Introduction
Today we will know whether the old Baleno is better or the new one, let’s start the battle of Old Baleno vs New Baleno. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been one of the most popular hatchbacks in India. Originally introduced as a sedan in the early 2000s, the old Baleno was a performance-oriented vehicle known for its smooth engine and solid build. However, after a long gap, Maruti Suzuki reintroduced the Baleno in 2015 as a premium hatchback under the NEXA dealership network.
With continuous updates and a major facelift in 2022, the new Baleno offers modern technology, better efficiency, improved safety, and premium styling. But how does it compare to the old Baleno sedan? In this article, we will take a detailed look at the key differences between the old Baleno and the new Baleno, including their design, performance, features, safety, and overall value for money.
Table of Contents
1. Overview: Old Baleno vs New Baleno
The Old Baleno (2000-2007) was a sedan that focused on power and stability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. However, it was discontinued due to low sales and stiff competition.
The New Baleno (2015-Present) is a premium hatchback designed for modern buyers. It offers better fuel efficiency, advanced features, and improved safety, making it one of the best-selling cars in India today.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Old Baleno (Sedan) | New Baleno (Hatchback) |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Launch Year | 2000 | 2015 (Facelift: 2022) |
| Engine | 1.6L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol |
| Power Output | 94 BHP | 89 BHP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual & AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | ~11-14 km/l | 22-24 km/l |
| Safety Features | Basic | Dual Airbags, ABS, ESP, 6 Airbags (Top Variant) |
| Infotainment | Basic Audio System | Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Price (When Launched) | ₹5-7 Lakh | ₹6.61-9.88 Lakh (Current Price) |
2. Exterior Design Comparison: Old Baleno vs New Baleno
Old Baleno: Simple & Sturdy
The old Baleno sedan had a boxy yet elegant design, which was quite popular in the early 2000s. It featured:
✔️ Halogen headlamps with a basic grille
✔️ 15-inch alloy wheels
✔️ A long, aerodynamic shape with a simple rear design
✔️ Minimalistic chrome details
While the old Baleno looks mature and practical, it lacked the modern styling elements that are now common in premium cars.
New Baleno: Stylish & Sporty
The new Baleno hatchback has a bold, modern, and sporty design. It includes:
✔️ LED DRLs and Projector Headlamps for a premium look
✔️ Dynamic grille with chrome accents
✔️ Sleek body lines for aerodynamics
✔️ 16-inch precision-cut alloy wheels
✔️ New LED tail lamps for a striking road presence
The new Baleno is much more aesthetically appealing and fits well within the premium hatchback segment.
3. Interior & Comfort: Old Baleno vs New Baleno
Old Baleno: Functional but Outdated
The old Baleno’s cabin was simple yet functional, featuring:
✔️ Basic dashboard layout with hard plastics
✔️ Single-DIN audio system with radio/CD player
✔️ Fabric upholstery with decent legroom
✔️ Analogue instrument cluster
✔️ No touchscreen or digital MID
Though comfortable, it lacked modern-day premium features.
New Baleno: Premium & Feature-Rich
The new Baleno takes a huge leap forward in interior quality and offers:
✔️ 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ Touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
✔️ Semi-digital instrument cluster with a TFT display
✔️ Premium dual-tone dashboard with soft-touch materials
✔️ 360-degree camera (Top Variant) for easy parking
✔️ Push-button start, auto climate control & rear AC vents
Clearly, the new Baleno’s cabin feels far more premium and tech-savvy than the old model.
4. Engine & Performance: Old Baleno vs New Baleno
Old Baleno: Performance-Oriented Sedan
If we are talking about Old Baleno vs New Baleno. The old Baleno sedan had a powerful 1.6L petrol engine that produced:
- 94 BHP of power
- 130 Nm of torque
This naturally aspirated engine was known for its smooth performance, high revving capability, and reliability. However, it had poor fuel efficiency (11-14 km/l).
New Baleno: Efficient Yet Punchy
The new Baleno hatchback is powered by a 1.2L Dual Jet petrol engine producing:
- 89 BHP of power
- 113 Nm of torque
It is paired with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The new Baleno offers better mileage (22-24 km/l) while maintaining a refined driving experience.
This is how we can easily come out of the confusion of Old Baleno vs New Baleno.
5. Safety Features: Old Baleno vs New Baleno
Old Baleno: Basic Safety Features
The old Baleno lacked modern safety features and came with:
✔️ Basic seat belts
✔️ No airbags in lower variants
✔️ ABS (in higher trims only)
New Baleno: Modern Safety Standards
The new Baleno is much safer and comes with:
✔️ 6 airbags (Top Variant)
✔️ ABS with EBD
✔️ Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
✔️ Rear Parking Sensors & Camera
✔️ ISO-FIX child seat mounts
With improved safety ratings, the new Baleno is a far better choice for families.
6. Price & Value for Money
The old Baleno sedan was priced between ₹5-7 lakh when launched.
The new Baleno is priced between ₹6.61 – 9.88 lakh (ex-showroom).
Though costlier, the new Baleno offers far more advanced features, better mileage, improved safety, and a premium feel.
You can also read about the New Alto 800
7. Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
| Category | Old Baleno (Sedan) | New Baleno (Hatchback) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple & sturdy | Stylish & modern |
| Interiors | Basic | Premium & feature-rich |
| Performance | Powerful engine | Balanced power & efficiency |
| Safety | Basic features | Advanced safety features |
| Fuel Efficiency | ~12 km/l | ~22 km/l |
| Technology | Minimal | Touchscreen, HUD, connected tech |
| Pricing | ₹5-7 lakh (then) | ₹6.61-9.88 lakh |
Who Should Buy What? Are you still confused about Old Baleno vs New Baleno?
✔️ If you want a classic, performance-oriented sedan, the old Baleno is a nostalgic choice.
✔️ If you prefer a modern, feature-packed, efficient hatchback, the new Baleno is the clear winner.
You can get the detailed information by clicking here
FAQs
1. Is the old Baleno sedan still available?
No, it was discontinued in 2007.
2. How does the old Baleno compare in fuel efficiency?
The old Baleno offered ~12 km/l, whereas the new Baleno gives ~22 km/l.
3. Which Baleno is better for family use?
The new Baleno is safer and more spacious, making it the better choice.
4. Does the new Baleno have a turbo engine?
No, it has a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine.
5. Is the new Baleno better than the old one?
Yes, in features, safety, efficiency, and comfort, the new Baleno is superior.
