Maruti Suzuki has added a CVT gearbox variant of the Baleno hatchback in the top-spec ‘Alpha’ trim. Priced at Rs 8.34 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, it comes loaded with features, whereas those looking for less buying price can still specify it in the lesser Delta and Zeta trims.
It’s powered by a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 83 bhp and 11.73 kgm. The car weighs a tad more than the MT variant (by about 40-50 kilos) at 910-935 kilos, depending on the trim.
The move will help increase the percentage of AT/AMT-equipped MSIL products sold in the country. From six per cent in FY 2014-15, it had grown to almost double at 11 per cent in FY 2016/17.
The company intends to double the current sales of 150,000 units to 300,000 by 2020. Which doesn’t look like an impossible task, especially with products like the Alto K10, Celerio, Wagon R, Ignis, Dzire, Ciaz, Ertiga, and Baleno being offered with automatic or automated gearbox choices. Of these only the Baleno comes equipped with a CVT.
The Baleno is also available with a petrol MT, a diesel MT, and a turbocharged petrol engine (available only with a manual gearbox).
