In this edition of comparison, we compare the two most popular premium hatchbacks in the country. We are talking about the segment leader by a large margin, Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the challenger, Tata Altroz which has seen some exciting sales figures over the last few months. Recognizing the growing popularity of the Altroz makes this comparison very exciting indeed. As usual, we shall compare the two hatchbacks on exteriors, safety, engines, prices, features and specs to pick the better-suited product for you. Let us dive into it.

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz – Exteriors and Dimensions

Baleno is the older of the two but still looks decent. The front houses the LED Projector Headlamps with LED DRLs, 3D Graphic Design front grille with some chrome inserts, Fog Lamps on the bumpers which look sporty and a broad overall appearance. The sides are accentuated by the 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, Blacked-out A, B and C-Pillars and chrome line under the window line. The rear houses the LED taillamp unit which makes the overall appearance rather appealing along with the roof-mounted spoiler and a thick chrome bar connecting the tail lamps. A bit old it might be, but it has all the makings of a decent-looking premium hatchback.

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The Tata Altroz is a modern and stylish-looking premium hatchback. Based on the award-winning Impact 2.0 design language, Tata Altroz features an aggressive front grille, with Dual Chamber Automatic Projector Headlamps, LED DRLs, Sporty Bumper and Angular Unique Front Fascia. The side profile is also distinctly Altroz with 90-degree opening doors, Characteristics Creases on the Sides, 16-inch Dual Cut Laser Tone Stylish Alloy Wheels, Piano Black ORVMs with Chrome Inserts, C-Pillar Mounted Rear Door Handles, Roof Integrated Rear Spoiler and much more. On the back, one gets greeted with Split Taillamps connected by a blacked-out slab giving the rear a modern appearance, sporty bumpers and more. Overall, the Altroz does look stunning from all angles.

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These two premium hatchbacks are so identical in exterior dimensions that neither of the two has a decisive edge over the other. It should be noted that the wheelbase of the Baleno is a bit longer than the Altroz but the Altroz has a marginally larger boot compartment.

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz – Interiors, Features and Safety

The interiors of the Baleno are a bit simple and toned-down when compared to those of the Altroz. The features list is, however, quite impressive and modern. This includes a full Digital Instrument Cluster, a Digital Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Steering-mounted controls, Voice Commands, Navigation System, Automatic Climate Control. The Digital Display gives out valuable information like fuel consumption, distance-to-empty, trip information, gear change indicator and much more. Safety features include ABS with EBD, Dual front airbags, a Rear-view camera with sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts. However, it does miss out on features like Hill-start Assist, Traction Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

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When it comes to interior designing, Tata Altroz comes with a modern cabin look. Developed in India for Indian customers, the iRA (Intelligent Real-time Assist) app has a whole host of connected and safety features. This includes over 70 Voice Commands in Hindi, English and Hinglish, keeping the Indian sensibilities and lingo in mind. Apart from that the 3 Word Navigation System also allows navigating any place using just 3 keywords. New and useful features include Xpress Cool for faster cooling of the cabin during those hot summer days, Leatherette Seats, One-touch Power Windows, 2 Additional Tweeters by Harman for an even more engaging Audio Experience, Black and light grey interiors and a new Harbour Blue Colour theme.

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Tata Altroz is the only 5-star Safety Rated hatchback in India at the Global NCAP. It has features like Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Corner Stability Control, Reverse Parking Sensors with Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Height Adjustable Seatbelts with Pretensioners & Force Limiter, Crash Sensing Auto Door Unlock and more.

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz – Engines, Transmissions and Prices

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is powered by a 1.2L VVT Petrol engine churning out a healthy 82 bhp and 113 Nm with the option of a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic. It also has a slightly powerful 1.2L Dualjet Dual VVT Petrol Hybrid making 88 bhp and identical torque mated to a 5-speed manual. There are no diesel powertrains in the Maruti Suzuki’s lineup at the moment. The prices of the Baleno range between Rs 5.98 lakh and Rs 9.30 lakh, ex-showroom.

There are three engine options on offer with the Altroz including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine making 86 PS and 113 Nm, a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine making 110 PS and 140 Nm and a 1.5-litre diesel engine making 90 PS and 200 Nm of peak power and peak torque respectively. There is the option of a sole 5-speed manual gearbox with all the variants of the Altroz. The prices of the Tata Altroz range from Rs 5.80 lakh to Rs 9.56 lakh, ex-showroom.

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz – Verdict

These two premium hatchbacks are as closely competitive as it gets. From the prices to the equipment list on offer, there is really not much to choose between the two. Perhaps, we can suggest that if you are someone who is looking for a vehicle with high mileage and ease of ownership no matter where you go across India, you can opt for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. However, if you are a bit more adventurous in your approach and want the flexibility of multiple powertrains to choose from and safety is at the top of your priority list, then buying the Altroz makes more sense.

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