By Lalit Manaktala
29th Nov 99

Today was the official launch of Maruti's first new offering in years. The Baleno. The launch had all the usual trappings with lady hostesses and a laser display. But the pride evident in all Maruti officials, especially Rohtas Mal, the Chief General Manager, and Mr Khattar - the CMD was plain to see.

A few days ago Veeresh Malik (the AutoGuru) and I got an opportunity to photograph and test drive the Baleno. We had to wait a bit because BBC were also shooting the Baleno in action. It was the first car off the production line and the only one available. However the price was disclosed only today - a very competitive Rs 6.75 lakh for this fully loaded car.

Watching the car going around the track it gave me the impression of a thoroughbred enjoying itself being taken through its paces.

Standard Equipment - Power Steering, Central door locking, Electric windows, Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, Heater and air conditioner, Stereo with Am/Fm Remote control, 4 speakers and digital clock, Footrest.

Instrument Panel - Tachometer, Tripmeter, Light-off reminder, Cigarette Lighter, 4-spoke urethane steering wheel, Cup holder, "Key not removed" warning buzzer, Ashtray illumination, Electrically operated A/C louver switches

Exterior - Shade band on windshield, Green tinted glass, chrome plated front grille, Semi-concealed windshield wipers, chrome plated window lining, side protective moulding, 13-inch full wheel covers, Front and rear mud flaps, Coloured bumpers.

Interior - 3-position cabin light, trunk room light, vanity mirror, ticket holder, day/night inside rear view mirror, front door pockets, front seat height adjuster (driver's side), rear seat centre armrest, trunk lid opener, fuel lid opener.

Safety - High mounted stop lamp, Adjustable shoulder anchorage (front seat belts), rear seat belts, child proof rear door locks, side impact beams, lockable glove box, rear window demister, collapsible steering wheel.

Techy Specs - Baleno 1.6 16V Overall Length (mm) 4225 Overall Width (mm) 1690 Overall Height (mm) 1390 Wheel Base (mm) 2480 Ground Clearance (mm) 170 Turining Radius (mts) 4.9 Engine - Engine Size 1590cc, in-line 16 valve SOHC Bore x Stroke 75 x 90 Max. Power 94 bhp @ 6000 rpm (DIN) Max. Torque 132 Nm @ 3000 rpm Kerb wieght - 975 kgs Transmission - 5 speed manual, all synchromesh, 1 reverse Front Suspension - McPherson strut and coil spring with anti roll bar Rear Suspension - McPherson strut and coil spring with parallel link and torsion bar Front Brakes - Vacuum assisted hydraulic, ventilated disc Rear Brakes - Drum, leading/trailing Hydraulic Power Assist for Brakes - Dual Diagonal Circuit Steering - Rack & Pinion, Power Assisted Tyre Size - 165/80R13

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It looks like a solid contemporary car with European design philosophy. A high hipline with a low slung bonnet gives it a muscular wedge shaped profile. The thick doors make it strong and sturdy with solid bumpers, reinforced side door pillars and the use of high tensile steel of greater thickness adding to overall safety.

Inside, the layout and trim is well presented and effectively executed. The extensive use of matching door trim gives it a look of luxury. I was particularly impressed with its firm seats that provided good lumbar support. There is 3 way adjustment available for the drivers seat (long slide range, seatback recline and height adjustment). The rear seat was equally comfortable. Although three rear seat belts have been provided, with three adults sitting there, space was a little cramped. Admittedly the season's repasts had done their job and the afore mentioned three did not belong to the slim and trim category.

The best feature of the 1.6 GLX is the engine, a smooth yet powerful 16 Valve SOHC All Aluminium MPFI engine. Powering the car into the curves was a heady experience as it took them with aplomb emerging into the straight with cultured swagger. The easily redlined engine delivered its power and torque with spirit and the speed sensitive power steering combined with the independent Mcpherson strut suspension on all four wheels to give good handling and great road grip even on the sharp curves.

The Baleno has good torque even at low RPM but the best feature is the flat curve of torque across a spectrum of engine speeds. The ability to maintain this output across a broad range of speeds means that this is a car that is equally at home in the city, on the highway or in the hills. I practised sedate driving as well, simulating traffic and the drive was equally satisfying. But the response to the pedal is so encouraging and the car so nimble that it is indeed a controlled heart that will not succumb to the temptation to pour on the gas once in a while. 'Civilized aggressiveness' characterizes the Baleno.

Open the hood and one is pleasantly surprised to see the well laid out, uncluttered engine compartment. This means that some thought has gone into the positioning of the various elements leading to ease of servicing and overhaul as well as longer life for components such as hoses, because they haven't been unnaturally twisted or turned.

Suzuki has developed advanced engineering to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels in this car. While the reduced vibration and harshness is welcome, diehards revel in a reasonable level of noise to enable one to know exactly what the car is doing. Personally I found the engine purring rather than growling even when pushed and I would be encouraged to roll down the electric window a touch, especially in the hills. But the luxury of silence during city driving is not be scoffed at.

The interior has most of the features one expects from a car of its class but maybe the cabin light would have been better placed at the rear view mirror rather than the centre of the cabin. Tilt steering would make the car really complete but I guess one can't have everything.

Veeresh says I had a silly look of pleasure, like someone with a new toy when I was driving and frankly I couldn?t keep the grin from my face as I stepped out of the car.


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