When it comes to buying a used car, two of the most popular choices in the Indian market are the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai i20. Both of these cars have a strong reputation for being reliable, stylish, and packed with features. But which one should you buy? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Used Hyundai i20, looking at various aspects like performance, design, features, safety, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer idea of which car suits your needs the best. So, let’s get started!
Introduction to Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20
Both the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 are among the top-selling premium hatchbacks in India. These cars have become popular due to their stylish designs, performance, and value for money. Let’s dive into a detailed Baleno vs I20 comparison to understand their key features better.
Design & Styling: Baleno vs i20
Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno: The Baleno is known for its sleek, modern design that appeals to a wide range of buyers. It features smooth curves, a bold front grille, and sharp headlights that give it a sophisticated look. The design of the Baleno is more subtle and elegant, making it a good choice for people who prefer a less flashy look.
Used Hyundai i20: The i20, on the other hand, comes with a more sporty and dynamic design. It has a hexagonal grille, sleek LED DRLs, and a more aggressive stance on the road. The i20 looks more premium, with sharp lines that add to its sporty appeal. If you prefer a car that stands out, the i20 could be the one for you.
Design Comparison:
- Baleno: Elegant, smooth, and less flashy.
- i20: Sporty, dynamic, and more attention-grabbing.
Tip: If you prefer a car that looks elegant and understated, the Baleno would be a better choice. However, if you want a car that turns heads on the road, the i20 has a more bold design.
Engine & Performance Comparison: Baleno & i20
The Baleno and i20 both offer excellent engine options, but some differences can affect your driving experience.
Baleno Engine: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol engine is a 1.2L VVT unit that produces around 83 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, while an automatic (CVT) option is also available. The diesel variant features a 1.3L DDIS engine with 75 bhp and 190 Nm of torque.
i20 Engine: The Hyundai i20 also offers petrol and diesel variants. The petrol engine is a 1.2L Kappa unit that delivers 83 bhp and 114 Nm of torque. The diesel engine is a 1.5L CRDi unit producing 90 bhp and 220 Nm of torque. The i20 is available with a 5-speed manual transmission, and an automatic transmission (CVT) option is available for petrol variants.
Performance Comparison:
- Baleno: Offers smooth driving, especially in the petrol variant, with decent power for city and highway driving.
- i20: The i20 offers more powerful diesel engine options, especially the 1.5L CRDi engine, making it a better choice if you prioritize performance.
Tip: If you primarily drive in the city and want smooth performance, the Baleno is a great choice. But if you prefer a more powerful engine for long highway drives or need better performance, the i20 is the better option.
Interior Features: Which One Offers More Comfort?
Baleno Interior: The Baleno’s cabin is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. It offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The seats are comfortable, and the build quality is good for a hatchback in this segment. The Baleno also comes with automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, and power-adjustable ORVMs.
i20 Interior: The Hyundai i20’s interior feels more premium and feature-packed. It comes with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin is roomy, with high-quality materials used throughout. The i20 also offers features like wireless charging, a premium sound system, and a digital instrument cluster.
Interior Comparison:
- Baleno: Spacious with a good set of features for the price.
- i20: Premium feel, larger infotainment system, and more luxurious features.
Remember: If you value luxury and premium features in the interior, the i20 might be a better option. However, the Baleno offers great value for money with its spacious and comfortable cabin.
Safety Features: Baleno vs I20, Which is Safer?
Baleno Safety Features: The Baleno comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It also has a strong build quality, which adds to its overall safety performance.
i20 Safety Features: The Hyundai i20 is equipped with similar safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Additionally, the i20 features a 6-airbag setup in higher variants, making it a safer choice, especially in terms of passenger protection.
Safety Comparison:
- Baleno: Dual airbags, ABS, and solid build quality.
- i20: 6 airbags in higher variants, offering more protection.
"Safety should never be compromised, and the i20 offers a more robust safety package with its 6 airbags in higher variants."
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency: Which One Wins?
Baleno Mileage: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is known for its excellent fuel efficiency. The petrol variant delivers around 19-21 km/l, and the diesel variant offers about 24-27 km/l, depending on driving conditions.
i20 Mileage: The Hyundai i20, on the other hand, offers a petrol mileage of around 17-19 km/l and a diesel mileage of 21-23 km/l. While the i20 is slightly less fuel-efficient than the Baleno, it still offers great mileage compared to other cars in the same segment.
Mileage Comparison:
- Baleno: Better fuel efficiency, especially the diesel variant.
- i20: Good mileage but slightly lower than the Baleno.
Note: If fuel economy is a major factor for you, the Baleno would be the more economical choice.
