Fast and low slung. Review on Maruti Suzuki Baleno

I have been a baleno user for quite a while know.In short its been a positive experience so far. Would like to express my view on the basis of various parameters. You should not compare with the new gen cars. The first thing that attract any car shopper is the looks. Well the baleno is a bit boring to look at especially the tail.Mine is pre euro3 version with the orange reflectors. It is boxy from the rear...no doubt.

Front and the side profile are in contrast to the rear.At the front, its a love or hate.Compare her to the competition(lancer, old city) and she is nowhere as attractive as them.But personally I like the front end..has got a certain charm to it.

Side profile is quite striking.Especially with a spoiler on.Add some snazzy alloys too. Performance:This is one area that the baleno will surely impress you.The gearing is tall and the engine revvs freely.Its all aluminium suzuki g16b producing 94 horses..they are readily available right from near idle rpms.Bottom rpm torque is amazing, you can chug along at 40kmph in 5th gear without any shudder.If you want a real go shift down to 2nd and floor the pedal.It will take you beyond 100 mark.Top speed is close to 190.

Handling:Its good but not sharp.The steering has got good amount of feed back but its not as good as a lancer or any fiat.Handling improves tremendously once you put in better tyres.THe stock tyres are just crap and does no justice to the car.Change to atleast 185 section tyres that too good quality rubber.I am using 195/55 R15s .There is a hell lot of difference between the stock setup and the current setup.

195/60 is the perfect size on 14" rims.and 195/55 for 15" rims

Ride quality:Good for a car of its age.Ride deteriorates with low profile tyres, like mine

AC: Need a special mention.Cooling is rapid and can work very long without tripping.The engine delivers almost the same performance even with ac on.

Fue economy:well as long as you are comparing apples to apples only, the baleno delivers good FE.Expect 10-11 in city conditions.Varies from driver to driver.On the highway with light foot its 16-16.5 with ac on and wider tyres.If you are a boyracer, like with every petrol engine the fuel efficiency can drop drasically.I can manage 12-13 in city with a light foot(below 2000rpm).It can drop to 8-9 with high revvs(say 3000-4000rpm)

Refinement:Not as refined as a lancer or city.Baleno is rough beyond 3000rpm.With the glasses rolled up, there is no noise entering the cabin.

reliability:Bulletproof!! .All engine components are from japan.The area that require attention is the suspension.Lower arms, dampers etc give away quickly.Especially with up sized rims.

There is good modding potential..its a great project car.