Maruti Baleno vs Hyundai i20

Maruti Baleno vs Hyundai i20: The Ultimate 2025 Showdown

1. Pricing & Variants

Maruti Baleno: ₹6.70–9.92 lakh (ex-showroom), 9 variants, Petrol & CNG, Manual/AMT.
Hyundai i20: ₹7.04–11.25 lakh (ex-showroom), 14 variants, Petrol only, Manual/IVT auto.

Baleno’s price advantage is clear at the entry and top trims, making it more accessible for budget buyers, while i20’s top versions push further into the compact sedan territory

2. Engine & Performance

Car	Engine (Petrol)	Power	Torque	Gearbox	Fuel Options
Baleno	1.2L DualJet	88.5bhp@6,000rpm	113Nm@4,400rpm	5MT / AMT	Petrol, CNG
i20	1.2L Kappa	87bhp@6,000rpm	114.7Nm@4,200rpm	5MT / IVT	Petrol only

Both engines are refined 4-cylinder units, offering easy drivability for city and highway.
Baleno edges out on fuel tech (dual jet, idle start-stop) and offers slightly livelier throttle response in everyday use.
i20’s IVT auto provides a smoother experience than Baleno’s AMT, favored for urban traffic

3. Mileage (ARAI & Real-World)

Baleno Petrol: Claimed 22.35–22.94kmpl (city ~19kmpl)
Baleno CNG: Up to 30.6km/kg
i20 Petrol: Claimed 16–20kmpl (real-world city 13–14kmpl, highway 15–16kmpl)

Baleno delivers notably better fuel efficiency and CNG option, a key factor for cost-conscious buyers

4. Dimensions & Practicality

Car	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Boot Space	Ground Cl.
Baleno	3,990mm	1,745mm	1,500mm	2,520mm	318L	170mm
i20	3,995mm	1,775mm	1,505mm	2,580mm	311L	170mm

Both are genuinely spacious for 5 adults with similar cabin and boot capacity.
i20 is slightly wider, yielding a tad more shoulder room. Baleno’s boot is a bit larger and more usable for family luggage

5. Features & Tech

Both cars are loaded (varies by trim), but here’s what stands out:

Baleno Alpha

360° camera, heads-up display, 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment (with connected car tech), LED lights, cruise control, auto folding ORVMs, rear AC, UV-cut glass.

i20 Asta Opt

Digital cluster, sunroof, wireless charging, 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bose sound (top trim), ambient lighting, rear AC vent, six airbags standard on higher trims, connected features, start/stop button.

Hyundai wins on some luxury features (sunroof, audio), while Maruti matches on most core tech. Both offer wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay on higher trims.

6. Safety

Baleno: Bharat NCAP 4-star rating (2025), up to 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, hill hold, ISOFIX, 360° camera on top trims. Recognized for improved crash worthiness in the latest generation
i20: Up to 6 airbags across more variants, ESP, ABS, rear camera, strong body shell. No India-specific NCAP crash test publicly available, but global versions have shown decent performance

Baleno gains the edge for having a confirmed Bharat NCAP rating.

7. Maintenance & Resale

Baleno: Lower service costs (₹5,200 avg./year for 5 years), broader dealer reach, and higher resale as the segment bestseller.
i20: Slightly higher annual service cost, but Hyundai’s network now rivals Maruti in top cities. Hyundai resale is good, but Baleno holds value slightly better due to overall sales numbers

8. Driving Experience

Baleno: Light steering and clutch, softly sprung for comfort, best for relaxed daily driving and families.
i20: Sharper handling, firmer steering, and more composed at highway speeds; IVT offers a smoother auto option. Enthusiasts prefer i20 for its stability, while urban users may appreciate Baleno’s plushness

9. Looks & Interior Quality

Baleno: Sober, mature exterior with new bold grille; cabin is functional, classy but non-flashy. Good build, improved plastics.
i20: Edgy, sporty, and arguably the most stylish hatchback; premium interior, best-in-class fit and finish, soft-touch dash, and rich materials.

i20 appeals to those wanting “wow” factor, while Baleno keeps it practical yet elegant

10. Buying Verdict

Choose Baleno if…	Choose i20 if…
Value, efficiency, reliability	Rich equipment, sporty look
Lower running/maintenance costs	Smoother automatic
Confirmed Bharat NCAP safety	Best cabin/luxury experience
CNG fuel option matters	Audio/sunroof are priorities

Baleno is the ultimate value+economy pick, especially for family users and long-term cost savings.
Hyundai i20 is your car for premium features, youthful style, and urban luxury—even for a bit extra.

Tip: Whichever you choose, test drive both, compare variant features carefully, and match your urban/rural driving needs before signing that cheque.

This blog is based on July 2025 model specs, verified comparison tools, auto reviews, and latest user feedback for Indian buyers.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

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