Price Comparison: Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Used Hyundai i20
Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno Price: The price of a used Maruti Suzuki Baleno depends on the year, variant, and condition of the car. On average, a used Baleno can cost between ₹4.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh for a 3 to 5-year-old model.
Used Hyundai i20 Price: Similarly, a used Hyundai i20 is priced between ₹5 lakh and ₹8 lakh for a 3 to 5-year-old model, depending on the variant and condition.
Price Comparison:
- Baleno: Slightly more affordable in the used car market.
- i20: A bit more expensive but offers more premium features.
Resale Value: Baleno & i20 Comparison
Baleno Resale Value: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno holds its value well in the used car market, thanks to its widespread popularity and reputation for reliability.
i20 Resale Value: The Hyundai i20 also has a strong resale value, but it is generally a bit lower than the Baleno due to its higher initial price.
Resale Comparison:
- Baleno: Better resale value.
- i20: Slightly lower resale value compared to the Baleno.
Which One is Better for City Driving?
Baleno for City Driving: The Baleno is light on the steering and offers great maneuverability, making it a perfect choice for city driving. Its compact dimensions also make it easy to park and navigate through tight spaces.
i20 for City Driving: The i20, while slightly larger, also offers good maneuverability, but it is better suited for highway driving due to its powerful engine options.
Tip: If you mainly drive in the city, the Baleno is a better option due to its smaller size and ease of handling.
Comparison of Boot Space: Baleno vs i20
When it comes to practicality and the ability to carry luggage, boot space plays a crucial role. Both the Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Used Hyundai i20 offer ample boot space for everyday use, but how do they compare?
Baleno Boot Space: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno provides a boot space of 339 liters, which is quite spacious for a hatchback. This is an ideal size for small families or individuals who frequently travel with luggage. The rear seats can be folded down to increase the space further, making it versatile for longer trips or larger items.
i20 Boot Space: The Hyundai i20, on the other hand, offers a slightly smaller boot space of 311 liters. While it is still good for a hatchback in its class, it’s not as spacious as the Baleno’s boot. However, the rear seats in the i20 can also be folded down, allowing you to extend the boot space when needed.
Boot Space Comparison:
- Baleno: Larger boot space (339 liters), more practical for carrying luggage.
- i20: Smaller boot space (311 liters), but still sufficient for daily use.
Tip: If boot space is a major factor for you, the Baleno offers better practicality with its larger boot. However, if you don’t need much storage space, the i20 should suffice.
After-Sales Service and Maintenance: Baleno vs i20
One important consideration when buying a used car is the after-sales service and maintenance costs. Let’s see how the Baleno and i20 fare in this area.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno After-Sales Service: Maruti Suzuki has one of the largest service networks in India, which means you can find authorized service centers in almost every city. The Baleno also benefits from Maruti's reputation for affordable maintenance and spare parts. The overall cost of maintenance for the Baleno is relatively low, making it an economical choice in the long run.
Hyundai i20 After-Sales Service: Hyundai also has a strong service network across India, though it is not as extensive as Maruti's. The i20 is generally more expensive to maintain than the Baleno, with higher costs for spare parts and labor charges. However, Hyundai cars are known for their high reliability, so you can expect fewer issues in the long term.
After-Sales Service Comparison:
- Baleno: Lower maintenance costs and a wider service network.
- i20: Higher maintenance costs but good reliability.
Remember: If keeping maintenance costs low is important to you, the Baleno will be the more economical option.
Driving Experience: Baleno & i20 Comparison
How do the two cars perform on the road? Let’s compare the driving experience of the Baleno and i20 to help you decide which one offers the best ride.
Baleno Driving Experience: The Baleno is lightweight and agile, making it a great car for city driving. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, and it absorbs bumps and rough roads well. The steering is light, and the car feels easy to handle, especially in tight spots like traffic jams or narrow streets.
i20 Driving Experience: The Hyundai i20 feels more stable at higher speeds, thanks to its slightly heavier build and more powerful engine options. It offers a comfortable and composed ride, especially on highways. The steering is precise and feels more planted on the road, making it a good option for those who like a slightly sportier driving experience.
Driving Experience Comparison:
- Baleno: Lightweight, easy to drive in the city, comfortable suspension.
- i20: More stable at high speeds, precise steering, better for highway drives.
Tip: If your daily driving is mostly within the city, the Baleno will be easier to maneuver. However, if you frequently drive on highways or prefer a sportier feel, the i20 might be a better option.
Comfort and Ride Quality: Which One Offers a Better Experience?
Both the Baleno and i20 offer good comfort and ride quality, but let’s break it down further.
