[y2ksrs]

Originally Posted by invidious

I realize that this comes with Apple Car Play but can Android Auto be sideloaded onto the HU later?

I had asked the same question in this thread earlier.

Originally Posted by y2ksrs

That is great news. One question though, will the current ICE system also get Android Auto via an update or only new cars manufactured in 2016 get this?

And here is a response that was posted:

Originally Posted by chncar

Both Apple Carplay and Android Auto basically run like an app or overlay protocol on the underlying system. So it should be possible to run integrate either or both on most high-end car entertainment platforms.

[volkman10]

And now Bloomberg TV's review of Baleno.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4cgMMw4JFs

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by volkman10

And now Bloomberg TV's review of Baleno.

Unrelated but what happened to Autocar show. And who are the chaps behind this new show? Is it also an auto mag?

[Leoshashi]

The best part about Baleno is that its feature loaded right from the 2nd lowest variant.

Practical and much desired features like Automatic climate control, Tilt steering, Rear defogger, Rear wash and wipe are available from the Delta variant which is commendable. Also, its nice to see Maruti finally acknowledging the need of safety equipments right from the base variants.

The Variants are planned quite sensibly, and those on a tighter budget can still think of safely travelling with their family members. One can always add more goodies from the aftermarket, but things like ABS and Airbags should be made standard right from the base variant, which is what Maruti has done!!

Regards,
Shashi

[WRXXX]

Originally Posted by volkman10

And now Bloomberg TV's review of Baleno.

Very good review.
But 20k sales per month for i20 seems incorrect.

The interview with Kalsi and Raman also sheds some light on S-cross sales performance and miss-understood discounts on it. I should say S-cross is doing well based on what Maruti expected it to.

For Baleno they think Bluetooth being good enough to interface with HU! I am sure you can't read the messages etc. But we can hack it up later to mirror the display or better Maruti release fw update with support.

[romeomidhun]

As per my discussion with a Maruti sales staff (not from NEXA), they expect the pricing to start around 6L! If yes, it will be another pricing disaster by Maruti after SCross 1.6.

[madhav14]

Originally Posted by romeomidhun

As per my discussion with a Maruti sales staff (not from NEXA), they expect the pricing to start around 6L! If yes, it will be another pricing disaster by Maruti after SCross 1.6.

Completely agree with you. I was about to buy i20, but after getting the news of Baleno release, I thought I would give it a try.

I'm just holding on to see the Maruti pricing to take a decision. I'm ready to compromise on the lesser power (74bhp of baleno vs 90bhp of i20) and a little less premium cabin of Baleno provided the pricing is lower than i20.

If the baleno is priced even a single rupee more than i20, I'm going straight to Hyundai showroom and book the i20 right away.

[volkman10]

Well here is another view of price speculation from Top Gear.

Until 26th all news on pricing will remain as rumors. Even during the S Cross launch most RM's were giving prices which was ultimately skewed to the actual pricing!

New Maruti Baleno to be competitively priced

The new Maruti Baleno is still a couple of days away from launch, but grapevine has it that Maruti is aiming at pricing its latest premium hatchback slightly lower than the very popular Hyundai i20.

the company is clear that while they are looking at Nexa as a premium experience for customers, all the cars sold through Nexa are not necessarily going to be priced at a substantial premium.

Financial Times -

Likely to be priced at Rs 5.50 lakh onwards

NDTV-

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Expected Price: 6 lakh - 9 lakh

ACI-

an estimated price of Rs 5.7-8.3 lakh when it goes on sale on October 26

http://www.topgear.com/india/car-new...iced/itemid-50

[itsashishsharma]

Originally Posted by madhav14

If the baleno is priced even a single rupee more than i20, I'm going straight to Hyundai showroom and book the i20 right away.

Hey Madhav, I am a little curious about your buying maths. Its easier said than done that if Baleno is not cheaper than the i20, you will buy i20. Its never this easy. There is so much more about a car buying decision, especially for us enthusiastic types. Afterall, i20's lifeless stearing and scary driving dynamics would mean something to you, wouldn't those?
Even Baleno would have it's downsides, which would make the decision even tougher. So please let us know how its for you.

