Maruti is expected to target a production capacity of 1.6 lakh units for the Baleno in its first year (10,000 up from the initial target). The company is expected to accept export orders of not more than 50,000 units.
The Maruti Baleno has been a hit ever since its launch in October 2015. Priced in the range of Rs. 5 – 8.1 lakhs, the premium hatchback has lots of interior space, is loaded with features, and uses engines which return excellent mileage. In fact, reports claim that bookings for the premium hatchback have already touched 1 lakh units. Out of these, 55,000 units have been delivered while the rest of the bookings remain unserviced due to high demand and limited production.
The production of the Maruti Baleno will take place in the Gujarat plant as well to tackle the long waiting period of the car. The Maruti Baleno is being exported to multiple countries with India being the only supplier. The hatchback outsold its closest competitor, the Hyundai i20, in November and December last year. Though the Hyundai i20 made a comeback and outnumbered the Baleno in January and February. The Hyundai i20 maintained its lead in March too as it surpassed the Baleno with a difference of 2477 units. The Hyundai Elite i20 and i20 Active, have registered sales of 8713 and 1934 units respectively. While, the Baleno bags 6236 units for the same month.
After the launch of the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai introduced the updated i20 with some cosmetic changes and additional features. The Elite i20 now offers features like projector headlights with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. The top-end trim gets an AVN (audio visual navigation) system and a 7-inch touchscreen display with USB, AUX-in and Bluetooth connectivity as standard features. While the lower trims continue to be offered with an LCD display for the infotainment system. The 2016 Hyundai i20 also gets dual airbag protection as standard across all variants.
Whereas on the other hand, higher variants of the Baleno are launched with features like automatic AC, multi-information speedometer display, navigation system, reverse parking camera with sensors, push-button start, DRLs with LED. As far as safety is concerned, the entire Maruti Suzuki Baleno range gets abundant safety features which include an anti-theft security system, ABS with EBD and dual airbags.
Maruti Baleno Bookings
– The hatchback outsold its closest competitor, Hyundai i20 in November and December
– Maruti is running its plants in Haryana at near full capacity
– Hyundai introduced the updated i20 with some cosmetic changes and additional features