Baleno Comfort: The Baleno offers a comfortable cabin with soft seats and ample legroom. The suspension is tuned for comfort, and it handles bumps well. The cabin is well-insulated, keeping road noise at bay. However, taller passengers might feel a bit cramped in the rear seat compared to the i20.
i20 Comfort: The i20 offers more premium comfort, with high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The seats are plush, and there is enough legroom and headroom in both front and rear. The i20 also has a quieter cabin, thanks to better insulation. The ride quality is smooth, and it feels more stable at higher speeds.
Comfort Comparison:
- Baleno: Comfortable ride, but less spacious in the rear seat.
- i20: More premium comfort, better cabin insulation, and spacious.
Tip: If comfort and a more premium cabin feel are important to you, the i20 offers a better experience.
Handling & Suspension: Baleno vs i20
How do the cars handle different road conditions? Let’s take a look at the handling and suspension of both cars.
Baleno Handling: The Baleno is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling. Its suspension absorbs bumps and rough roads well, making it ideal for city driving. The steering is light, and it’s easy to navigate through crowded areas.
i20 Handling: The i20 has a slightly firmer suspension setup that provides better stability on highways and at high speeds. It feels more connected to the road, and the steering is more responsive than the Baleno’s, offering better control at higher speeds.
Handling Comparison:
- Baleno: Better for comfort and city driving.
- i20: More stable and responsive, better for highway driving.
Environmental Impact: Baleno vs i20
With growing concerns about the environment, many car buyers today also consider the environmental impact of their vehicles. Let’s take a look at the emissions and fuel efficiency of the Baleno and i20.
Baleno Environmental Impact: The Baleno is known for its excellent fuel efficiency, which helps in reducing carbon emissions. The diesel variant, in particular, offers better mileage, making it a more eco-friendly choice for long-distance driving.
i20 Environmental Impact: The i20 also offers good fuel efficiency, but it’s slightly less eco-friendly compared to the Baleno, especially in the petrol variants. However, the i20’s emissions are still within the acceptable range for a premium hatchback.
Environmental Comparison:
- Baleno: More eco-friendly due to better mileage, especially the diesel variant.
- i20: Good fuel efficiency but slightly less eco-friendly than the Baleno.
Tip: If you want to minimize your carbon footprint, the Baleno, with its better fuel efficiency, would be a more environmentally friendly choice.
Verdict: Baleno vs i20 – Which One Should You Buy?
Both the Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Used Hyundai i20 are excellent choices for anyone looking to buy a used premium hatchback. If you want a more fuel-efficient, budget-friendly option with a simple and elegant design, the Baleno is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a premium feel, more safety features, and better performance, the i20 would be a better choice.
Tips When Buying a Used Car
- Check the Car's Condition: Always inspect the car thoroughly, including the engine, interior, and exterior. Look for any signs of wear and tear.
- Request Service History: A well-maintained car with a proper service history is always a better investment.
- Negotiate the Price: Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price with the seller, especially if the car has some issues or is over-priced.
FAQS
1. Which car is better for city driving – Baleno or i20?
If you're mostly driving in the city, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a great choice. It's easy to steer, light, and fits well in tight spaces. The Hyundai i20 is a bit larger and might feel less nimble in heavy traffic, but it still handles well.
Tip: Choose Baleno if you need something small and easy to drive in traffic.
2. Is the Baleno or the i20 more fuel-efficient?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is known for being more fuel-efficient. It gives more kilometers per liter, especially in the diesel variant. The i20 also offers good mileage, but the Baleno wins in this area.
Remember: If you want to save more money on fuel, go for the Baleno.
3. Which car is more spacious inside – Baleno or i20?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has a spacious cabin, but the Hyundai i20 is a bit more premium and offers more comfort, especially in the rear seat. If you often travel with passengers, the i-20 feels more comfortable.
Tip: Choose an i20 if you prefer a more comfortable and roomy feel inside the car.
4. What’s the difference in boot space between the Baleno and i20?
The Baleno offers a larger boot space of 339 liters, which is good for carrying more luggage. The i20 has a smaller boot of 311 liters, but it is still enough for most people’s daily needs.
Note: If you need more space for luggage, the Baleno would be a better choice.
5. Which car has more advanced features – Baleno or i20?
The Hyundai i20 offers more advanced features like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has a 7-inch touchscreen but still offers all the basics you need.
Tip: If you like having the latest tech, the i20 is a better option.
Conclusion
In the end, both the Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Used Hyundai i20 have their strengths. Your decision should depend on your personal preferences, budget, and driving needs. Whether you choose the Baleno or the i20, you’re getting a reliable, stylish, and well-featured car. So, weigh the pros and cons, and pick the one that suits you the best!
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