Maruti Suzuki Launches Baleno Alpha Petrol Automatic

Maruti Suzuki has brought the CVT automatic transmission to the top variant of the petrol-powered Baleno. At Rs 8.34 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it comes close to becoming the priciest variant of the premium hatchback. The newest option is Rs 1.05 lakh pricier than the Baleno Alpha petrol with a stick shift. Metros, including Mumbai, have just witnessed the prices of cars drop because of GST. That means stretching for the top end automatic is not going to sound unreasonable.

The biggest feature that aesthetically sets the Alpha Baleno apart from the rest of the crop is its headlamp cluster. The LED DRLs and the HID projectors throwing clean white beams at night look far more premium than any other car in its class.

So far, only the Delta and Zeta variants were available with an automatic transmission. The demand for automatic top variants is at an all-time high, and the Maruti Dzire’s case reaffirms the same. The compact sedan is available with a 5-speed AMT in the top trims with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Ciaz is another car in Maruti's lineup that has a 4-speed torque converter automatic in the Alpha petrol. The smaller cars such as the Alto K10, WagonR and the Celerio also have the option of an automatic transmission on top trims.

Maruti is betting big on the 'automatic revolution' and offering two-pedal alternatives for the Alto K10, WagonR, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno, Dzire, Ertiga and Ciaz. That covers a broad spectrum with price tags ranging from Rs 4.1 lakh for the Alto K10 VXi AMT to Rs 10.42 lakh for the Ciaz Alpha automatic. So far, the Ignis and the Dzire are the only two cars in the list to pair the convenience of an automatic transmission with a diesel's fuel economy.

A new variant is not the only treat Maruti has in store for Baleno buyers. In fact, all Nexa car owners will soon have their own premium Nexa service centres with the first one opening shortly in Gurgaon.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Detailed Review

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Baleno vs Vitara Brezza