[AtheK]

6 lacs for base petrol version, 6.75 for delta, 7.75 for delta CVT, 7.5 for Zeta and 8 lacs for alpha, all exshowroom prices will be my guess as per the speculations.

[jetti]

Rightly said itsashishsharma,
The buying maths on this one is going to be difficult for everyone as all the variants are far more loaded than the competition. For e.g. the Delta variant is far more loaded then the competition Mid Variants. I'm eager to see the price lists that will be released on Monday.

It surely is going to make the decisions of a lot of people. Which way, that we have to see.

Originally Posted by itsashishsharma

Hey Madhav, I am a little curious about your buying maths. Its easier said than done that if Baleno is not cheaper than the i20, you will buy i20. Its never this easy. There is so much more about a car buying decision, especially for us enthusiastic types. Afterall, i20's lifeless stearing and scary driving dynamics would mean something to you, wouldn't those?
Even Baleno would have it's downsides, which would make the decision even tougher. So please let us know how its for you.

[madhav14]

Originally Posted by itsashishsharma

Hey Madhav, I am a little curious about your buying maths. Its easier said than done that if Baleno is not cheaper than the i20, you will buy i20. Its never this easy. There is so much more about a car buying decision, especially for us enthusiastic types. Afterall, i20's lifeless stearing and scary driving dynamics would mean something to you, wouldn't those?
Even Baleno would have it's downsides, which would make the decision even tougher. So please let us know how its for you.

Haha Lol. I totally agree with you that its easier said than done. That line came out of my irritation on the constantly rising prices of new cars (read: Creta & S-cross).

Anyways, thanks for asking. Here is my buying maths.

My usage - More than 5000km per month (2k km in Hyderabad city, 3k+ on highways)

Cars I'm using right now - Swift (Most of the time) & Verna Fluidic (dad uses more, and me - occasional drives)

Upgrade (from swift) budget - 10 - 14 lacs

Cars that were considered:

Hyundai I20
Used Skoda Laura Auto
Used Jetta Auto
used Cruze

Then comes the Baleno and all the focus shifted there with its impressive looks and positive reviews on its handling.

For general usage (say 2k km per month), I can easily maintain a used jetta, laura or even a 3 series, but due to businesses in 2 places, I'm travelling more than a taxi driver.

I'm literally giving my swift to service every alternative month (10k km). With that kind of heavy usage, buying & maintaining those cars doesn't make practical sense. So, striked off Laura, Jetta and Cruze from the list.

So, mind finally says i20 or Baleno are the sensible, cheap and best options for my usage.

i20
Likes:
Premium cabin feel
Powerful and Silent engine
Light steering in the city
Decent Mileage and maintenance costs

Dislikes:
Obviously - handling department
And, no fuel efficiency indicator

Baleno:
Likes:
Fresh looks and new one in the lot
Spacious cabin
Quality is comparable to i20, if not equal or more
Highest FE - this is the one which made most sense for my usage
Lighter than swift - means better response & handling
Apple car play and other new features

Dislikes:
The same swift engine which we are seeing from decades.
Still, i20 feels more premium and has higher brand value (my opinion please)

Having experienced both Maruti and Hyundai cars, the enthusiast in me wants Baleno. And the business person in me wants a higher brand value and premium feel for the price. Also, I'm not convinced to pay more premium for that puny 74bhp motor.

If Maruti prices Baleno lower than i20, it would be a wonderful proposition as I can easily satisfy both the guys in me.
If not, I would be again in a deep confusion, considering multiple factors and comparing both cars, and I don't like that

[volkman10]

Baleno accompanies the S Cross in some Nexa Showrooms,

NEXA - Vaishali Nagar - Jaipur











http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/fo...ing-up-24.html

[harry10]

It looks really nice in that blue Shade.
The thing idon't like is those tail lights. They are protuding out so much that it will be an easy target for our bikers who pay no need to other vehicles.

Price will definitely play a huge role for many people including me. Let's see what Maruti offers.

[akhil994]

Just saw this Baleno today in the red colour on the Ring Road. The rear looks so small, my mother remarked the same, and it completely hides it's size. The rear is off putting. Almost looks like something strange has been done to A-star's boot to make it look this way.
My mother and I did agree that the front is better looking and those lights do look good in person.