruti's highly-efficient and peppy 1.2-litre K-Series Dual-Jet Dual-VVT petrol engine, which develops 89.7PS of maximum power and 113Nm of peak torque. This engine comes mated to a 5-speed or a 5-speed AMT. There is also a CNG option (77.5PS and 98.5Nm) with a 5-speed MT. Maruti has long been known for mileage-friendly cars and the Baleno continues that. The claimed mileage is 22.35kmpl for petrol MT, 22.94kmpl for petrol AMT and 30.61kmpkg for CNG MT.

Maruti's wide sales and service network gives buyers peace of mind, especially in smaller towns where rival brands may not have the same reach. The Baleno is sold from Maruti's Nexa channel. There are over 700 Nexa showrooms across the country.