November 2024 - Maruti Nexa Baleno Petrol, CNG Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

Updated (Nov 21, 2024): This update of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno variants explained includes some changes in the Baleno’s features and our recommendation based on the features changes. Such as the Sigma variant got adjustable headrests, Delta now gets split seats with CNG powertrain, Zeta got wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Alpha gets passenger vanity light and more such updates. We have also updated the recommendation table to convey exactly how much value each variant is offering with respect to the base trim.

Also Read: Tata Altroz CNG Variants Explained - Which One To Book?

Renault Kiger Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

Toyota Glanza Petrol, CNG Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Maruti Nexa Baleno Petrol And CNG?

The pros or advantages of Maruti Nexa Baleno are:

• Newly added features like rear AC vents, 6 airbags, 360-degree camera, head-up display, cruise control
• Standard features such as auto AC, tilt steering, all power windows, central locking, projector headlamps and rear defogger make it a compelling package for budget buyers
• One of the rare cars in the B2 sedan segment with a CNG bi-fuel option
• Best-in-class fuel efficiency of almost 23kmpl
• Affordable and efficient AMT automatic costs just Rs. 55,000 more than manual and is available in 3 of the 4 variants
• Wide sales and service network, easy availability of spares and skilled labour of the Baleno will make it easy to own and maintain
• Being a popular car, it’s easy to find a seller willing to pay a fair price with smaller-than-usual depreciation

The Maruti Suzuki Nexa Baleno has the following shortcomings or problems:

• No diesel engine option (available in the Altroz) and no turbo petrol engine option (available in Altroz, i20)
• Missing features like rear armrest, tyre pressure monitoring and sunroof
• While the AMT automatic keeps the cost in check, some premium hatchback buyers prefer a smoother and refined CVT, DCT or TC automatic
• Boot space with the CNG kit is almost non-existent; the Altroz offers a usable 210-litre cargo volume even with the factory-CNG kit
• Most of the new and unique features are reserved for the Alpha variant, which carries a slightly higher incremental price, making it difficult to justify the upgrade from a value-for-money angle

What Is The Price Of Maruti Suzuki Nexa Baleno Petrol, CNG Variants?

The Maruti Nexa Baleno is available with a CNG-manual, petrol-manual and petrol-automatic powertrains. The petrol-manual combination is available in all 4 variants with prices ranging from Rs. 6.66 lakh for the base model and going up to Rs. 9.38 lakh for the top model. The petrol-automatic powertrain is available in the higher 3 variants for an additional price of Rs. 45,000. The Delta variant is the most affordable option with the petrol-automatic and it costs Rs. 7.95 lakh. The most expensive, Alpha variant of the new-generation Baleno with the petrol-automatic costs Rs. 9.83 lakh.

The CNG-manual powertrain is available in the mid-spec Delta and Zeta variants with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 8.40 lakh and Rs. 9.33 lakh, respectively. These prices are Rs. 90,000 higher than those of the respective petrol-manual variants.

Note: Check your Car EMI with our - Car EMI Calculator

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma - Base Model Features

The base Sigma variant of the Maruti Nexa Baleno hatchback only comes with the 1.2L normal petrol engine and a manual transmission and costs Rs. 6.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The most notable features of the new Baleno’s Sigma base model are:

In the base variant, you might miss features like:

• TPMS
• Steering mounted controls
• Music system
• Wheel covers

Even the base variant has enough features to satisfy the needs of a budget buyer. It doesn’t have a music system, powered mirrors, wheel covers, and body-coloured door handles. Still, from a value perspective, it’s worth buying for budget buyers if you’re comfortable installing these from the aftermarket.

Maruti Baleno Sigma vs Delta Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Baleno Delta petrol-manual costs Rs. 7.50 lakh, which is Rs. 84,000 more than the Sigma. Delta and higher variants also get the option of a 5-speed AMT automatic for an additional Rs. 45,000. The Delta AMT costs Rs. 7.95 lakh. The Delta variant also gets the option of CNG-manual powertrain for an additional Rs. 90,000 and it costs Rs. 8.40 lakh (ex-showroom).

In this variant, you might miss features like:

• Front armrest
• TPMS
• Height-adjustable driver seat
• 60-40 split-folding rear seatbacks
• Keyless entry with push-button start/stop

The Delta variant adds some must-have features over the Sigma but it fails to justify the additional price over the base model. Based on our value-for-money rating, we’ll suggest you buy the Sigma variant and accessorise it to your taste or stretch your budget for a higher variant.

Maruti Nexa Baleno Petrol Delta vs Zeta Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The new-generation Baleno Zeta costs Rs. 8.43 lakh with the manual and Rs. 8.88 lakh with the automatic. With the CNG bi-fuel option, this variant costs Rs. 9.33 lakh. This is a price jump of Rs. 93,000 over the lower Delta variant.

