Six months after the Baleno launch, there is a new addition to the Baleno range with the CVT now available in the Zeta trim level, at a price of Rs 7.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). At that price, the Zeta CVT is the most expensive variant of the Baleno petrol range, higher than manual Alpha. The CVT, also, continues to be available in the lower Delta variant, which is cheaper by Rs 61,000 compared to the Zeta. For the price difference over the Delta, the added features in the Zeta include automatic headlamps, alloy wheels, height adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lamps, keyless go, a multi-information display with a color screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel and ‘UV-cut glass’, which is claimed by Maruti of capable of cutting down UV rays by up to 85 per cent. The CVT is still paired with the 1.2-litre K-series petrol four cylinder, with no diesel automatic option. As such, the K12 engine puts out the same 83 bhp and 11.7 kgm of torque as the ones fitted with the manual gearbox.
In the premium hatchback automatic segment, the Jazz with its CVT and the Figo dual-clutch auto are the Baleno’s closest competitors. While the Ford Figo DCT is priced at Rs 7.20 lakh for the Titanium trim and sits in between the Delta and Zeta variants, the Jazz CVT is available in a lower S trim for 7.26 lakh and in a higher V trim for 8.13 lakh, with all prices being ex-showroom, Delhi.
