ZigOpinion: Why Maruti Baleno Is A Better Pick Over The Swift!

There is no denying that Maruti cars offer a lot of value, and the new Swift also does that, but not as much as its predecessors or as the Baleno, which just asks for a minor premium over the Swift. The Swift is essentially for younger buyers and for those seeking a fun-to-drive experience. But, does it live up to those expectations any more? Does it come close to offering what the Baleno offers? Read on as we answer all these questions and more…

Identity Crisis!

The Swift is currently undergoing an identity crisis, and that is due to many factors! The Swift always had the image of being a sporty car to drive, especially with the gruntful diesel unit and the responsive steering wheel the earlier versions had. But now, it’s mainly a car that focuses on fuel efficiency and practicality. While that’s not a bad thing, let’s keep in mind that for the same purpose, you have the larger Baleno. And the Baleno does it better! 

So, does the Swift offer a premium experience? Well, not really. While it has upgraded its set of features and has a more mature interior than the previous iteration, it still lacks the premium quotient which you would expect for a car that crosses the Rs 10 lakh mark (on road). 

The Swift was always priced higher than the popular Wagon R, and the premium was justified since it offered a sportier driving experience and smarter looks. Yes, it still has the looks, but it is the Wagon R that now gets more power with its top-spec engine. To be precise, it makes 90 PS, while the Swift generates 82 PS. So while the Swift is currently positioned between the Wagon R and Baleno, its pricing is more towards the Baleno. 

Now, let’s take a look at why the Baleno is a much better Maruti! 

Pick The Baleno! 

If you have around Rs 10 lakh, we suggest you pick the Baleno. Ok, you might miss out on a sporty design and a “slightly” more fuel-efficient engine, but you get a lot in return! 

In terms of pricing, the Swift ranges from Rs 6.49 lakh to Rs 9.65 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Baleno retails between Rs 6.7 lakh to Rs 9.92 lakh. The Baleno costs around Rs 25,000 more than the Swift. However, for that extra cash, you get a lot more car!

For starters, the Baleno is larger, and that leads to a better road presence. It is longer and wider, while also providing a larger wheelbase, which helps offer more space inside the cabin. Dimensions aside, the important part is that the Baleno feels more roomy on the inside and offers more legroom and knee room as well. Moreover, the Baleno’s boot space stands at 318 litres, 53 litres more than that of the Swift (265 litres). 

Apart from the Baleno being more spacious, it also offers extra features like a 360-degree camera and a heads-up display.. A 360-degree camera is another feature that appeals to buyers and makes parking or maneuvering through tight spaces a much easier task, giving the Baleno a clear advantage. Moreover, Maruti doesn’t offer a front centre armrest with the Swift, and that is a feature which should be given considering the level of comfort it brings to the front passengers.  

Now, getting to the heart of the matter, the engine. Again, the Baleno emerges as the better option. It gets the K-Series 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, which makes 90 PS. Baleno owners and experts swear by this engine, and it is one of the best four-cylinder engines on the market. On the other hand, the current generation of the Swift gets a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, which puts out 82 PS and 112 Nm. The Swift has a claimed fuel efficiency of up to 25.75 kmpl, while the Baleno offers up to 22.94 kmpl. 

The Baleno’s four-cylinder engine offers a smoother and more sophisticated experience than the newer three-cylinder heart of the new Swift.  The power delivery might feel similar up to speeds of around 80 kmph, but it is the Baleno which will feel more comfortable on the highways when you hit triple-digit figures. Fuel efficiency? Well, the Swift is better here, but the difference won’t be a lot in real-world conditions. 

ZigSays…

We are not saying that the Swift is not a competitive car, and it has its strengths that make it a compelling car. It gives you a sporty design, modern features and a great fuel economy. But we want more from it for the price it comes at. And most of that “more” is being offered by the Baleno. So, before you say no to the Baleno, make sure that you have a really strong reason. 

The Baleno’s extra feel-good features, smoother and quieter engine and a spacious interior clearly provide more value for similar money. The Swift? As mentioned earlier, feels a bit confused. Should Maruti make it cheaper? Or should they make it more premium? Or is the Swift name alone powerful enough that Maruti doesn’t need to change anything? After all, it does outsell the Baleno even with the points above considered.

20 years after India first met the Swift, it continues to be one of India’s highest selling cars. With a formula this proven, it’s hard for Swift fans to not want more. A few more features would be welcome but a more powerful engine, perhaps, the introduction of a Swift RS would be great to see.