Dec 13, 2006 12:55 PM
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(Updated Dec 13, 2006 04:00 PM)
HELLO FRIENDS !!I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THE NEW BALENO INFORMATION DERIVED FROM AUTO CAR INDIA AND OTHER WEB SOURCES,JUST FOR INFORMATION. AUTOCARINDIA Maruti is all set to introduce the new Baleno in the first half of 2007 after the launch of Swift Diesel. The new Baleno is a radical departure from the current model and, like the Swift, represents the new design philosophy at Suzuki. Eager to shed its dowdy image, Suzuki's latest saloon is a sharp-looker aimed at pulling sales away from the Honda City.
The new Baleno is internally known at Maruti, is essentially the three-box or saloon version of the Suzuki SX4 which was launched late last year. This crossover vehicle in turn is built on a modified Swift platform. Designed by Giugiaro, the new Baleno has aggressive styling elements like the L-shaped headlights, chunky nose and the front quarter-glass with a unique kink. The new Baleno is substantially larger than the outgoing model and according to company sources is "as big as the Optra and corolla.Though optra is chevrolets brand the designing was done by suzuki."
The dimensions are not yet disclosed but Suzuki's new saloon, which will use the same 2500mm wheelbase platform of the SX4, is expected to be extremely roomy and comfortable. Maruti engineers has focused on optimising rear seat comfort with a different squab and backrest for the India-spec model. The dashboard is expected to be similar to the SX4, which is a well-crafted and modern design.
A chunky central console which extends to the top of the dashboard, it is possible that Maruti will provide a standalone audio unit and offer it as an option. The rotary air-con dials which have a particularly smooth and tactile action are similar to the Swift but come with faux-metal edges. Storage area is generous and the door pockets and cubbyholes in the central area are useful. What's missing though is the recess above the dashboard, a very useful feature the current Baleno has. Cabin materials and plastics are in the league of the Honda City, are expected to set a new standard for Suzukis and will come as welcome change from the current Baleno's drab interiors.
The SX4 comes with a 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre petrol as well as a 1.9- litre diesel sourced from Fiat. For the new Baleno, however, the current Baleno's all-aluminium 1.6-litre 94bhp G16B engine may be used. However, it is also likely that the latest-generation 1.6 motor which develops upwards of 100bhp will be used if the new Baleno is to compete with the Optra and even the Corolla. Another card Maruti could play is fitting the 2-litre 140bhp petrol engine from the 2007 SX4 which would put the new Baleno in the same performance league as the Civic and Corolla. A Suzuki version of Fiat's 1.9 Multi-jet diesel will also be an option Maruti will seriously consider but this would increase the price substantially and push the new Baleno into Octavia territory.
Company sources indicate that the new Baleno will be aggressively priced and not too far from the current Baleno's price tag. A base price of under Rs 7 lakh is an internal target and the company will localise parts heavily to bring down costs. Unlike Maruti's earlier strategy of supplementing old models with new ones, the new Baleno is expected to replace the current model as a part of a model upgrade programme Maruti has embarked upon. A smaller saloon also is being developed in liana platform and this model could eventually replace the Esteem. THIS IS THE REVIEW GIVEN BY SOURCE AUTOCARINDIA.THANKYOU.
