Facelifted Baleno just launched at 6.10 lakh - does it beat the i20 and Altroz now?

35 views3 replies29h ago

Saw that the facelifted version of this hatchback just launched at a starting price of about 6.10 lakh ex-showroom, and it's got me reconsidering my shortlist which until now was mostly the i20 and the Altroz. The new one apparently comes with a head-up display and a 360 degree camera, which are things I didn't expect at this price point from this brand. Mileage figures are strong too, low twenties to mid twenties on petrol depending on variant, and the CNG version is claimed at over 33 km per kg which is genuinely excellent if you do a lot of driving.

My hesitation is boot space - at around 318 litres it isn't the most generous in the segment, and I do occasional long trips with luggage for four people. I'm also wondering if the interior plastics have been upgraded at all in this update, because that was my biggest complaint when I test drove the outgoing version last year.

Has anyone gotten their hands on the facelifted version yet? Particularly interested in real world feedback on ride quality and whether the cabin still feels a class below the i20 on fit and finish, or if things have actually improved this time around.

3 Replies

divya_autolove

27h ago

Had the outgoing version for four years before trading it in, and honestly the biggest reason I'd pick it again over an i20 is the service network and resale value, it's simply unmatched in most towns, not just metros. Never had a breakdown that a nearby service centre couldn't sort same day. If the facelift genuinely brings a HUD and better mileage on top of that reputation, it sounds like an easy recommendation to me.

manoj_garage

25h ago

Test drove the i20 recently and the interior quality difference is still noticeable to me even against the newer facelift, softer touch materials up top and a more solid feeling dash. That said the fuel efficiency numbers you mentioned are genuinely hard to argue against if running costs matter more to you than outright cabin feel, it really depends what you're optimizing for.

isha_carventures

23h ago

Would also ask about the CNG boot space situation before deciding, since the cylinder usually eats into that already modest 318 litre figure quite a bit on most hatchbacks. Given it only just launched I'd also check with your dealer on waiting periods, facelifts tend to have longer queues in the first couple of months before supply catches up with demand.

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