In this variant, you may miss features like:

• TPMS
• Rear armrest
• Cruise control
• Fog lamps
• Machined alloy wheels

The Zeta variant of the new Nexa Baleno adds some critical safety and must-have functional features, along with some good-to-have features. Moreover, from a value perspective, it justifies the upgrade over both of the lower variants. Although some of that justification comes from the addition of the 16-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres, which is an expensive feature. All things considered, the Baleno Zeta is our top recommendation for Baleno with all 3 powertrain options. It’ll offer a satisfactory ownership experience to most new Baleno buyers.

Maruti Nexa Baleno Petrol Zeta vs Alpha Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Baleno’s Alpha top model costs Rs. 9.33 lakh with the manual and Rs. 9.88 lakh with the automatic. This variant is Rs. 95,000 more expensive than the lower Zeta variant.

In this variant, you may miss features like:

• Rear armrest
• TPMS
• Sunroof (available in i20 and Altroz)

The Baleno top model justifies the price gap from the lower variants but it doesn’t add enough must-have features to warrant an upgrade. Maruti Suzuki Nexa are reserving most of the brag-worthy features for the Baleno Alpha variant. So, we’ll suggest that you buy the Alpha trim only if you are okay with stretching your budget and want a complete experience instead of making some compromises with the Zeta. From a value standpoint alone, we’ll suggest getting the lower Zeta variant.

Which Variant Of The Maruti Nexa Baleno Petrol, CNG Should You Buy?

For the new Baleno petrol buyers on a tight budget, the base Sigma variant now looks like a good package. The inclusion of features like auto AC, remote central locking, all power windows, rear defogger and projector headlamps as standard make it a good choice. The Delta variant doesn’t justify the price jump over the base model with the added features. While they mostly fall in the must-have category, because of the price gap, we’ll suggest that you either get the base model and accessorise it or stretch the budget a little more for the Zeta variant.

The Zeta trim makes for a perfect combination of must-have and good-to-have features. It more than justifies the incremental price over the lower 2 variants. This one will suit most new Baleno buyers.

From here, the Alpha variant adds mostly good-to-have features and offers a much lower value for money than the Zeta. while it doesn’t add enough compelling features, you can consider it if you value these features.

Just like the Baleno petrol-manual, among the petrol-automatic variants also, the Zeta remains an easy-to-recommend variant. It has a balanced feature set with a heavy focus on must-have features. The Delta variant buyers should upgrade to the Zeta variant if possible while the Alpha is worth considering.

We have a similar recommendation for Baleno CNG buyers. The Delta variant is a decent choice as it gets a good number of must-have features. But, the Zeta is worth the upgrade and earns our top recommendation.

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Maruti Nexa Baleno Petrol, CNG?

The new Nexa Baleno gets a single 1.2L petrol engine with the same specs as the earlier Baleno’s 1.2L hybrid engine. We suspect it’s the same hybrid engine, which was earlier available for a premium of about Rs. 90,000. Besides the power and torque specs, the higher mileage figures also point in the same direction.

Naturally, it’s the most fuel efficient car in its class, handily beating its rivals with at least 10% or better mileage figures. Its power and torque output remain on par with most other premium hatchbacks, which are available with a normal petrol engine.

*Estimated

As a B2-segment CNG hatchback buyer, you will have 3 options – Altroz, Baleno and Glanza. Since the Baleno and Glanza share the powertrains, there isn’t any difference in performance either. The Baleno CNG makes almost 78PS of power and almost 100Nm of torque with the 1.2L normal CNG engine. The mileage figure, though, is astonishing at 30.61kmpkg. Considering the official mileage figures and current fuel prices in Delhi, you can expect to recover the Rs. 90,000 higher upfront cost in about 55,000km.

The Altroz has similar power output but a slightly better torque coming in at a lower RPM. However,we don’t expect the Altroz to challenge the Japanese CNG hatchbacks in terms of mileage figures.

*Estimated

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

Fuel Cost Calculator in India

What Are The Dimensions Of The Maruti Nexa Baleno?

The new Baleno is about the same size as the older Baleno. The only notable difference is in the boot space, which is slightly smaller than the older Baleno’s. In terms of dimensions, the i20 is easily the largest car in this class with the widest body and the longest wheelbase. The Altroz is another noteworthy car in this segment. The top feature worth talking about the Altroz is its factory-CNG kit. Even with the CNG cylinders, it offers a usable 210 litres of boot space.

*Estimated

What Are The Colour Options Of The Maruti Nexa Baleno?

The Baleno is available in the following 7 exterior colour options:

• Blue
• Red
• Beige (similar to copper brown)
• White
• Grey
• Silver
• Bluish black

To find out the variant-wise colour option availability of the Baleno, you can visit the following link:

Maruti Nexa Baleno – All Exterior Colour Options (Variant-wise)

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we are classifying cars based on their size.

You can read more about vehicle segmentation at the following link:

Car Segments Explained - With Body Styles And Examples